Little Feet Childcare Centre Oscar Programmes will ensure:
- Child-centered decision-making informs action and recognises the vulnerability of children.
- There is a culture of staff constructively challenging poor practice and staff feel confident they can raise issues of concern without fear of reprisal.
- They work towards continuous improvement in their child protection practices.
- They recognise the importance of early intervention.
- They support the principle of applying the least intrusive intervention necessary to protect vulnerable children.
- Concerns about the safety of children are taken seriously and responded to quickly.
- There are clear policies and procedures in place that are accessible to staff, along with sources of advice on good practice.
- Staff receive the training they need to respond to the needs of children accessing the service, including understanding the signs and symptoms of potential abuse or neglect, cultural frameworks for working with children and their families/whānau and responding appropriately where a concern is raised or an allegation is made (including ones involving staff).
- Staff understand safe practice. For example, when and how to touch, comfort or discipline children and what is expected of them when they are alone with a child.
- Staff understand the importance of working together, with professionals from other sectors, to better address the needs of vulnerable children.
- Safer recruitment procedures are used.