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Child Safety Policy

Child Safety Policy

Business Name: Ascend Education
Service: Private After‑School Tutoring
Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 29/01/2026

1. Commitment to Child Safety

Ascend Education is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all children and young people. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, or harm in any form. The safety and wellbeing of students is our highest priority, and all staff, tutors, contractors, and volunteers share responsibility for protecting children from harm.

This policy applies to all children who engage with Ascend Education services, regardless of age, gender, culture, religion, disability, or background.

2. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Child Safety Policy is to:

  • Protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect
  • Promote child‑safe practices across all tutoring activities
  • Provide clear guidance on expected behaviour and responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with relevant Australian child protection laws and standards

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All tutors and educators
  • Employees and contractors
  • Volunteers (if applicable)
  • Management and business owners
  • Any person who has contact with students through Ascend Education (including online tutoring)

4. Child Safety Principles

Ascend Education follows these key child safety principles:

  • Children have the right to feel safe and be protected from harm
  • Children’s voices are listened to and respected
  • Child safety is everyone’s responsibility
  • Risks to child safety are identified and managed
  • Concerns about child safety are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

5. Code of Conduct (Expected Behaviour)

All staff and tutors at Ascend Education must:

  • Treat all students with respect, dignity, and fairness
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour
  • Conduct tutoring sessions in safe, appropriate environments
  • Ensure online sessions are professional and monitored where possible
  • Respect student privacy and confidentiality

Staff and tutors must not:

  • Engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Use inappropriate language, gestures, or contact
  • Be alone with a child in an unsafe or unobservable setting where avoidable
  • Communicate with students via personal social media accounts without parental consent
  • Share personal contact details without approval

6. Recruitment and Screening

Ascend Education takes child‑safe recruitment seriously.

We ensure that:

  • All tutors and staff undergo appropriate background checks
  • A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required before commencing work
  • References are checked where applicable
  • Staff are informed of child safety expectations before starting

7. Training and Awareness

Ascend Education ensures that all tutors and staff:

  • Understand this Child Safety Policy
  • Are aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities
  • Know how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect
  • Know how to respond to and report child safety concerns

8. Identifying and Responding to Child Safety Concerns

If a child safety concern arises, Ascend Education will:

  • Take all concerns seriously
  • Act promptly and sensitively
  • Prioritise the child’s immediate safety
  • Follow legal reporting obligations
  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate

Any staff member who suspects or becomes aware of child abuse or harm must report it immediately to management. Where required, reports will be made to relevant child protection authorities.

9. Reporting Concerns or Complaints

Students, parents, guardians, staff, and community members are encouraged to raise any child safety concerns.

Concerns can be reported:

  • Directly to Ascend Education management
  • In writing or verbally
  • Confidentially where possible

No person will be disadvantaged or penalised for raising a genuine concern.

10. Online Tutoring Safety

For online tutoring sessions, Ascend Education:

  • Uses appropriate and secure platforms
  • Ensures sessions remain professional and educational
  • Encourages parental awareness and supervision
  • Prohibits recording of sessions without consent

11. Privacy and Confidentiality

Ascend Education respects the privacy of students and families. Personal information is:

  • Collected only when necessary
  • Stored securely
  • Used only for educational and safety purposes

Information related to child safety concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with authorised parties.

12. Policy Review

This Child Safety Policy will be reviewed:

  • Regularly (at least every 12 months)
  • When legislation or services change
  • After any serious child safety incident

13. Policy Approval

This Child Safety Policy has been approved by Ascend Education management and applies to all services provided.

Approved by: Ascend Education Management
Date: 29/01/2026

Ascend Education is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.