Creating a safe environment is seen as a collective responsibility. Carers (Parents/ guardians/carers) and external programme leaders/facilitators bringing children to visit the Community agree to accept responsibility for their supervision at all times during the stay or visit.

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Guidelines for interactions

• Be mindful of the way you and others interact with children and young people. In particular avoid remarks or behaviour that may be open to interpretation or appear to be suggestive or flirtatious, e.g. inappropriate jokes, personal remarks, sexual innuendo in conversation.

• Avoid favouritism of a particular child and physical discipline.

• Do not engage in any illegal activity with a child or young person.

• When participating in family related activities follow the directions of the programme leader/s at all times.

• A child should not be released into the care of another adult who has not been approved by the Carer/s.

• If you are approached regarding a child protection disclosure the information is to be passed to a Child Protection Person (CPP) as soon as is practicable. They can be located by contacting Reception as a first point of contact. 

• If you observe something, that you think might constitute reasonable grounds to suspect that a the Child or Young Person is at Risk of Harm you can contact the Child Protection Person (CPP) by asking at Reception

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Parental /Guardian/Carer Agreements & Responsibilities

• Accept responsibility for and supervise your children at all times while they are within the Community.

• Provide a responsible adult to supervise the children when you are not available.

• Accept full responsibility for your children’s behaviour while they are within the Community.

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Accommodation

• Children & young people are allocated a room with their Carer/s.

• No other adult should be permitted in a room with a child without the Carer/s permission and or being present.

• Special needs relating to individual children’s care are to be reported to Reception as soon as practical, to enable the Community to try and accommodate the special needs. It is recognised that in some instances this may not be possible.

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Facilities & Equipment

• All equipment is serviced, in good working order and safe to use.

• Medications, chemicals or other hazardous substances are securely stored out of reach of children.

• First Aid equipment is clearly identified and available.

• Children are not permitted to enter the kitchen at any time without the supervision

of an adult.

• An evacuation plan and meeting location is provided on the outside walls of the accommodation building.

• We are in the bush and signage will be used to identify hazards, including fauna inhabiting the facilities – see below.

 

Extra notes for Carers to make your children aware of while here…

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Water Safety

• We have a small pond here (the OM pond) which is quite shallow but an attraction to small children.

• In wet season, the waterfalls will run down the cliffs and can be fast moving

• The banks of the creek can also be slippery and the gates of the Ashram are a good boundary to agree to unless you are able to supervise a trip to the creek.

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Bush Creatures (yes, you are now in “the bush”)

• Snakes - yes…we have snakes! L They will mostly disappear before you see them, but if you do come across a big fat python after he’s had his lunch, please let him sleep in peace.  Sometimes a red belly black, or brown snake (not always identifiable by colour) will slither across the path – slowly and carefully back away – and let someone at the Ashram know so that they can place a sign to keep the area clear.

• Ticks – Little grass ticks, that look like small black spots will swell up and be sore if they are not removed with tweezers.  Check kids in the shower, and see Reception for First Aid.

• Leeches – eeeewwwww, I hear you say (and I agree!) – but while they may look somewhat frightening, these are actually the least harmless.  If you pull them off, you will bleed a little, but it won’t harm.  Come to Reception for assistance with removal and First Aid.

 

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Click here to download a full copy of the Child Protection Policies & Procedures

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Or contact us if you have any further questions

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