Child Safety Policy

Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose

STEM Camp is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, learning, and confidence in young people through engaging educational experiences. The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all participating children are our highest priorities. This policy outlines the standards, responsibilities, and conduct required of all STEM Camp employees, volunteers, and contractors to ensure a child-safe environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all STEM Camp employees, contractors, and volunteers while they are engaged in STEM Camp activities with children.

3. Principles

The following principles underpin this policy:

  • STEM Camp is committed to child safety and wellbeing through its leadership, governance, and culture.
  • Children have a right to safety and freedom from abuse while attending our programs. They are encouraged to express their views, ask questions, and participate safely. We ensure children know who to talk to if they feel unsafe.
  • Families are informed and involved in our child safety practices and provided opportunities to give feedback.
  • We work towards equitable access to our programs and respect the diverse needs of children.
  • All staff working with children are suitable, screened, qualified, trained, and supported in child safety and wellbeing practices.
  • Processes for responding to complaints or concerns are child-focused, and reports of abuse are made promptly to authorities.
  • Staff receive ongoing training and support to keep children safe.
  • Physical and online environments are managed to minimise opportunities for harm.
  • We regularly review this policy and its implementation in alignment with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and industry best practice.
  • Policies and procedures guide all STEM Camp team members to promote child safety and wellbeing.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Building safe communities for children and young people is a shared responsibility. All STEM Camp personnel must foster a culture of awareness, understand the nature of abuse and reportable conduct, and apply child safety systems in practice.

The Program Director of STEM Camp is responsible for:

  • Developing, implementing, and monitoring child safety policies and procedures;
  • Ensuring personnel understand relevant laws, policies, and obligations;
  • Providing access to policies, procedures, training, and ongoing support;
  • Ensuring all personnel understand their obligation to report suspected child abuse;
  • Reporting suspected abuse to the relevant authorities (WA Police and/or Department of Communities);
  • Supporting personnel in fulfilling their child safety responsibilities.

All STEM Camp Managers must:

  • Monitor compliance with this policy; and
  • Facilitate reporting of suspected abuse to the Program Director.

All employees, contractors, and volunteers must:

  • Act in the best interests of the child at all times;
  • Apply child safety principles and guidance;
  • Report all concerns relating to suspected child abuse to the Program Director and in line with STEM Camp policies;
  • Comply with relevant laws and STEM Camp child protection policies.

5. Relevant Policies and Law

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

  • Child Safety Commitment Statement
  • Code of Conduct
  • Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA)

6. Definitions

Child: A person under the age of 18 years. For STEM Camp operations, this policy primarily applies to participants aged 8–13 years.

Child abuse: Any behaviour that has the potential to cause harm to a child. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, grooming, and neglect.

Child safety: A state in which every child is protected from abuse and harm.

Date: September 2025

 

 

Child Safety Commitment Statement

STEM Camp is committed to providing fun, hands-on science learning experiences for children and young people in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. We recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of every person and strive to create a culture where children feel valued, heard, and protected from harm.

We will ensure that every person within the STEM Camp community who has regular contact with children is lawfully entitled to do so, is qualified and trained, holds a valid Working with Children Check, and undertakes regular child-safety training.

We encourage open communication with children, parents, carers, and staff so that everyone involved in our programs can contribute to a culture of safety and care. Children are empowered to share their ideas, express their views, and be listened to.

STEM Camp is committed to continuous education and improvement in child protection. Our staff remain informed of best practice in safeguarding to prevent harm to the children in our care.

When we receive information about concerns or witness any matter relating to the abuse or mistreatment of a child, we will respond promptly and report such concerns to the appropriate authorities.

We maintain policies and procedures to prevent risks to children and build a strong safeguarding culture. Staff are expected to follow these policies and to act in the best interests of the children we engage with. We design, plan, organise, operate and review all activities with child safety in mind, consider potential risks, and work to reduce or eliminate them wherever possible.

We value feedback and are committed to continuous improvement. Parents, carers, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns or suggestions to help us strengthen our practices and ensure STEM Camp remains a trusted and child-safe organisation.

Child safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Contact

If you wish to raise a concern or seek further information, please contact:

Email: admin@stemcamp.com.au
Website: www.stemcamp.com.au