Child Safe Code of Conduct

1. Purpose of Policy
   
   Playgroup NSW connects people to strengthen child, family, and community wellbeing, through playing and building communities of support.
   This policy is a guideline that applies to all Playgroup committee members while participating in Playgroup NSW activities.
   
   
2. Policy Guidelines
   
   Any person volunteering, participating, working, or otherwise involved in Playgroup NSW activities must be aware of and act in a manner that respects Playgroup NSW Values and Vision.
   
   
3. Our Vision
   
   FOR EVERY CHILD AND FAMILY TO HAVE A PLACE IN THEIR COMMUNITY TO CONNECT, LEARN, AND BELONG.
   
   Our Values:
   
   • Act with integrity: Put child and family wellbeing at the heart of our work, and be honest, accountable, and show respect.
   • Balance work and play: Be goal focused, mindful of people’s wellbeing, and contribute to a positive team culture.
   • Lead change: Seek and encourage learning, innovation, and greater positive impact.
   • Embrace inclusivity: Be collaborative, seek to understand, and celebrate diversity.
     
     
4. Volunteer Committee Member requirements
   
   All participants are requested to follow the directions provided by Playgroup NSW in all provided policy and guidance documents, to support best practice playgroup operation.
   
   
   1. Respect
      
      • Treat all members and children participating in a playgroup with respect and in an inclusive manner.
      • Respect and value difference and diversity.
      • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all members and volunteers.
      • Provide positive role modelling for families in interactions, behaviour and language in all playgroup activities.
        
        
   2. Quality, safe playgroup practice
      
      • Ensure all activities are age appropriate and delivered in a safe environment.
      • Support families to develop skills and knowledge in volunteering at playgroup.
      • Playgroups are a smoke free environment.
      • Act always in the best interest of the Playgroup movement, and not knowingly or intentionally defame, slander, or dishonour the organisation.
        
        
   3. Child Safety
      
      • Provide a current Working with Children Check number to Playgroup NSW prior to commencement of volunteer duties if attending without their children in their care.
      • Ensure another adult is present or in view when interacting with children, especially if you are a non-carer volunteer.
      • In cases where there are concerns regarding a child’s wellbeing, immediately notify Playgroup NSW by calling 1800 171 882.
      • Agree to the child safe code of conduct by signing the declaration below.

By signing this document, you are agreeing to this code of conduct and will conduct all interactions with each other and the public in an appropriate manner.

• I understand and have read Playgroup NSW Playgroup NSW Statement of Commitment to Child Safety document.
• In the instance that I may witness or observe any child at risk behaviours or concerns, I will seek guidance and support from Playgroup NSW.
• I acknowledge that I am aware of and can easily locate the Department of Community and Justice Child Story Mandatory Reporter guide should it be required.

Code of Conduct Statement

I will:

• Treat children with respect and be a positive role model in my conduct with them.
• Communicate with children in an age appropriate and realistic manner.
• Be willing to listen and respond appropriately to a child’s views and concerns.
• Set clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between myself and the child, including limiting physical contact with a child in ways which are appropriate to my agreed role and responsibilities.
• Respond quickly, fairly, and transparently to any serious complaints made by a child or related to a child.
• Abide by my reporting obligations in relation to the Playgroup NSW incident register.
• Seek support from Playgroup NSW if I have concerns about a child’s wellbeing.

I will not:

• Communicate with a child in ways that are likely to humiliate, frighten or distress the child.
• Subject a child to any form of corporal punishment, social isolation, immobilisation, sexual suggestion, offence, or misconduct.
• Direct a child to perform in a sexually provocative or unsafe manner.
• Use tobacco products or possess or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at any time while working with children.
• Develop any special relationships with children that could be seen as grooming or favouritism such as the offering of gifts or special treatment.
• Do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes.