OVERVIEW

Knox Grammar School is committed to the safety, protection and wellbeing of all our students and children and young persons involved in activities at Knox. We have a zero tolerance for child abuse and other harm and are committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

As part of its legal, moral and mission driven responsibility to protect students from harm, the School is committed to ensuring that any incident of suspected child abuse or reportable conduct is addressed appropriately, including in a child focussed manner, and as promptly as possible. We have procedures in place to report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment of children and/or notify allegations of reportable conduct by a staff member, promptly and lawfully to the appropriate authorities.

Staff must report suspected child abuse and activity that is contrary to the School’s Codes of Conduct to the School’s leadership and are required to follow specified processes.

If it is considered that a student’s safety is at serious risk a report to child protection authorities and/or the police will proceed. Knox will co-operate with the child protection authorities and police and other agencies as required by law.

Any failure to observe our behavioural guidelines is taken seriously, and we are committed to taking appropriate disciplinary and legal action wherever necessary.

Knox embraces diversity and is committed to meeting the needs of every student in an environment where safety and respect for difference is paramount.

Students are able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives, in an age appropriate manner. Their opinions and concerns are listened to, and their best interests considered, as their protection from harm is paramount. We seek to incorporate their views, as well as the views of their families and the community, in order to ensure the School is a safe place.

The School’s commitment to child safety is informed by the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which set out overarching principles that guide the development and regular review of our work systems, practices, policies and procedures to protect students from abuse, neglect and other harm.

Whilst particular responsibilities for student safety are addressed in various School policies, procedures, codes of conduct and role descriptions, Knox considers that student safety is a whole of school and community responsibility and seeks the involvement of the entire school community in ensuring the safety, protection and wellbeing of our students.