HS125 Child Protection 25.4 | Windsor Montessori

Child Protection Policy V4

References:

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 46, 56, 57

Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, HS125

Child, Youth & Family, 2001, Let’s stop child abuse together, an interagency guide to breaking the cycle.

Ministry of Education, 1993, Prevent Child Abuse: Guidelines for Early Childhood Education Services.

Child Youth and Family have liaison officers who offer advice and support to early childhood services.

Children’s Act 2014

Te Whariki:

Mana atua/Well Being: Tamariki/children experience an environment where their emotional wellbeing is nurtured

Mana whenua/Belonging: Tamariki/children are kept safe from harm

Statement of Intent:

The Management and staff of Windsor Montessori Preschool are committed to the prevention of physical, emotional and sexual abuse of tamariki. The safety and wellbeing of tamariki that attend preschool is of paramount importance.

Te Tiriti Commitment:

We are committed to upholding manaakitanga – a holistic approach to all tamariki through building nurturing, supportive and respectful relationships. We show manaakitanga in every aspect of the lives of each tamaiti and we empower them to show manaakitanga towards their environment, to others and to themselves.

Objectives:

To ensure that we provide a safe environment and that we are committed to the prevention of abuse to all tamariki in our care
To ensure that all kaiako are aware of the steps to take when dealing with suspected child abuse
To ensure that all tamariki that attend are protected by meeting the provisions of the Children’s Act 2014
To ensure all records and conversations remain confidential.

Principles:

The interest and protection of tamariki is paramount at all times
We recognise the rights of whānau to participate in decisions about their tamariki
We have a commitment to all kaiako being able to recognise signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect, and are able to take appropriate action in response to any indicators that are observed
We will comply with relevant legislation responsibilities
We are committed to share information in a timely way and will discuss any concerns about an individual tamaiti with the head kaiako
We are committed to promote a culture where kaiako feel confident they can constructively challenge poor practice or raise issues of concern without fear of reprisal
We are committed to working with other organisations to ensure child protection is consistent and of high quality
We are committed to supporting kaiako to work in accordance with this policy and promote professional development in this area.

Child abuse is defined as a tamaiti who has had:

any non-accidental physical or mental injury (i.e. shaking, beating, burning)
any form of sexual abuse (i.e. sexual exploitation)
emotional abuse (i.e. excessive belittling, berating, or teasing which impairs the psychological growth of the tamaiti)
at risk behaviour (i.e. placing a tamaiti in a situation which might endanger him/her by abuse of neglect)
injuries which are inconsistent with the explanation given.

Child neglect is defined as a child who has been:

abandoned
denied proper care and attention physically, educationally, emotionally, for example a tamaiti who has not been provided appropriate food, clothing, shelter, education, mental care and supervision (leaving tamariki without someone safe looking after them), mental (not taking care of health needs), or medical (untreated medical issues)
allowed to live under circumstances, conditions or associations injurious to his/her wellbeing.

Signs of abuse and neglect indicating that tamariki safety/wellbeing is in danger include:

a tamaiti telling someone they have been abused (e.g. have been hit, touched or are frightened)
a tamaiti with unexplained or untreated injuries
anxiety, fear or aggression and behavioral indicators.

Windsor Montessori Preschool will take urgent action if there are signs of abuse and neglect. We inform kaiako to trust their instincts and act immediately. We will follow the Child Abuse Procedures.

Allegations or concerns about staff:

When a staff member is suspected, the same processes apply.

Identifying child abuse and neglect: Our approach to identifying abuse or neglect is guided by the following principles:

Every situation is different and it’s important for kaiako to consider all the available information about the tamaiti and their environment before reaching conclusions. For example, behavioural concerns may be the result of life events, such as divorce, accidental injury, the arrival of a new sibling etc. Kaiako will recognise when something is wrong, especially if they notice a pattern forming or several signs that cause them concern

When kaiako are concerned a tamaiti is showing signs of potential abuse or neglect they will talk to the head kaiako. .

PROCEDURES: Prevention of Child Abuse

Responsibility of Head Kaiako:

The head kaiako will undertake to implement the requirements of Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 56 & 57 and Licensing Criteria HS34 (as amended June 2018) as set out in Appendix B to ensure tamariki are protected from ill-treatment and their health and safety is maintained

The head kaiako will undertake to implement the requirements of The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 to ensure all employees, contractors and people undertaking paid work in the preschool undergo a safety check process
The head kaiako will undertake to implement the requirements of The Privacy Act 2020 and Oranga Tamariki Act 2019 to keep tamariki safe when abuse or suspected abuse is reported or investigated

The head kaiako will keep a record of all safety checks completed.

Prevention Strategies:

To enhance tamariki safety, kaiako will monitor each other while interacting with tamariki. They will be visible where personal care of tamariki is required, and the teaching and learning environment is designed openly to support this. Kaiako will inform each other when it is necessary for them to assist a tamaiti in toileting or changing clothes. Situations where kaiako and other adults may be alone are kept to a minimum

Tamariki are not allowed to leave the preschool without written parental approval except in an emergency. All kaiako will be made aware of any custodial issues as they occur. Court documents will be attached to the enrolment form of the tamaiti, if applicable. Photo identification will be obtained if a person has not been physically introduced by a parent, yet is approved on the enrolment form
During outings, kaiako will follow the preschool Excursion Policy and ensure that when breaking into groups that a permanent kaiako is always present and supervising tamariki
All visitors to the preschool must first report to a kaiako and sign in the Visitors Book. Visitors at no time will be left unattended with tamariki
No visitors or relieving staff are to complete care procedures for tamariki, this includes changing or toileting when they would be in an isolated situation
Students or visitors will not be left alone with tamariki. A kaiako will always be present
All kaiako will be familiar with the Supervision Policy.

Staff Recruitment:

New employees, volunteers and any other person in regular unsupervised contact with tamariki will undergo a thorough checking of their credentials, as per the guidelines in The Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014.

Identity Check (as per Children Act procedures)
Interview with applicant
Work history covering the applicant’s preceding five years of employment
Verbal contact with at least one referee that is not related to or part of the applicant’s extended family
Seeking information from any relevant professional organisations.
A New Zealand Police vet (unless at least three-yearly New Zealand Police vetting is already a condition of the applicant’s holding professional registration or a practicing certificate, and the specified organisation has confirmed that that registration or certificate is current).

Information gained from the above credentials checks will be used to assess the risk the potential applicant would pose to the safety of tamariki if employed.

Applicants are carefully considered ensuring they have the appropriate skills and attributes which will not compromise the safety and wellbeing of tamariki. This applies to both full time and part-time staff.

Safety Checks for Students:

●The preschool will accept CWS Checks (Children’s Worker Safety) that have been completed on their behalf by another provider

●Before a student begins working in the preschool, the head kaiako will check with the Students Education Institution/Training Provider that they have completed all the components of a safety check consistent with the requirements for that student, any components not completed by them will be completed by the preschool

●The preschool will complete the identity check and risk assessment for all children’s workers, including students, even if these have already been completed by another person or organisation.

Safety Checks for Relievers:

●The preschool will ensure CWS Checks have been completed for all relief staff prior to their beginning work in the preschool

●In the event of an unexpected event, emergency or being unable to access relief staff with a current CWS Check completed by the preschool, the preschool will employ the person for up to five days without a full CWS check provided that person has had a full check completed elsewhere. The preschool will complete a Proof of Identity Check prior to the person beginning work. The CWS Check process will begin on the person’s first day in the preschool or earlier if possible. The person without a service CWS check will not be left alone with tamariki.

Parent Involvement:

The preschool has an open door policy where parents are welcome to visit and to be involved
Parents and visitors are not permitted to undertake any caregiving routines with other people’s tamariki or be alone with them
If any kaiako is concerned that a parent/adult collecting a tamaiti may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will seek support from another kaiako and:

Ask the parent/adult if anyone else can be contacted to take them home
In the case of parents/adults where the above is not satisfactory and the safety of tamariki and staff is at risk, the Police will be informed.

Professionalism Procedures:

The head kaiako will encourage kaiako to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Confidentiality is to be maintained at all times
At least once each year, the Child Protection Policy will be discussed at a staff meeting to ensure kaiako are familiar with the policy and are continually reminded of their responsibilities
The head kaiako is committed to ensuring kaiako are familiar with this policy, and are aware of how to prevent, recognise and respond to abuse. All new kaiako will familiarise themselves with this policy during their induction process
If parents have concerns about the treatment of their tamaiti by our kaiako, they are encouraged to make this known to the head kaiako, who will ensure that the matter is investigated and acted on immediately as per the Complaints Procedure.
Kaiako will be supported to engage in training around child protection, to empower them to be able to recognise and respond to child protection issues. This will involve attending workshops, courses and having up to date literature available to further their knowledge.

Preventative Education:

All kaiako follow the Positive Guidance Policy and Procedure which promotes positive guidance of tamariki behaviour
Kaiako work as a team to ensure they can support each other in managing challenging behaviour of tamariki. If kaiako are stressed by the behaviour of a tamaiti they should immediately communicate this to another member of the teaching team.
Education of tamariki and whanau is important in the prevention of child abuse. We encourage whānau to make use of education programmes organised by agencies in the community.

Using Professional Agencies:

The head kaiako will be aware of the professional agencies to contact in the case of suspected child abuse. Kaiako could contact the Community Public Health Nurse, or Parentline for support, or contact the Care and Protection division of the Oranga Tamariki. In a serious case, kaiako may have contact with the Police
Kaiako should not assume responsibility beyond their level of expertise, and the head kaiako should contact a professional agency for support where necessary.

Protection from Exposure to Inappropriate Material Definition:

Inappropriate material is anything of an explicitly sexual or violent nature
Kaiako will be made aware of cyber safety practices when using ICT with tamariki
Any magazines and other materials provided for tamariki to use will be checked for inappropriate images.

RESPONDING TO SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

Any Person in the Preschool is able to Report Suspected Child Abuse

Always believe what tamariki tell you, and what you see
Always take-action in the short term to ensure the immediate safety of tamariki. This will mean contacting Oranga Tamariki or the Police if you think there is an immediate risk of the child being abused again
Record your concerns or communication with the tamaiti that is causing concern. Record observations and keep any relevant artwork from the tamaiti if this could help. All records will be stored confidentially in the preschool’s filing system and made available only to people directly dealing with the abuse
Do not make decisions alone. Consult with someone experienced. If there is no short-term risk, take time to consult thoroughly in order to make a well-informed decision. If you are certain that the suspected child abuse has occurred outside the family or by a person not closely known to the family, report the abuse directly to Oranga Tamariki or NZ Police, they will investigate and decide on when to inform the parents
If you suspect that the abuse may have been perpetrated by a family member or someone close to the family, do not contact them. Obtain support from Oranga Tamariki or NZ Police who will inform them at an appropriate time.

Note: It is not up to the centre/service to make a determination about whether the abuse has occurred by a family member, outside the family or by a person not known to the family. It is up to Oranga Tamariki or NZ Police to make decisions about when the child’s family will be told.
If you suspect that child abuse has been perpetuated by a staff member or other person assisting at the preschool, you should report the matter promptly to management, who will then report the matter to statutory authorities. This procedure does not preclude the right of any staff member to report instances of child abuse directly to Oranga Tamariki or the NZ Police
Act on your concerns. Don't leave it to someone else or hope it won't happen again. If you have told the person you believe is responsible for taking-action and they do not act, take further action yourself
The situation can be stressful. Seek support for yourself by informing management. Management will obtain support from agencies and organisations that specialise in abuse situations.
Outside organisations which offer support are Oranga Tamariki, Police, Child Matters, Community Public Health Nurse, Te Whatu Ora, child and family counseling Services, Awhina Wahine, child help lines, Community Mental Health
- Oranga Tamariki – 0508 326 459 – any reports of concern should be lodged directly through the nation call centre and then followed up by a report of concern via email

Guidelines for Staff to Follow when a Child Discloses Abuse:

Kaiako must:

LISTEN to the tamaiti
Believe what they say
Say that you are glad they told you
Say “Sorry it happened”
Let them know it was not their fault
Let them know you will help
Record and date the disclosure

Allegations or Concerns about Staff:

If an allegation of abuse is made about a kaiako, the preschool will ensure the kaiako has the following information:

Ensure the kaiako has a contact number of a lawyer specialising in allegations of abuse of children or, if a member, NZEI Te Riu Roa.
- The preschool will follow the procedures set out in Appendix A
Should allegations of abuse against a kaiako be proven, this will be treated as serious misconduct.

Acceptable Touching and Handling of Tamariki:

Kaiako are aware of guidelines to acceptable touching of tamariki

Appropriate Touching:

Soft cuddles when a tamaiti is hurt or upset
Touching tamariki as a means of guidance or attending to a child’s personal care
Tamariki will be picked up in a safe manner.

Inappropriate Touching:

Pulling of tamariki body parts (e.g. ears, arms, legs) as a means of discipline is under no circumstances acceptable
Shouting, swearing or any verbal abuse will never be used at the preschool
Hitting or smacking of tamariki is under no circumstances acceptable.

Appendix A

If a Staff Member is accused of Abusing a Child, the Procedures below will be followed.

The head kaiako will:

Make sure that the tamaiti is safe and protected in the preschool environment
Inform the employee of their right to support from a person/s of their own choosing, such as a legal representative, union counselor, family member or friend
Keep records of any formal discussions regarding the matter
Contact the tamaiti parents/caregivers when appropriate
Contact insurer and/or legal advice.

The head kaiako will then:

Take the staff member off contact with tamariki in a non-contact role until the investigation has been complete or grant the employee discretionary leave

Conduct the initial investigation
Inform Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police if necessary. The decision to follow up on any allegations should be made in consultation with these agencies
Invoke disciplinary procedures as per the staff member’s Employment Contract
The preschool will treat employees accused of child abuse fairly and according to their contract.

Appendix B

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations, 2008 56: Ill-treatment of Children

(1) In order to ensure that the standards set out in this Part are complied with, the service provider of a licensed service and any educator who provides education and care for a licensed home-based education and care service must comply with sub-clause (2) if the service provider or educator has reasonable grounds to believe that a person employed or engaged in the service, or any other person:

(a) has physically ill-treated or abused a child or committed a crime against children; or

(b) in guiding or controlling a child, has subjected the child to solitary confinement, immobilisation, or deprivation of food, drink, warmth, shelter, or protection.

(2) The service provider and the educator must ensure that:

(a) the person is excluded from coming into contact with the children participating in the service or, as the case requires, the children being educated by the educator; and

(b) if satisfied that it is necessary to do so to ensure that no child is ill-treated, ensure that the person is excluded from the service and does not enter or remain in any premises where the service is provided while it is being provided, or as the case requires, is excluded from the home and does not enter it or remain in it while the educator is providing education and care.

57: Health and Safety of Children

(a) is in a state of physical or mental health that presents any risk of danger to children; or

(b) has an infectious or contagious disease or condition.

(2) The service provider and the educator must ensure that:

(a) the person is excluded from coming into contact with the children participating in the service or, as the case requires, the children being educated by the educator; and

(b) if satisfied that it is necessary to do so to ensure that no child becomes ill, ensure that the person is excluded from the service and does not enter or remain in any premises where the service is provided while it is being provided or, as the case requires, is excluded from the home and does not enter it or remain in it while the educator is providing education and care.

(4) This regulation does not apply in respect of a licensed hospital-based education and care service to which the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 applies.

Appendix C

Children’s Worker Safety Checklist

Checks Required for Children’s Workers

The following checks must have been completed for all people a specified organisation is seeking to employ or engage as a children’s worker (including as a contractor) from 1 July 2015 for core children’s workforce roles, and from 1 July 2016 for non-core children’s workforce roles.

1. Identity confirmation, either by:

Use of an electronic identity credential (e.g. the RealMe identity verification service), and a search of personnel records to check that the identity has not been claimed by someone else
Following the regulatory process to provide confidence that:

The identity exists (i.e. that it is not fictitious) by checking an original primary identity document
The identity is a ‘living’ identity and the potential children’s worker uses that identity in the community by checking an original secondary identity document
The potential children’s worker links to the identity either by checking an identity document that contains a photo, or by using an identity referee
Searching personnel records to check that the identity has not been claimed by someone

2. An interview of the potential children’s worker. The interview may be conducted via telephone or other communications technology

3. Obtaining and considering a work history, covering the preceding five years, provided by the potential children’s worker

4. Obtaining and considering information from the last employer and at least one referee, not related to the potential children’s worker or part of their extended family

5. Seeking information from The Education Council of New Zealand, or other relevant organisation, including (but not limited to) confirmation that the potential children’s worker holds a current Registered Teacher Practising Certificate or is currently a member of the relevant organisation

6. Obtaining and considering information from a New Zealand Police vet, unless at least three-yearly New Zealand Police vetting is already completed by The Education Council of New Zealand

7. Evaluation of the above information to assess the risk the potential children’s worker would pose to the safety of children if employed or engaged, taking into account whether the role is a core children’s worker or non-core children’s worker role.

Checks Required for Periodic Rechecking

Every three years following their checks at the required standard, the following checks must be complete for each person an organization continues to employ or engage as either a core or non-core children’s worker:

Confirmation that the children’s worker has not changed their name from the name on the documents produced during the initial identity confirmation (i.e. the presented primary or secondary document). If there has been a change to the person’s name since he/she was last safety checked, the person must reconfirm his/her identity by producing a supporting name change document relating to his/her name change

Seeking information from The Education Council of New Zealand or any relevant professional organisation, licensing authority, or registration authority, including (but not limited to) confirmation that the person is currently a member of the organisation, or currently licensed or registered by the authority

Obtaining and considering information from a New Zealand Police vet, unless the worker holds a Current Registered Teacher Practicing Certificate and The Education Council of New Zealand has confirmed that the registration is current. Investigation of overseas police vetting or clearance should the employee have worked overseas
Evaluation of the above information to assess the risk the children’s worker would pose to the safety of children if employed or engaged, taking into account whether the role is a core children’s workforce or non-care children’s worker role

Checks Required for An Existing Children’s Worker

The following checks must have been completed by the date specified in the legislation for all people who are already employed or engaged by a specified organisation. For existing core children’s workers this is by 1 July 2018 and for non-core children’s workers, 1 July 2019.

Identity confirmation, either by:

Seeking information from any relevant professional organisation, licensing authority, or registration authority, including (but not limited to) confirmation that the person is currently a member of the organisation, or currently licensed or registered by the authority, or:

Use of an electronic identity credential (e.g., the RealMe identity verification service), and a search of personnel records to check that the identity has not been claimed by someone else.

Following the regulatory process to provide confidence that:

The identity exists (i.e. that it is not fictitious) by checking an original primary identity document. The identity is a ‘living’ identity and the potential children’s worker uses that identity in the community by checking an original secondary identity document.
The potential children’s worker links to the identity either by checking an identity document that contains a photo, or by using an identity referee.
Searching personnel records to check that the identity has not been claimed by someone else
Obtaining and considering information from a New Zealand Police vet, unless at least three-yearly New Zealand Police vetting is already a condition of the children’s worker holding professional registration or a practicing certificate (and the specified organisation confirmed that the registration is or certificate is current).

Evaluation of the above information to assess the risk the children’s worker would pose to the safety of children if employed, or engaged taking into account whether the role is a core children’s worker role or a non-core children’s worker role.

Confirmation that the children’s worker has not changed their name from the name on the documents produced during the identity confirmation (i.e. the presented primary or secondary document).

Ref: Children Vulnerable Act 2014 RC v 1.00 May 2015 A Practical guide for Early Childhood Education Services Ngā Kōhanga Reo, Playgroups, Schools and Kura

Link: http://childrensactionplan.govt.nz/whats-new/childrens-workforce-guidelines-available/

Attachment One:

Attachment Two:

Attachment Three: Physical Clues to Child Abuse

Physical Abuse:

Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, abrasions
Suspicious locations include: Face, lips, gums, mouth, eyes torso, back, buttocks, back of legs, external genitalia
Bruises of different colours in different stages of healing
Shape of suspicious injuries
Clustered, form regular patterns
Teeth marks, hand prints, fingertips Imprint of article (e.g. belt)
Unexplained burns
Small circular burns
Immersion burns
Burns showing a pattern (e.g. iron)
Rope burns on arms, legs, neck, torso
Unexplained injuries
Fractures of skull, facial bones, spine
Dislocations of hip or shoulder
Multiple fractures at different stages of healing
Bald patches resulting from hair pulling
Any fractures in infants

Sexual Abuse:

Unusual or excessive itching or pain in the anogenital area
Torn, stained or bloody underwear
Bruises, lacerations, redness, swelling or bleeding in the anogenital area
Blood in urine or stool
Pain experienced in urination or bowel movement
Sexually transmitted disease
Urinary infection

Neglect:

Inappropriately dressed for season or weather
Is often very dirty or unbathed
May have severe untreated nappy rash or other persistent skin disorders resulting from lack of hygiene
Inadequately supervised
Left with inappropriate care--giver
Has unattended health problems
Malnourished
Inadequate housing
Non--organic failure to thrive

Emotional Abuse:

Bed--wetting or bed soiling
Frequent psychosomatic complaints
Non--organic failure to thrive
Appears pale, emaciated, has sunken cheeks
BMI extremely low (e.g. wrinkled buttocks)
Dehydration (skin may feel like paper)
Prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea
Falling behind significant milestones
Malnutrition
Dressed differently to, or has deprived physical living conditions to, other children in the family

Non--organic Failure to Thrive:

Non--organic failure to thrive has traditionally been regarded as due primarily to maternal rejection and neglect. However, a more balanced view of the mother--child relationship should be taken. The basis on which intervention is made should be direct observation of the parent and child relationship in as many different environmental contexts as feasible, especially during feeding.

Attachment Four: Behavioural Clues to Child Abuse

Physical Abuse:

Cannot recall how injuries occurred
Offers inconsistent explanations
Is wary of adults or of a particular individual
May cringe or flinch if touched
May display a vacant stare or frozen watchfulness
May be extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn
Indiscriminate affection--seeking behaviour
Extremely compliant or eager to please
Tries to protect parents or caregiver
Acts out negative behaviour or language in play
Frequently provokes punishment
Dressed inappropriately to hide bruises or other injuries
Afraid to go home
Describes abusive situations
Regressive behaviour
General sadness
Could have vision or hearing delay
Is aggressive to animals or other children

Sexual Abuse:

Age--inappropriate sexual play with toys, self, others, e.g. demonstrates explicit sex acts
Age--inappropriate sexual drawings or descriptions
Unusual or sophisticated sexual knowledge
Refuses to go home, or to another’s home for no apparent reason
Discloses or describes sexual activity or hints at it
Comments like “I’ve got a secret” or “I don’t like uncle”
Fear of certain people
Fear of certain places (bathroom, bedroom)
Regressive behaviour

Neglect:

Developmental lags, possible global delays
Demonstrates lack of attachment to carers
Demonstrates indiscriminate attachment to other adults
Is left at home alone or unsupervised
Demanding of affection or attention
May steal food
Has a poor social skills
Has no understanding of basic hygiene

Emotional Abuse:

Developmental lags, possible global delays
Depression, anxiety, withdrawal or aggression
Self--destructive behaviour
Overly compliant
Displays extreme attention--seeking behaviour
Extreme inhibition in play
Models negative behaviour in play (spanking, yelling at dolls)
Frequent psychosomatic complaints
Nightmares, poor sleep patterns
Antisocial behaviour
Lack of self--esteem
Obsessive behaviours
Appears generally sad

Date: June 2025

Review Date: June 2027