In Motion Studios – Child Safe Policy

Prepared by: Skye Pendleton, Artistic Director – In Motion Studios
Reviewed & Updated: 18 January 2025

In Motion Studios complies with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005) and the 2022 Victorian Child Safe Standards.

Child Safe Commitment Statement

In Motion Studios is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We aim to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where all children are valued, included, and empowered.

We:

• Have zero tolerance for child abuse

• Prioritise the safety of children in every decision and activity

• Respect cultural diversity, including Aboriginal cultural safety

• Support children with diverse needs, including disability, CALD, and LGBTQIA+ identities

• Empower children and involve them in decisions that affect them

• Respond promptly and thoroughly to all concerns
  
  

Standard 1: Organisational Leadership, Governance & Culture

• We foster a culture of openness, inclusivity, and awareness of child safety risks

• Leaders model child-safe behaviours and hold others accountable

• Our Child Safe Policy is reviewed every two years or when legislation changes
  
  

Standard 2: Child Safety Embedded in Leadership, Governance & Culture

• Child safety responsibilities are clearly allocated to the Artistic Director and Child Safety Officers

• Studio planning and decision-making considers child wellbeing

• Risk assessments for programs and events consider potential harm
  
  

Standard 3: Child and Family Empowerment

• Children are informed of their rights and who to go to for help

• Children are encouraged to speak up and participate in safety decisions

• Children are supported to participate regardless of ability, background, or communication needs
  
  

Standard 4: Family Engagement

• Families are informed of our policies and safety expectations

• Parents are included in decision-making and feedback regarding their child’s wellbeing

• Families are encouraged to raise concerns
  
  

Standard 5: Diversity and Equity

• We create inclusive spaces that welcome all identities, abilities, and backgrounds

• We actively support cultural safety for Aboriginal children and families

• Our activities are inclusive of gender-diverse, LGBTQIA+, CALD, and neurodiverse children
  
  

Standard 6: Suitable Staff and Volunteers

• All staff and volunteers must hold a current Working with Children Check (or VIT registration)

• All personnel sign a Child Safe Acknowledgement

• Child safety expectations are included in interviews, inductions, and performance reviews
  
  

Standard 7: Child Safety Training and Supervision

• All staff complete annual child safety training

• Staff interactions with children are supervised

• Additional support is provided for new and young staff
  
  

Standard 8: Child Safety Policy and Procedures

• Our Child Safe Policy is available on request and updated regularly

• Clear procedures exist for identifying, reporting, and responding to risks and incidents

• Children and families are informed about the policy
  
  

Standard 9: Safe Physical and Online Environments

• Change spaces are clearly supervised and gender-inclusive

• Photos and videos of students require signed parental consent

• Social media is used only for approved purposes and is closely monitored

• Online classes are supervised, with login protection and parental awareness
  
  

Standard 10: Review of Child Safe Practices

• Feedback is collected from students and families

• Policies are reviewed every two years

• Practices are reviewed and improved following any incident or complaint
  
  

Standard 11: Processes for Complaints and Concerns

• Open communication and timely resolution of concerns are encouraged

• Concerns may be raised with a Child Safety Officer or any trusted staff member

• All complaints are taken seriously, recorded, and acted upon promptly
  
  

Code of Conduct

Acceptable Behaviour

• Respecting children’s voices and cultural backgrounds

• Encouraging participation and empowerment

• Responding promptly to concerns
  
  

Unacceptable Behaviour

• Discrimination or favouritism

• Private one-on-one interactions without transparency

• Inappropriate language or physical contact

• Use of personal phones or social media to contact students
  
  

Child Safety Officers (2025)

• Skye Pendleton – Artistic Director
  Melanie Naismith – Administrator & Lead Practitioner
  
  

If unavailable, any staff member must respond and escalate concerns as required.

Responding to Child Abuse

Detailed procedures are outlined in our Reporting Procedure, including:

• How to respond to disclosures

• Who to report to (DHHS, Police, Child Safety Officer)

• Incident reporting requirements

• Mandatory reporting obligations