“Putting children first” – the theme of National Child Protection Week this year – means prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children. To grow up well, children need to feel safe and loved, have a chance to play and explore, have a say in decisions that affect them, and access to essential things like food, shelter and healthcare.
This, along with taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of foreseeable harm to children, is something that all of the staff and educations at the Riverwood Community Centre commit to across the Long Day Care, OOSH, Vacation Care Programs and any interaction with a child.
To conclude National Child Protection Week, which encompassed a number of discussions, resource exploration and fun activities for the children, the Long Day Care invited the children to design their own mug. Their mugs focused on the way that they see themselves safe with people and the environment around them.
Keeping the children safe is everyone responsibility. And remember, you can play your part every day by:
– Being kind to children and families
– Looking out for all children, not just your own
– Being a positive role model for children
– Supporting families to get help
– Stopping and listening to children
