Introduction
From 1 February 2022, child-related organisations in NSW are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.
The Child Safe Standards provide a framework for organisations to implement Best Practice in child safety and are regulated under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) (‘the Act’).
Regulator - NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG)
The NSW OCG is responsible for monitoring, investigating, and enforcing implementation of the Child Safe Standards. Under the Act, the OCG has additional powers to monitor and investigate how organisations implement the Child Safe Standards to support the safety of children and young people.
Click here to find out more about the role of the NSW OCG.
What are your Swim School’s Legal Obligations?
All child-related organisations in NSW are required to implement the Child Safe Standards. This includes (but is not limited to) organisations that deliver services in Sport and Recreation, such as Swim Schools.
The Act imposes obligations on the 'head of a child safe organisation' to ensure that the Child Safe Standards are implemented through the organisation’s systems, policies, and processes. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- A Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
- A Child Safe Policy
- A Code of Conduct
- A Complaint Management Policy and Procedure
- A Human Resources Policy
- A Risk Management Plan.
What does this mean for NSW?
All aquatic facilities in NSW, including small to large Swim Schools, should be taking steps to implement the Child Safe Standards.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn how Child Safeguard can help your organisation comply with the Child Safe Scheme, email at: [email protected]
Additional Support and Information
WWSS and Child Safeguard are partners in offering the online Child Safe training. The online training modules provides your Swim School and staff with the necessary training for a child safe organisation. Read more here about the training.
Get started today to ensure you are complying with your local regulations. Fill in this form and we will be in touch.
To find out more information about the Child Safe Training read more here.