1. Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

At Little Big Swim we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children and young people. We recognise our responsibilities under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld) and are fully committed to upholding the rights of children to feel safe, be safe, and be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

We are dedicated to:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who attend our swim school, regardless of their age, gender, cultural background, ability, or circumstances.
• Creating a child-safe culture through effective leadership, strong governance, and clear policies and procedures that guide our staff and volunteers in their interactions with children.
• Implementing robust recruitment and screening processes, including Blue Card checks, for all staff and volunteers who work with children.
• Providing ongoing training and education to ensure that all employees and volunteers understand their child safety obligations, including how to identify and respond to concerns or disclosures of harm.
• Listening to children and empowering them to have a voice in their safety and wellbeing while participating in our programs.
• Encouraging parents, carers, and the community to engage in our child safety practices and support our commitment to a child-safe environment.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns or allegations of harm or misconduct, and ensuring that all incidents are reported and managed in accordance with our child protection policies and the relevant laws.

This commitment reflects our values and our dedication to ensuring that every child and young person who comes to Little Big Swim is protected, respected, and supported.

We are all responsible for creating and maintaining a safe environment for children. At Little Big Swim child safety is everyone’s business.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to:

• Protect children and young people from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect.
• Outline the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, contractors, and management in safeguarding children.
• Promote clear procedures to manage and reduce the risk of harm.
• Ensure compliance with Queensland laws regarding child protection.

3. Legislative Framework

This policy is guided by:

• Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld)
• Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld)
• Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

4. Scope

This policy applies to all:

• Employees
• Volunteers
• Contractors
• Students on placement
• Any other representatives of Little Big Swim

It covers all locations and activities conducted by Little Big Swim, including swimming lessons, holiday programs, and any off-site or community events.

5. Definitions

Child/Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
Child Abuse: Includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect.
Harm: Any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the child’s physical, psychological, or emotional wellbeing.
Working with Children Check (Blue Card): The screening system in Queensland for people working with children.

6. Child Safe Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

✅ Treat children and young people with respect at all times
✅ Act as positive role models in their conduct with children
✅ Listen to and value children’s ideas and opinions
✅ Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries
✅ Follow organisational procedures in the event of an incident, disclosure, or suspicion of harm
✅ Hold a valid Blue Card and keep it current
✅ Report any suspected abuse or harm to the relevant authority

Staff and volunteers must not:

❌ Use inappropriate language in the presence of children
❌ Develop inappropriate relationships with children (e.g. special treatment, favouritism)
❌ Engage in rough or inappropriate physical contact
❌ Do things of a personal nature for a child that they can do themselves
❌ Use electronic communication with children (outside of formal parent/guardian channels)

7. Recruitment and Screening

We employ child-safe recruitment practices, including:

• Position descriptions that reflect child safety responsibilities
• Reference checks
• Blue Card checks and renewals
• Behavioural interviews assessing suitability for working with children

8. Training and Supervision

All staff and volunteers are:

• Required to complete child protection and mandatory reporting training
• Provided with ongoing supervision and support
• Given access to this Child Safe Policy and our Code of Conduct

All teaching and coaching staff are required to complete the current Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction

9. Managing Disclosures and Concerns

If a child discloses harm, or harm is suspected:

• The staff member will listen carefully and calmly
• The concern will be reported to the Child Safety Officer (or manager) immediately
• Mandatory reporting obligations will be followed
• All information will be handled confidentially and sensitively

Reports of harm or suspected harm will be made to:

• Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services: 1800 811 810
• Queensland Police: 000 (in emergencies)

10. Risk Management

Little Big Swim undertakes regular risk assessments of its activities and venues to identify and mitigate risks to children. This includes supervision ratios, changing room protocols, and emergency procedures.

11. Changing Room Supervision

The swim school is committed to ensuring the safety, privacy, and dignity of all children while using changing room facilities.

• Parental Responsibility:
  Parents and guardians are solely responsible for the changing, dressing, and toileting of their children before and after swim sessions. Swim school staff will not assist children with these tasks unless in an emergency or under exceptional, pre-agreed circumstances.
• Staff Access to Changing Rooms:
  Swim school staff must not enter changing rooms while in use by children unless there is a clear and significant reason to do so (e.g., to respond to an emergency or to ensure child safety). Any such entry must be:
• Justified by immediate safety concerns,
• Time-limited and purposeful, and
• Conducted in pairs where possible or reported to the safeguarding lead immediately afterward.
• Privacy and Gender Considerations:
  Staff must respect the privacy and dignity of all children. Wherever possible, male staff should not enter female changing rooms, and female staff should not enter male changing rooms. Unisex changing rooms should be monitored with extra care to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Supervision Outside Changing Rooms:
  Staff may supervise changing room areas from outside to ensure appropriate behaviour and safety without infringing on personal privacy. Any concerns or incidents must be reported promptly to the designated safeguarding lead.

12. Communication and Review

This policy is made available to staff, families, and the public via our website and onsite at the swim school. It is reviewed annually and after any significant incident or change in legislation.

13. Contact Information

Child Safety Contact Officer: Tanya Allan
Phone: 0416 229 694
Email: tanya@littlebigswim.com.au

Little Big Swim – Queensland, Australia

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Little Big Swim ensures that any complaints, concerns, or allegations involving the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children are handled in a child-focused, respectful, timely, and effective manner. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, children, and families.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all complaints and concerns raised by children, parents, guardians, staff, or members of the public, particularly where they relate to:

• The safety or wellbeing of a child;
• Suspected child abuse or neglect;
• Breaches of the Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy;
• Inappropriate conduct by staff, volunteers, or other individuals involved with the swim school.

3. Principles

Our complaints handling process is guided by the following child safe principles:

• Child-Centred: The needs and rights of children are our highest priority.
• Accessible and Inclusive: Complaints can be made by anyone and in multiple ways.
• Transparent and Accountable: We clearly explain how complaints will be handled.
• Confidential: Complaints are managed with discretion and in accordance with privacy laws.
• Responsive and Fair: Complaints are addressed promptly, fairly, and without fear of retribution.
• Compliant: Our process aligns with Queensland legislation and child protection requirements.

4. Definitions

• Child/Children: Any person under the age of 18 years.
• Complaint: Any expression of dissatisfaction or concern, including allegations of abuse, misconduct, or policy breaches.
• Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to family violence.
• Mandatory Reporting: The legal obligation under QLD law to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

5. Making a Complaint

Anyone can make a complaint, including:

• A child or young person;
• A parent or guardian;
• Staff, volunteers, or other personnel;
• Members of the public.

Complaints can be made:

• In person;
• By phone: 0416 229 694 to Tanya Allan, Director of Aquatics and Child Safety Officer
• In writing: tanya@littlebigswim.com.au
• Or if the complaint is in regards to Tanya Allan, complaints may be made to Administration of the swim school on 0477734555 or hello@littlebigswim.com.au
• Via anonymous reporting (where applicable).

6. Receiving a Complaint

All staff must take any complaint or concern seriously. If a complaint involves child harm or abuse, it must be escalated immediately to the Child Safety Officer or Manager.

If a child is in immediate danger, staff must contact:

• Police – 000
• Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services – 1800 811 810

7. Steps in Handling a Complaint

Step 1: Acknowledge

The complaint is acknowledged promptly, and the person is informed of the process and expected timeframes.

Step 2: Assess

Determine the seriousness and nature of the complaint. If it relates to child safety or suspected harm, report immediately as per mandatory reporting obligations.

Step 3: Investigate

An impartial investigation will be conducted where necessary. This may involve interviews, reviewing documentation, and seeking advice from relevant agencies.

Step 4: Resolve

Actions may include:

• Disciplinary measures;
• Policy or practice changes;
• Referral to external authorities.

Step 5: Communicate

Inform the complainant (and if appropriate, the child and family) of the outcome and any actions taken.

Step 6: Record

All complaints and outcomes are documented and stored securely in line with privacy and child safety requirements.

8. Support for Children and Complainants

We offer:

• Access to support services;
• A safe environment for children to speak freely;
• Reassurance that their safety and wellbeing is our priority;
• Protection from retaliation or victimisation.

9. Reporting to External Authorities

If a complaint relates to suspected harm or abuse, it must be reported in line with legal obligations:

• Child Safety Services – for suspected harm or risk of harm.
• Queensland Police – for criminal matters.
• Blue Card Services – if the complaint involves a breach of working with children requirements.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Swim School Manager	Oversee policy implementation, ensure compliance
Child Safety Officer	Lead complaint handling related to child protection
All Staff & Volunteers	Report concerns, follow procedures, support children

11. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

• Complaint records are kept securely and only accessed by authorised personnel.
• Confidentiality is maintained except where disclosure is legally required.

12. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed annually or after any serious incident. Feedback from children, families, and staff is encouraged to improve our child safety practices.

Related Policies and Documents

• Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy
• Code of Conduct
• Mandatory Reporting Guidelines
• Privacy Policy

Approval and Review

• Approved by: Tanya Allan
• Date Approved: 1^st October 2025
• Next Review Date: 1^st October 2026