Child Safeguarding
Child Safety at CRCS Early Education and Care Services
At CRCS, child safety is always our priority. In response to recent and deeply concerning allegations of child abuse within the early childhood sector (July 2025), we want to reassure families that we are taking action.
We are actively aligning with upcoming national and state reforms to strengthen child safeguarding across all our Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services.
Child safety reforms include mandatory 24-hour reporting of abuse allegations, enhanced digital safety protocols, and embedding child safety.
We are implementing the ACT Child Safe Standards Scheme while also preparing for key NSW measures such as the establishment of an independent regulator, mandatory CCTV for high-risk services, and greater transparency.
Internally, we have reinforced our own policies by mandating a full audit of all learning environments to ensure personal devices are securely stored during operational hours and have updated our phone use protocols. The environment audit also looks at areas where there is opportunity for unsupervised engagements with children by educators. These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to child safety and our proactive approach to regulatory compliance.
Alongside regulatory reforms, CRCS already upholds strict internal child safeguarding measures for children in our care, including:
-
- Rigorous recruitment checks: All new team members are required to hold a current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) clearance. In addition, a National Police Check is completed for all new educators.
- Restricted access: No new educator is permitted access to children until all screening checks have been completed and verified.
- Thorough onboarding: Every new staff member completes a detailed induction, which includes reviewing all Child Protection, Child Safety, and Wellbeing policies.
- Close supervision: New team members are closely observed and supported throughout their induction period and are never left alone with children.
- Best-practice hygiene and supervision: We implement an “I see you, you see me” approach during nappy changes and toileting routines, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of children’s dignity.
- Strict digital safety protocols: We enforce a strict no personal device policy. This includes mobile phones, non-CRCS tablets or laptops, which are not to be accessed or visible in any area where children are present. These devices must remain in staff-only areas and are only permitted during scheduled breaks.
To support our commitment to child safeguarding, CRCS has clear policies and procedures in place. You can read these in full using the links below:
These policies outline how we keep children safe, what families and community members can expect from us, and how to raise concerns or provide feedback at any time.
We support and uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, the NSW Child Safe Standards, and the ACT Child Safe Standards.
If you would like a printed copy or need help accessing these documents, please contact us on (02) 6264 0200 or email csat@crcs.com.au.
We welcome feedback and take all concerns seriously.
If you have feedback, a complaint, or wish to report a child safety concern, you can:
-
- Speak directly with your Centre Director or a CRCS team member
- Call us on (02) 6264 0200
- Email feedback@crcs.com.au
- Submit feedback via our website form here.
More information about providing feedback is available here.
All reports are handled confidentially and in line with our Child Protection and Feedback Policies. You have the right to raise concerns at any time, and CRCS is committed to responding promptly and respectfully.
