Child Safety & Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy – Acquire Tutoring AU
Effective Date: 18th September 2025
Reviewed: 2024
Next Review: 6 months of 2026
Acquire Tutoring Australia (“Acquire Tutoring AU ”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect, and to comply with child protection laws in Australia, including mandatory reporting obligations.
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to:
Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, including those with special needs and disabilities.
Provide clear guidance to staff, contractors, and tutors about recognising, responding, and reporting concerns for child safety.
Fulfil our legal responsibilities under relevant child protection legislation in Australia.
2. SCOPE
This policy applies to:
All employees, tutors, volunteers, contractors, and representatives of Acquire Tutoring.
All children and young people engaged in our programs, including those with special needs.
3. PRINCIPLES
Child Safety First – The welfare and best interests of the child are our primary concern.
Respect & Inclusion – We are committed to supporting children with diverse needs, including physical, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional challenges.
Zero Tolerance of Harm – We do not tolerate any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.
Legal Compliance – We comply with state and federal child protection laws, including mandatory reporting obligations.
Privacy & Confidentiality – Information will be managed respectfully and shared only with those legally authorised or required to know.
4. DEFINITIONS
Child: Any person under the age of 18.
Special Needs: Includes children with disabilities, developmental delays, or additional learning/behavioural requirements.
Mandatory Reporting: The legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect to relevant government authorities.
Risk of Harm: Situations where a child may be at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or serious harm.
5. RECOGNISING RISKS OF HARM
Acquire Tutoring staff and tutors are trained to identify indicators of abuse or neglect, which may include:
Physical signs of injury without reasonable explanation.
Consistent absences or withdrawal from lessons.
Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or performance.
Indicators of neglect, including lack of food, hygiene, or medical attention.
Disclosures by the child or observations of unsafe environments.
For children with special needs, additional care must be taken to:
Consider whether changes in behaviour are related to their condition or an indicator of risk.
Ensure communication methods are adapted (e.g., use of assistive technology, simplified language).
6. RESPONDING TO CONCERNS
If a staff member or tutor suspects a child may be at risk of harm, they must:
Ensure immediate safety of the child (if urgent, call emergency services).
Record observations factually (time, date, details of behaviour or disclosure).
Report internally to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) at Acquire Tutoring.
Mandatory Report – Where there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect, the CPO (or the individual if required by law) must make a report to:
Child Protection Helpline / Department of Communities & Justice (NSW), or
The relevant child protection authority in the applicable state or territory.
Staff are not permitted to investigate allegations independently.
7. MASKING IDENTITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Children have the right to privacy and dignity when concerns are raised.
Staff must not disclose the identity of a child or reporter except where legally required.
All reports and records will be securely stored and only accessed by authorised personnel.
8. STAFF TRAINING & RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff, contractors, and tutors must complete child protection training appropriate to their role.
Staff must be familiar with the unique needs of students with disabilities and adapt teaching practices accordingly.
Staff must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) (or state equivalent).
All “OUR” Tutors must maintain professional boundaries at all times.
9. SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Acquire Tutoring is committed to:
Providing reasonable adjustments and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Creating inclusive environments where all children can participate safely.
Recognising that children with special needs may face increased vulnerability to harm.
10. BREACHES OF POLICY
Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may also be referred to law enforcement or child protection authorities.
11. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed every 6 months, or sooner if required by changes to legislation or best practice.
12. CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have concerns about child safety in our programs, please contact:
safety@acquiretutoring.com.au
1300 073 066
Acquire Tutoring Australia – Level 6, 150 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150
For immediate concerns of danger or harm: Call 000 (emergency services).