Child Protection Policy

At Eco Health Solutions Pty Ltd (trading as Lucinda Curran), we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all children. As an online tutoring service, we recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of child safety and wellbeing, following the Child Safe Standards set forth under Australian law and the Australian Tutoring Association (ATA) Code of Conduct.

1. Policy Purpose

This Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children engaged in our online tutoring services. It serves to:

  • Promote child safety and wellbeing.
  • Prevent child abuse.
  • Establish clear guidelines for reporting and responding to child safety concerns.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legal obligations under Australian Consumer Law and Child Safe Standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all tutors, staff, and volunteers involved in the delivery of online tutoring services at Eco Health Solutions Pty Ltd (trading as Lucinda Curran). It extends to all interactions between children (students), their families, and tutors.

3. Parental/Guardian Involvement

Given the online nature of our services, it is a requirement that a parent or guardian is:

  • Present or within hearing range during all tutoring sessions.
  • Free to observe and participate in each session as they see fit, to ensure the child’s safety and comfort.

4. Commitment to Child Safety

We are dedicated to promoting a culture of child safety, which includes:

  • Inclusivity: Welcoming all children and acknowledging that some children are more vulnerable than others due to factors like age, disability, or cultural background.
  • Cultural Respect: Recognising and respecting cultural identity, particularly the cultural safety of Indigenous children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities.
  • Safe Learning Environment: Ensuring that our virtual platforms are secure, and that appropriate safeguards are in place during all interactions.

5. Code of Conduct

We strictly adhere to the Australian Tutoring Association (ATA) Code of Conduct, which includes the following provisions:

  • Professional Behaviour: Tutors must conduct themselves professionally and ethically at all times, avoiding any behaviour that could be perceived as inappropriate or unsafe.
  • Boundaries: Maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries between tutors and students, including avoiding one-on-one communication outside of scheduled sessions.
  • Transparency: Tutors must ensure that parents or guardians are fully informed of their child’s progress and are aware of any concerns that may arise.

6. Child Safety Practices and Recruitment

We have strict recruitment and screening procedures in place to ensure that all tutors:

  • Have completed the necessary Working with Children Checks as required under Australian law.
  • Undergo regular training to stay informed about child safety issues, mandatory reporting responsibilities, and how to identify and respond to signs of child abuse.

7. Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse

We take all concerns about child safety seriously. Our reporting process is as follows:

  • Raising Concerns: If a tutor, parent, or child has any concerns about child safety or potential abuse, they are encouraged to report these concerns immediately to our CEO.
  • Action: All reports of child abuse or neglect will be handled in line with Australian mandatory reporting laws and referred to the appropriate authorities.
  • Confidentiality: We will respect the confidentiality of those reporting child safety concerns, except where it is necessary to disclose information to protect the safety of the child or comply with legal obligations.

8. Risk Management

We conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks to child safety in our online services. This includes reviewing our technology platforms to ensure they are secure and developing strategies to manage any identified risks, including those related to the cultural safety of Indigenous children and children with disabilities.

9. Child Empowerment

We strive to empower children by:

  • Encouraging them to participate actively in the learning process.
  • Informing them of their rights to feel safe and supported.
  • Providing them with appropriate ways to raise any concerns they may have.

10. Review of Policy

This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if significant changes in law or best practices occur. The next scheduled review will take place on 15 October 2025.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact our Child Safety Officer here.