When people think about child safety, they often think first about interactions between adults and children. However, research increasingly shows that safe workplace cultures between adults are also critical to safeguarding children.

At Mother Duck Childcare and Kindergarten, our Code of Conduct includes a strong focus on respectful conduct between adults and understanding our responsibilities under workplace legislation.

This includes what is known as “positive duty” – a legal obligation for organisations to take proactive steps to prevent:

• bullying,
• harassment,
• discrimination,
• victimisation,
• and other harmful workplace behaviours.

Why does this matter in Early Childhood settings? It matters, because environments where adults feel psychologically safe, respected, and supported are stronger environments for children too.

Child Safety Practices are strengthened when educators feel safe to:

• raise concerns,
• ask questions,
• seek support,
• recognise mistakes
• and engage in reflective conversations

Our Code of Conduct reinforces that all adults within our Services – including educators, employees, students, volunteers and visitors, are expected to treat one another with dignity, professionalism and respect.

This work is deeply connected to our broader commitment to child safe cultures.

Safeguarding children is not only about responding when harm occurs. It is about intentionally building environments where safe, respectful and accountable practice is embedded every day.