Creating child-safe organisations requires more than policies alone — it also requires adults to feel confident and responsible to speak up when something does not feel right.

At Mother Duck Childcare and Kindergarten, our Code of Conduct places a strong focus on reporting pathways, accountability and creating a culture where concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

This includes concerns relating to:

• child safety
• inappropriate conduct
• professional boundaries
• supervision
• or any behaviour that may place a child’s wellbeing at risk

As part of broader reforms occurring across Queensland, the Reportable Conduct Scheme will commence from 1 July this year. This reform strengthens how organisations respond to allegations or concerns relating to workers and volunteers who engage with children.

Importantly, the purpose of these reforms is not to create fear, but rather it is to ensure organisations respond consistently, transparently, and appropriately when concerns arise.

Our Code of Conduct clearly outlines both internal and external reporting pathways, so all educators, employees, students, volunteers, and visitors understand:

• who concerns should be reported to
• when concerns must be escalated
• and the responsibility all adults have to act when child safety may be impacted.

We also work closely with teams to reinforce that speaking up in ‘good faith’ (with ethical and honest intention), is encouraged and protected. 

Families may never see much of this work occurring behind the scenes; however, these systems form an important part of creating accountable and child-safe organisations.

Safeguarding children relies on adults being willing to act, report concerns and work together to protect children’s wellbeing.