Safeguarding at Wesley College
John Wesley powerfully declared “Every Child Matters”. At Wesley College, we are committed to being a child safe school, and safeguarding is a fundamental priority. As reflected in our Safeguarding Commitment Statement, we have zero tolerance for abuse and neglect and commit to providing safe, nurturing, inclusive, and respectful services and environments for students and all College whaanau.
We are passionate about ensuring Wesley College demonstrates child safety best practices. In adopting the 10 Child Safe Organisation Principles below, we have introduced a comprehensive safeguarding programme that strengthens safeguarding and child protection at Wesley College and reflects practices recommended by Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas Royal Commissions and standards that form the assessment criteria for many safeguarding accreditation models.
The 10 Child Safe Principles drive a holistic approach to safeguarding that is embedded in every aspect of College life. They provide a robust safeguarding and child protection framework and help us create a safeguarding culture. Applying and operating to a best practice standard means Wesley College’s safeguarding solutions exceed legislative and sector child protection requirements and uphold our legal, moral, and ethical safeguarding expectations. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection at Wesley College guidance has been specifically designed for Whānau and Wesleyans. It explains what these Principles look like in practice and shows how our safeguarding practice differs from other schools. You can view this policy and some of our other Safeguarding Policies below.
Although we have dedicated Safeguarding Staff in place, the safety and wellbeing of children is everyone's responsibility. We have a specific Principle ensuring students’ insights and voices influence our safeguarding solutions, and their participation actively helps ensure our solutions are child-centred. Whānau and College community engagement is regularly encouraged and empowered, and all staff receive safeguarding and child protection training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to identify and respond swiftly and appropriately to child wellbeing or safety concerns. At Wesley College, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding the highest child safety standards.
Click on any of our below safeguarding policies to view them in more detail:
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Staff Safeguarding Code of Conduct Policy
Safeguarding and Child Protection at Wesley College for Whaanau and Wesleyans