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Little Big Learners – Staff Training Module

CHILD SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

This training ensures all staff understand their responsibilities in creating a safe, respectful, and child-focused environment. It aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF), ACECQA standards, and Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics.

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PART 1: KEY EXPECTATIONS & EXPLANATIONS

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Photo Sharing

  • Only authorized staff may take photos.

  • All photos must be uploaded immediately to the approved platform and deleted from devices.

  • No images are to be shared externally (e.g., social media).

  • Parents should never be sent photos that include other children.

  • Learning and play scenarios must be documented with photos and shared in the parent WhatsApp group.

  • Avoid oversharing unnecessary or low-quality content—blurry, duplicate, or excessive photos are discouraged.

  • Aim to capture meaningful moments: a few photos of the session setup, children engaged in learning activities (e.g., letter writing, numeracy, craft), group play, and free play are sufficient.

  • You do not need to take individual photos of every child smiling or posing—authentic, purposeful documentation is preferred.

  • Limit the total number of photos shared per session; we do not need 70 photos for one day.

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Parent & Child Confidentiality

  • Child or family details are confidential.

  • Only share information with the Centre Director if it’s in the child’s best interest.

  • Do not share with other staff unless required for direct care or planning.
     

Toilet Supervision

  • Children must always be supervised during toilet visits.

  • Supervision should be age-appropriate (e.g., from a distance for older children).

  • Never allow a child to go to the toilet alone.
     

Hygiene and Privacy

  • Always wear gloves during nappy changes or when handling bodily fluids.

  • Knock before entering toilet areas and inform the child respectfully (e.g., "I’m just coming in to help you.").

  • Never leave a child undressed or exposed in front of others.

  • Ensure soap, water, toilet paper, and tissues are always available.

  • Always assist children with hygiene when needed; never tell them to manage alone if they ask for help.
     

Personal Space & Affection

  • Affection must be child-led and with consent.

  • Ask before hugging; kissing is never appropriate.

  • Respect children’s verbal and non-verbal boundaries.
     

Hazards & Safety Checks

  • Conduct a hazard check before every session and document it in writing.

  • Remove or secure all hazardous items such as:

    • Sharp objects, scissors, and broken toys

    • Hot drinks placed at child-accessible heights

    • Loose cords, trailing cables, and choking hazards

  • Ensure all lights are on and temperature is comfortable.

  • Check for:

    • Uneven floors, wet areas, or rugs that may cause trips/slips

    • Damaged furniture, protruding nails, and unstable shelving

    • Exposed power points, frayed wires, or overloaded outlets

    • Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working

    • Evacuation plans are visible and practiced regularly

    • Cleaning supplies and medications are securely stored

    • Toys and materials are age-appropriate (no small parts for under-3s)

    • Playground equipment is stable and safe; soft surfacing is intact

    • Rust, loose bolts, or heat-exposed surfaces outdoors

    • Nappy bins and bodily fluids handled hygienically

    • Proper adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all times

    • All exits and gates are secure and monitored

    • Emergency contact numbers and incident forms are accessible

    • Heavy items are stored at low levels to avoid toppling

  • Avoid clutter or blocked pathways that reduce supervision visibility.

  • Always action and report any safety issue or concern to the Centre Director immediately.
     

Outdoor Supervision

  • Active supervision is required at all times.

  • Do not assume others are watching; you are responsible for your assigned group.
     

Food & Nutrition

  • No food sharing is allowed.

  • Enforce allergy and hygiene safety policies during all eating times.
     

Media Use

  • Maximum 15 minutes per day.

  • Only approved educational content (e.g., nursery rhymes).

  • YouTube or unrelated videos are not permitted.
     

Crying & Emotional Support

  • Always attend to emotional needs promptly and calmly.

  • Never ignore a child in distress.
     

Centre Security

  • Front door must remain locked unless supervised by authorized staff.

  • Ensure the building is secure during sessions.
     

Unattended Children

  • Never leave a child alone.

  • Always maintain supervision or seek assistance.
     

Professional Boundaries

Group Structure & Programming

  • Children must be divided into two age-based groups:

    • 3–4-year-olds

    • 4–5-year-olds

  • All crafts, learning, and activities must be conducted within these age groups, with content adapted accordingly.

  • When one group is in the room with a teacher, the other teacher must take the second group outside to ensure space and engagement.

  • This supports differentiated learning and age-appropriate school readiness.

  • If there are children in your group who are under 3 years old, they may engage in free play and social interaction instead of structured craft or worksheets.

  • One educator should supervise them in a play-focused environment; worksheets or formal tasks are not required for this age group.

  • Conversations must remain professional and child-centred.

  • Do not discuss personal issues around children.

Information Sharing & Reporting

  • All concerns must be reported to the Centre Director immediately and in writing.

  • If a child discloses verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse, staff must:

    • Write down the disclosure word-for-word.

    • Include the child's full name, your full name, date, and time.

    • Submit the written report to the Centre Director without delay.

  • Incident reports must be emailed to the Centre Director as soon as:

    • A child is physically hurt.

    • A serious concern is raised.

    • Any matter of wellbeing or child protection comes to your attention.

  • Do not discuss with colleagues—this is a legal and ethical obligation.

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PART 2: SCENARIO-BASED TRAINING

Scenario 1:

A parent asks for a photo of their child with a friend.

  • Correct response: Share only through approved channels and never include other children.
     

Scenario 2:

You hear a colleague talk about a child's family life during lunch.

  • Correct response: Remind them it should only be shared with the Centre Director.
     

Scenario 3:

A 4-year-old asks to go to the toilet during a group activity.

  • Correct response: Supervise the child from a respectful distance.
     

Scenario 4:

You’re about to change a nappy and realise you don’t have gloves.

  • Correct response: Pause and collect gloves before proceeding.
     

Scenario 5:

A child runs to hug you.

  • Correct response: Ask for consent first (e.g., “Would you like a hug?”).
     

Scenario 6:

You spot scissors on a low table before a session.

  • Correct response: Remove immediately and log the hazard.
     

Scenario 7:

The room is cold in the morning.

  • Correct response: Adjust heating to ensure child comfort.
     

Scenario 8:

Another educator walks away during outdoor time.

  • Correct response: Maintain supervision and clarify staff roles.
     

Scenario 9:

A child tries to share their snack with a friend.

  • Correct response: Explain the no-sharing rule and why it exists.
     

Scenario 10:

A child cries during drop-off.

  • Correct response: Comfort them calmly and acknowledge their emotions.
     

Scenario 11:

The front door is left unlocked.

  • Correct response: Lock it immediately and notify the Centre Director.
     

Scenario 12:

You leave a child in the office to grab something.

  • Correct response: Never leave a child unattended.
     

Scenario 13:

A colleague talks about personal issues in front of children.

  • Correct response: Redirect or remind them about professional boundaries.
     

Scenario 14:

A child says something concerning about home.

  • Correct response: Document the concern in writing with full details and report to the Centre Director immediately.

PART 3: STAFF QUIZ

1. Who is allowed to take photos of children?
2. What should you do if a child discloses a concern?
3. Is it okay to hug a child if they come to you?
4. What must be worn during nappy changes?
5. Which is an acceptable use of screen time?
6. When should hazard checks be performed?
7. What is the policy on children sharing food?
8. A colleague discusses a child's home life with you. What do you do?
9. What should you do if the room is too cold for the children?
10. A child is left alone briefly while you get art supplies. Is this okay?
11. How many worksheets should be printed for a session?
12. What is the best action when working with children under 3?
13. What must you give a child on their first official day after a trial?
14. A child discloses verbal abuse at home. What must you do?
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