Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible

​

YR SPACE recognises the importance of the partnership between our program and parents to support participant engagement and wellbeing. We share a commitment to, and a responsibility for, ensuring inclusive, safe and orderly environments for children and young people. 

​

This Statement of Values sets out our behavioural expectations of all members in our program community, including the program APO, all staff, parents, participants and visitors. It respects the diversity of individuals in our community and addresses the shared responsibilities of all members in building safe and respectful communities.

​​

Discrimination, sexual and other forms of harassment, bullying, violence, aggression and threatening behaviour are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our program.

​

Our Statement of Values acknowledges that parents and staff are strongly motivated to do their best for every child. Everyone has the right to differing opinions and views and to raise concerns, as long as we do this respectfully as a community working together. 

​

RESPONSIBILITIES:

​

As program management and leaders, we will:

• Work collaboratively to create an environment where respectful, responsible and safe conduct is expected of everyone.

• Behave in a manner consistent with the standards of our profession and meet core responsibilities to provide inclusive, safe and orderly environments.

• Plan, implement and monitor arrangements to ensure the care, safety, security and general wellbeing of all participants in attendance on the program is protected.

• Identify and support participants who are or may be at risk.

• Do our best to ensure every child achieves their personal and learning potential.

• Work with parents to understand their child’s needs and, where necessary, adapt the program environment accordingly.

• Respond appropriately when inclusive, safe or orderly behaviour is not demonstrated and implement appropriate interventions

• Make known to parents the program's communication and complaints procedures.

• Ask any person who is acting in an offensive or disorderly way to leave the program grounds. 

 

As staff, we will:

• Model positive behaviour to participants consistent with the standards of our profession.

• Proactively engage with parents about participant goals and expected outcomes.

• Work with parents to understand the needs of each participant, adapt the program environment and improve goal outcomes for all participants.

• Communicate with the APO and program manager in the event we anticipate or face any tension or challenging behaviours from parents.

• Treat all members of the program community with respect.

 

As parents, we will:

• Model positive behaviour to our child.

• Ensure our child attends the program on time, every day they are booked in.

• Work with the program to achieve the best outcomes for our child. 

• Communicate constructively with the program and use expected processes and protocols when raising concerns. 

• Support staff to maintain a safe environment for all students.

• Follow the program's complaints processes if there are complaints.

• Treat all program leaders, staff, participants, and other members of the program community with respect.

 

As participants, with support, we will:

• Model positive behaviour to other participants.

• Model program values.

• Behave in a safe and responsible manner.

• Respect ourselves, other members of the program community.

• Actively participate in program.

• Make the most of our opportunities. 

 

As community members, we will:

• Model positive behaviour to the program community.

• Treat other members of the program community with respect.

• Support staff to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all participants.

• Utilise the program's communications policy to communicate with the program.  ​

​

CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO UPHOLD THE STATMENT OF VALUES:

​

Unreasonable Behaviours

​

Behaviours that are considered inappropriate on and adjacent to the grounds on which we work or in relation to program business and that do not uphold the principles of this Statement of Values include when a person:

• is rude, aggressive or harasses others

• sends rude, confronting or threatening letters, emails or text messages

• is manipulative or threatening

• speaks in an aggressive tone, either in person or over the telephone

• makes sexist, racist or derogatory comments

• inappropriately uses social media as a forum to raise concerns/make complaints against the school

• is physically intimidating, e.g. standing very close.

​

Consequences​

​

Program Management and the Program APO are responsible for determining what constitutes reasonable and unreasonable behaviour.

 

Unreasonable behaviour and/or failure to uphold the principles of this Statement of Values may lead to further investigation and the implementation of appropriate consequences. This may include:

• utilising mediation and counselling services

• alternative communication strategies being applied

• formal notice preventing entry onto the premises or attendance at program activities. (Written notice will follow any verbal notice given.)

• an intervention order being sought

• informing the police which may result in a charge of trespass or assault

​​

By agreeing to meet specified standards of positive behaviour, everyone in our program community can be assured that they will be treated with fairness and respect. In turn, this will help to create a program that is safe and orderly, where everyone is empowered to participate and learn.