Child Safety At Explorers
Child safety isn't just something we do; it's who we are. Explorers operates in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, with comprehensive policies, procedures, and a culture of accountability across every centre.
The Explorers Commitment to Child Safety
At Explorers Early Learning, your child's safety and wellbeing is our biggest priority. Child safety isn't just something we do; it's who we are. It's embedded in our values, our daily practices, and the culture across all our centres. We proudly follow the Victorian Child Safe Standards and have strong policies and procedures in place to reduce risks and respond quickly to any concerns. We want families to feel confident, knowing their children are safe, happy, and cared for. Every decision, policy, and space is designed to protect children and help them thrive. We're always here to listen, and we welcome your questions, feedback, or concerns at any time.
Our Child Safety Framework
Our Child Safety Framework brings together rigorous recruitment and screening, ongoing staff training, regular compliance checks, and secure, purpose-built learning environments. These measures work together to create a safe, supportive space where every child is protected, respected, and able to thrive; giving families confidence and peace of mind every day.
How we keep children safe
Our framework rests on four pillars.
1. Rigorous recruitment and screening
Every team member holds a current Working with Children Check, passes police checks, and goes through detailed reference verification before they set foot in a room with children.
2. Ongoing staff training
Every team member completes regular child safety and body safety training, kept current with the latest best practice. Centre leaders take on additional specialised learning to lift the standard further.
3. Regular compliance checks
Each year, every team member formally confirms their continued suitability for their role: Working with Children Check, police clearance, and reference checks are revalidated as a matter of course, with external oversight from the Department of Education and the Commission for Children and Young People whenever required.
4. Secure purpose-built learning environments
Our centres are designed for visibility and safe access: secure entry points with PIN access, low-set windows for supervision, internal windows between rooms, and open sightlines through every space.
Child Safety Leaders
Each centre has a designated Child Safety Leader who mentors educators, ensures best practice is in place day-to-day, and addresses concerns promptly.
Body Safety Education for Children and Families
Our age-appropriate Body Safety program teaches children about personal boundaries, recognising safe and unsafe behaviour, identifying trusted adults, and the difference between secrets and surprises. Knowledge is shared with families through educational sessions and blog resources.
Culture of Safety and Trust
Child safety isn't just a policy. It's a promise at the heart of Explorers. We work hard to build an environment where children feel heard, respected, and empowered, and where every team member is encouraged and supported to speak up about concerns. Our Quality and Compliance team and Centre Leadership manage investigations together to keep the process objective, with external oversight from bodies like the Department of Education and the Commission for Children and Young People whenever it's required. Families are warmly invited to ask questions or raise concerns with our team at any time.
Day-to-day practices
- Double-gated entry points and locked external doors.
- Visitor sign-in with photo ID.
- Contractor inductions before any work on-site.
- Open-plan sleep areas with glass walls and shared, visible bathrooms.
Ongoing training
Every team member completes regular child safety and body safety training, kept current with the latest best practice. Centre leaders take on additional specialised learning to lift the standard further. Each year, every team member formally confirms their continued suitability for their role: Working with Children Check, police clearance, and reference checks are revalidated as a matter of course.
Nappy Changing Policy
We are constantly updating and reviewing our nappy changing procedures.
This is done to ensure they are as comfortable as possible for children, Educators and families.
- Routine changes are coordinated with nearby rooms whenever possible.
- For out-of-routine changes, educators notify a colleague to ensure visibility.
- Male Educators are always supervised during toileting and nappy routines.
Raising a concern
If you have any concern about a child's safety at any of our centres:
- Speak to the room leader or centre director immediately.
- Email child-safety@explorers.com.au, read by the CEO and our Child Safety Officer only.
- Raise a confidential case in your Family Hub, case type: child safety.
We treat every concern as urgent. Investigations are managed jointly by our Quality and Compliance team and Centre Leadership, with external oversight whenever required.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I have a concern?
Speak with your centre's management or the Child Safety Leader directly. Both are trained to listen, document, and respond. You can also reach the Family Support Team on 1300 000 335, email child-safety@explorers.com.au, or raise a confidential case in your Family Hub.
How are the centres secured?
Every centre uses unique PIN codes for entry, double-gated entries, and security locks on all external doors. Rooms are designed with low-set windows and open sightlines so supervision is constant.
Are there health screenings and policies?
Yes. Our health and hygiene policies are kept current and reviewed regularly, with practice updates flowing through to centre teams.
What is the screening process for new staff?
All staff hold a current Working with Children Check, pass police clearance, and complete reference verification before they step into a room. Suitability is reconfirmed annually.
How do educators stay up to date on child safety?
Every team member completes regular child safety and body safety training, refreshed with the latest best practice. Centre leaders take on additional specialised learning each year.