Please note, this episode covers content regarding disclosures of abuse that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care when listening to this episode and seek support if needed. Free confidential support services are listed below. Reporting in an ECEC context can take many forms from noting breaches of a Code of Conduct to far more serious incidents. This episode looks at reporting considerations in early childhood settings, including obligations to the Reportable Conduct Scheme. About this episode: This episode is part of a short series produced by the Office of the Children's Guardian and funded by the NSW Department of Education, the NSW regulatory authority for early education and care as part of their Safety and Quality Practice program. Simon chats to two education professionals and a representative from the OCG’s Reportable Conduct Directorate to discuss setting up a reporting culture within the early education and care sector, information on how and what to report and how organisations can ensure their reporting processes are child friendly. About our speakers: Vanessa Hextall, the National Child Safe Officer from a large outside school hours care service provider with services across Australia. Vanessa has 18 years experience in the early childhood education sector specialising in quality and compliance, and risk. Her experience with reportable conduct is to educate and support the organisations with the process and determine best practice within the service delivery. Stephanie Menear, from the Office of the Children’s Guardian, is a Manager in the Investigations unit within the Reportable Conduct Directorate, with responsibility for its work with the early childhood education and care sector. She has a decade of experience working in child protection, with seven years’ experience providing guidance and support to the early childhood sector on reportable conduct matters. Preeti Khural is the Director of Education at a long day care service in Sydney’s Hills District and has a bachelor of teaching degree. She has 20 years experience in early childhood education. Preeti strongly believes in continuous education and training for educators so that they are well-informed and have the skills and knowledge to keep children safe in early childhood settings. This episode was recorded and edited on Gadigal land. The NSW Department of Education and the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian recognise that the land we work and live on always was and always will be Aboriginal land, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. Resources mentioned in this episode: About the Reportable Conduct Scheme Reportable Conduct Factsheet - Identifying Reportable Allegations Reportable Conduct forms Reportable Conduct Factsheet - Planning and Conducting an Investigation OCG (Reportable Conduct) eLearning OCG resources OCG Safe Series Protective Behaviours program events/training Mandatory Reporters Guide - Child Story Reporter If you’re unsure about what needs to be reported or need any support, call the Reportable Conduct enquiries line on (02) 8219 3800 If you are looking for support on how to improve your child safe practices, or to speak to a child safe officer, contact childsafe@ocg.nsw.gov.au Have a concern or a complaint about a child-related organisation? You can contact us via this form - https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/contact-us or call us on (02) 8219 3600 Free confidential support organisations: Lifeline on 13 11 14Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36Headspace on 1800 650 890Mental Health Line on 1800 011 51113 YARN on 13 92 76
