1. Our Commitment to Child Safety
Alphington Grammar School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and student in our care. Child safety is embedded in everything we do, from our governance and leadership, to our policies and procedures, to the everyday interactions between staff, students and families.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse, and we take all forms of child abuse and harm seriously. We are committed to acting in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards (Ministerial Order 1359) and to continuously improving our practices to keep children safe.
We support and respect all children and students, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disability, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, and LGBTIQ+ children and young people.
Every person connected with our school — staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors — has a responsibility to understand and act on this commitment. If you have a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing, we want to hear from you.
2. Our Policies
Our approach to child safety is set out in the following policies and documents, which are reviewed regularly and approved by School Council.
- Child Safety Policy
- Child Safety Code of Conduct
- Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy (identifying, responding to and reporting child abuse)
- Child Safety Complaints Handling Policy
- Providing a Culturally Safe Environment for Aboriginal Children and Young People Policy
- Digital Learning Policy
- Photographing Students Policy
- AGS Volunteer Handbook
- Child Safe Recruitment Practices
3. How to Raise a Concern
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child at Alphington Grammar School, including a concern about the behaviour of a staff member, volunteer, contractor or another student, we want to hear from you.
You can raise a concern by:
- Speaking with your child’s classroom teacher, House Mentor, Head of House or Head of School.
- Contacting our Child Safe Champion, Tracey Nicholson, on 03 94974777 or tn@ags.vic.edu.au
- Contacting the Principal directly on 03 94974777 or vn@ags.vic.edu.au
If your concern relates to the Principal, please contact the Child Safe Champion.
All concerns are taken seriously, treated with respect and confidentiality (as far as possible), and responded to promptly in accordance with our Complaints Handling Policy.
In an emergency, or if a child is in immediate danger, call 000.
4. Mandatory Reporting and External Agencies
Alphington Grammar School staff are mandatory reporters under Victorian law. If we believe a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, physical or sexual abuse, we are required to report this to Child Protection or Victoria Police.
You can also contact these agencies directly:
Agency | Purpose | Contact | Child Protection (DFFH) | Concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing | 13 12 78 (during business hours) / 1300 65 15 (after hours) |
|---|---|---|
Victoria Police | Immediate danger or criminal matters | 000 (emergency) / 13 14 44 (non-emergency) |
Social Services Regulator | Reportable Conduct Scheme; oversight of child safety in organisations | https://www.vic.gov.au/social-services-regulator |
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) | School registration and compliance with the Child Safe Standards | vrqa.vic.gov.au |
eSafety Commissioner | Online safety and cyberbullying | esafety.gov.au |
5. Keeping Children Safe Online
Our approach to online safety, including content filtering, safe use of school and personal devices, and cybersafety education , is set out in our Digital Learning Policy and our Online Safety and Digital Environments Policy. If your child needs help with something they’ve seen or experienced online, the eSafety Commissioner esafety.gov.au is also a good starting point.
6. Supporting All Children
We are committed to making Alphington Grammar School a culturally safe and inclusive environment for every child.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families: read about our commitment to reconciliation Our Commitment to Reconciliation.
- Students with disability: Alphington Grammar School welcomes enquiries from families of students with a disability. Each enrolment is considered individually, in partnership with families, to ensure the School can provide the reasonable adjustments and support needed for that student to thrive here. Our Learning and Wellbeing team works closely with families and students throughout this process, from enrolment through to ongoing support in the classroom.
- International students: our welfare team provide dedicated pastoral care in line with the National Code of Practice. Overseas Student Information and Policies
- LGBTIQ+ students: AGS Gender Diversity Policy
7. Working With Children Checks
All staff, volunteers, contractors and School Council members who work with or are in regular contact with children at Alphington Grammar School are required to hold a current Working with Children Check, in accordance with Victorian law.
8. Student Voice
We regularly ask students and families for feedback on how safe they feel at school, through surveys and consultation with our Student Representative Council and Secondary Student Leadership Team. What we hear directly shapes our Continuous Improvement Action Plan each year.
9. Need Support?
A range of services are availble:
Service | Who it’s for | Contact |
|---|---|---|
 Kids Helpline | Children and young people (5–25) | 1800 55 1800 |
 Headspace | Young people’s mental health | 1800 650 890 |
 Lifeline | Crisis support, any age | 13 11 14 |
 1800RESPECT | Sexual assault, domestic and family violence | 1800 737 732 |
 Parentline Victoria | Parents and carers | 13 22 89 |
10. Contact Our Child Safe Champion
Tracey Nicholson, Child Safe Champion tn@ags.vic.edu.au
