Child Safety as Everyday Practice
Child safety is not a one-off lesson or a token activity. It’s woven into the fabric of our daily interactions, routines, and relationships. Educators at The Infants’ Home use their professional skills to engage children in meaningful conversations about safety, rights, and autonomy in ways that are natural, age-appropriate, and responsive to each child’s level of understanding.
Each childcare centre within The Infants’ Home has its own unique way of approaching topics like body safety and autonomy. These approaches are shaped by children’s developmental stages and individual needs, and the dynamics of each learning environment.
Empowering Children through Language and Choice
Children are supported to understand and express their rights in everyday moments. Whether it’s choosing not to play with someone, asking for space, or saying “no” when they feel uncomfortable, these interactions are respected and validated. Educators model and reinforce respectful boundaries and privacy, helping children to feel safe and empowered.
For example, children in the Jacaranda room at Murray House, have been developing language around expressing boundaries, using phrases like “Stop, I don’t like that.” They’ve also been engaging with books such as ‘The Colour Monster’, which help them explore emotions and learn how to seek help from trusted adults.
Resources That Support Understanding
A wide range of books and resources are available across our centres to support children’s understanding of body safety, awareness, and rights. These materials are integrated into play and learning experiences, sparking conversations and deepening children’s knowledge in ways that feel familiar and safe.
Feelings and Emotional Literacy
Focusing on feelings is a key part of our everyday curriculum. Children are encouraged to name and express their emotions, fostering emotional literacy and self-awareness. In the Wattle room at Murray House, children recently explored emotions and body parts using mirrors and emotion cards. Educators used familiar words and signs such as “happy,” “sad,” and “crying” to help children connect their feelings with facial expressions and body language. This activity not only promoted self-recognition and language development but also created a safe space for children to reflect on their emotions.
When children are teary at drop-off, educators gently acknowledge their feelings— “I can see the tears on your face. Can you find who is crying?”—helping them feel seen and supported.
Creating Safe Environments for All
From an educator’s perspective, child safety is also about creating environments where both children and adults feel supported. Strong supervision plans, open communication, and high educator-to-child ratios ensure that children are always within sight and reach of trusted adults. These higher ratios also allow children to be actively involved in routines, which fosters a sense of agency and security.
A Culture of Safety and Support
At The Infants’ Home, child safety is not a checklist—it’s a culture. It’s about building trusting relationships, listening deeply, and responding with care. It’s about ensuring that every child knows they have the right to feel safe, and to speak up and be heard.
As we mark Child Protection Week 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to these values—not just this week, but every day.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.
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