The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) welcomes the commitment at today’s meeting of state Attorneys-General to move toward a national checking capability for the state-based working with children checks.
The Executive Director of the NCEC, Jacinta Collins has committed to working across jurisdictions to help schools and early childhood providers in the Catholic sector assist the government to work through a national approach to child safety checks and information sharing.
“A working with children check is not a ‘silver bullet’, it sits alongside education materials, student voice, sound policies, effective recruitment practices, training, professional development and constant vigilance which prioritises child safety” she said.
The Catholic sector includes 1,755 primary and secondary schools and 700 early childhood and learning services nationally and is perfectly placed to action a pilot of a national checking system.
At the heart of Catholic education is a commitment to ensuring children experience the sense of belonging that comes from a community of students, parents and staff committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students.
Catholic Education is reaching out to Education Minister Jason Clare and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to see how the Catholic sector can help progress a national approach.
“With schools and early childhood centres in each state and territory, Catholic education can help the government stand up and test nationally consistent checking and information sharing mechanisms. We would welcome the chance to pilot this essential initiative.” Ms Collins said.