Safety and Security
The i9 SafeSteps Program is a strategic child safety initiative by i9 Education Australia, developed to strengthen our commitment to the protection, well-being, and dignity of every child in our care.
Rooted in our vision that children are our future, this program aligns with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. It sets a structured pathway to embed safe, inclusive, and accountable practices across all our centres.
Structured around nine core focus areas and inspired by our CARE values: Create, Aspire, Respect, Empower, the i9 SafeSteps Program is our organisation-wide commitment to creating environments where children feel safe, heard, and supported every day.achieving genuine child safety requires collaboration at every level.
This means management is working closely with educators, families, children, regulatory bodies, government, and the wider community, ensuring that no blind spot is left unchecked.
CREATE safe and nurturing environments for every child. Through well-designed policies, safe spaces, and consistent practices, we proactively prevent harm and promote each child’s emotional and physical safety.
ASPIRE for excellence in safeguarding standards and practice. We lead with ambition, continuously improving our systems, training, and leadership accountability to exceed the Child Safe Standards.
RESPECT the rights, voices, and identities of all children and families. By developing inclusive relationships, cultural safety, and open communication, we build trust and protect every child’s dignity and uniqueness.
EMPOWER our people and communities to act with vigilance and confidence. We equip staff, families, and children with the knowledge, tools, and voice to identify, prevent, and respond to risks. Together creating a culture of shared responsibility.
At i9 Education, we follow a “See Something, Say Something” approach. You’ll see this message displayed throughout our centres as a reminder for families and team members to raise any concerns or report suspicious activity. Two options:
All reports are taken seriously and managed in line with our Child Protection Policy. Confidentiality is always respected.
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Embedding a child-safe culture at all levels through visible leadership, values, and governance.
(Covers Standards 1 & 2)
Children are heard, included, and taught protective behaviours through curriculum and day-to-day interactions.
(Covers Standard 3)
Proactive, respectful communication and inclusive involvement of families and communities.
(Covers Standard 4)
Continuous improvement via audits, feedback loops, compliance checks, and reflective reviews.
(Covers Standards 10 & 11)
Proactive, respectful communication and inclusive involvement of families and communities.
(Covers Standard 4)
Accessible, confidential, and well-understood procedures to respond to incidents and concerns.
(Covers Standard 9)
Regular training for staff and volunteers on obligations, child abuse indicators, and safe practices.
(Covers Standard 8)
Recruitment, screening, onboarding, and performance monitoring centred around child safety.
(Covers Standard 7)
Robust, clear policies and behaviour codes setting expectations for all staff and stakeholders.
(Covers Standard 6)
Events
