Safe Environments achievement for Leitchville Pre-School

Published on 22 December 2021

Leitchville Pre-School has received Victorian Government recognition for the Safe Environments priority area of the Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program.

This latest award adds to the recognition in the Healthy Eating and Oral Health, Sun Protection, Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Physical Activity and Movement priority areas previously received by the Leitchville Pre-School.

“Achieving the Safe Environments priority area demonstrates that Leitchville Pre-School prioritises the health, wellbeing and safety of all staff, children and families,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

Some of the changes that have been made within the service to achieve recognition for the Safe Environments priority area include:

• A review of policies to ensure strong leadership and commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, including acceptance of diversity, cultural differences, and abilities;
• Providing and maintaining a safe environment for work and play at the pre-school facility, as well as on excursions and as part of the Leitchville Pre-School’s Bush Kinder program;
• Supporting a safe culture and promoting respectful relationships where children actively participate in decision making; and
• Actively engaging families and developing community partnerships to support safety.

Leitchville Pre-School Educator, Kim Mason said that the young children thrive on being involved in decision making and working with staff to provide a safe environment for all.

“Children are supported to have safe conversations and to put forward their ideas to ensure that everyone is safe, both in a physical and mental sense. This creates a culture of inclusion, acceptance and belonging and children learn to appreciate difference in both physical appearance and abilities,” Ms Mason said.

“Our children are encouraged to resolve conflict through words, and this has led to behaviours that demonstrate kindness and consideration for others; children who take pride in their environment and respect the differences of those around them.

“Encouraging and supporting respectful relationships and a culture of safety benefits the lives of young children, their families, and the broader community.”

The statewide Achievement Program is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria. The program provides a framework to support Victorian workplaces, schools and early childhood services to create healthy places for working, learning and living.

Leitchville Pre-School is currently working towards the final priority area of the Achievement Program - Mental Health and Wellbeing.