Our Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing at Little Scholars
Your child's safety isn't a policy we tick off once a year. It's the reason every room is designed the way it is, every person on our team is rigorously screened, and every child learns that their voice matters.
Child safety is built into everything — how we hire, how we design our spaces, what children are taught, and how families are kept in the loop. We're a certified child safe organisation across 17 campuses in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, and Redland Bay.
We comply with Queensland's Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 and the 10 National Child Safe Standards — and go further. Every educator, every chef, every campus leader plays an active role. Every single day.
View our 10 Child Safe Standards →
"Child safety isn't something we do alongside everything else. It's the foundation everything else is built on. At Little Scholars, safety is lived — in every room, every interaction, and every decision we make."
Mel also leads our Child Safety Squad — a dedicated team driving continuous improvement across all campuses.
No hidden rooms and no isolated spaced. Transparency is built into every campus.
No personal phones on our learning floors.
Every team member has a legal and moral obligation to report any concern — no matter how small.
Six layers of vetting — before anyone ever meets your child.
Every team member, student, and volunteer holds a current Blue Card before they're near children. Continuously monitored.
Criminal record and employment history checks for all new team members. References include child-safety-specific questions.
Targeted questions to identify values and behaviours that align with our child safe culture.
All team members complete mandatory child protection training with annual refreshers.
Annual Bravehearts child protection training for all educators — the same program children experience in the classroom.
Our child safety codes apply to everyone — staff, volunteers, families, visitors. Not guidelines. Conditions of participation.
We don't just protect children — we give them the confidence to protect themselves.
Every campus, every year. Three rules that stick:
"We all have the right to feel safe with people."
"It's okay to say NO if you feel unsafe or unsure."
"Nothing is so yucky that you can't tell someone about it."
We participate in Australia's largest child safety lesson annually. The Foundation's Recognise, React and Report framework gives children a clear language for talking about safety.
Cultural Safety
True child safety includes cultural safety. We're committed to welcoming environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, CALD families, children with disabilities, and all family structures.
Queensland's Universal Principle — unique to Queensland — requires organisations to actively foster culturally safe environments for First Nations children. At Little Scholars, that's embedded in how we hire, how we design spaces, and how we communicate with every family.
Little Scholars actively fosters culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — meeting Queensland's Universal Principle beyond the 10 National Standards.
Child safety embedded in leadership, governance and culture
Children's rights to safety and participation are upheld
Families and communities are informed and involved
Equity and diverse needs of all children are addressed
People working with children are suitable and supported
Complaint processes are child-focused and accessible
Staff receive relevant education and training
Physical and online environments are safe and well supervised
Implementation is continuously reviewed and improved
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe
You never need a reason to raise a concern. If something feels off no matter how small we want to hear about it. Our culture is one of openness, not defensiveness.
Walk in at any time — no appointment needed. Every campus manager is trained to receive and act on safety concerns.
Melanie Excell, Queensland Children's Rights Ambassador, responds personally to all serious concerns.
Contact us via our website. You can remain anonymous, however contact details help us follow up more effectively.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 000 first.
Need to contact an external authority?
Trusted organisations, helplines and books to support your child's safety education beyond the campus.
Trusted Organisations & Helplines
Resources to help families teach children about personal safety and body autonomy. bravehearts.org.au
Recognise, React and Report framework — Prep/Kindy through to Year 12. danielmorcombe.com.au
Empowering children to understand their right to bodily autonomy. bodysafetyaustralia.com.au
Free, confidential support for children and young people, 24/7. 1800 55 1800
Keeping children safe online, including resources for under-fives. esafety.gov.au
Evidence-based programs preventing child abuse and neglect. napcan.org.au
Protective behaviours education with interactive tools for children. safe4kids.com.au
Preventing child exploitation, with resources for families. accce.gov.au
Books to Read With Your Child
Ages 3–8. Gently introduces body awareness and safety, with guidance for parents and carers.
Ages 3–12. Helps children understand safe vs. unsafe secrets. Parent guide included.
Ages 3–8. Teaches children that their private parts belong only to them.
A warm story that starts conversations about body autonomy and respecting others' boundaries.
Ages 4–10. Introduces consent, boundaries, body ownership and respect in a child-friendly way.
A fun song reinforcing children's ownership of their bodies. Great for car trips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on 1300 896 139 — we're happy to help.
Still have questions? We're here to help.
Call 1300 896 139
Come and experience the Little Scholars difference for yourself — book a campus tour today.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
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