1 September 2016

Teachers and other education professionals will be able to develop their knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues and responses to safeguarding children and young people through a unique new course developed by the Australian Catholic University at the request of Catholic Education Melbourne being launched today. 

The Graduate Certificate in Education: Safeguarding Children and Young People will give professionals responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to create positive cultures and practices for safeguarding their charges.

The course will be the only one of its kind in Australia and one of a handful internationally.

‘The safety and dignity of all students is paramount to all we do in Catholic education,’ Catholic Education Melbourne Executive Director Stephen Elder said.

‘Catholic Education is striving to be a leader in child safety.’

‘We are dedicated to continuous improvement as we work to develop cultures, communities, policies and practices that foster academic excellence and quality interpersonal relationships with a strong sense of belonging and safety.’

‘Our schools are working towards ensuring that they are leading best practice in creating child safe environments.’

Mr Elder said the development of the course as part of Catholic Education Melbourne’s Sponsored Study offerings to schools demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to the wellbeing and protection beyond legislative requirements.

‘The course affirms the message that every person involved in Catholic education has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he or she plays towards ensuring that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.’

The first intake for the four unit course will occur next month.