1. Purpose
This procedure outlines how contracted tutors must report child safety concerns, breaches of policy, or other complaints arising during their work with Ascent Education. Compliance with this procedure is a condition of your tutoring contract.
2. What to Report
Tutors must report:
- Child safety concerns (suspected abuse, neglect, grooming, inappropriate behaviour).
- Breaches of the Code of Conduct or Child Safe Policy.
- Complaints from parents, students, or the public.
- Incidents or risks that could compromise student safety (e.g. unsafe tutoring environments, concerning behaviour).
3. Immediate Action
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 000 (Police).
- If you reasonably suspect a child is at risk of significant harm, you are a mandatory reporter under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) and must report directly to the DCJ Child Protection Helpline (132 111).
- After contacting external authorities, you must also notify Ascent Education (see Section 4).
4. How to Report Internally
Tutors must notify Ascent Education of any concerns as soon as possible. Reports can be made via:
When reporting, include:
- Your name and role (contracted tutor).
- The date, time, and location of the incident/concern.
- Names of students/individuals involved.
- A factual description of what occurred (avoid assumptions).
- Any immediate actions you took (e.g. contacted parent, Police, DCJ).
5. Confidentiality
- All reports will be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know to manage the concern.
- Tutors must not discuss concerns with anyone outside Ascent Education, except external authorities where legally required.
6. Ascent Education’s Response
- The Child Safety Officer or Director will assess the report.
- If required, Ascent Education will escalate to Police, DCJ, or the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
- Parents/guardians will be informed where appropriate, unless doing so would place the child at greater risk.
- Tutors will be supported throughout the process and kept informed of actions taken, as appropriate.
7. Non-Compliance
Failure to follow this procedure may result in immediate termination of your contract with Ascent Education.
8. Key Contacts
- Ascent Education (internal): admin@ascenteducation.com.au
- NSW Police (immediate risk): 000
- DCJ Child Protection Helpline: 132 111
- NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian: (02) 8219 3600
