While volunteering, parents and community members are expected to:

• Follow the directions of teachers and school staff, at all times

• Support students in a positive, respectful and inclusive manner

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students

• Treat all information about students, families and staff as confidential

• Model respectful behaviour that reflects our school values

Our volunteers help create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for every child at UBPS. To support this shared responsibility, all volunteer helpers are expected to follow clear processes designed to keep children safe from harm. This includes understanding appropriate boundaries, recognising concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, and knowing how to report child protection concerns to school staff. These expectations apply to all volunteers while on school grounds or involved in school activities and are an essential part of maintaining a safe school environment.

We remind our community that volunteers:

• do not work alone with students, discuss personal details or communicate privately with students

• do not provide personal care, discipline, counselling or behaviour management

• do not take photographs or videos of students (unless approved by the school)

A child protection concern is anything that makes you worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

This may include:

• A child being hurt or injured in a way that concerns you

• A child telling you they are being hurt, neglected or frightened

• Seeing behaviour that is inappropriate, unsafe or concerning

• A child appearing very withdrawn, distressed, anxious or fearful

• Concerns about neglect, supervision or basic care

• We remind all our volunteers: if something doesn’t feel right, report it.
• Do not investigate the matter yourself. Speak to the Principal, Deputy Principal, or another school executive.

• If you are unsure who to speak to, ask at the school office

• Maintain confidentiality: do not discuss the concern with other parents or volunteers

• Your role is to notice and report, not to decide what happens next.

All parents and community volunteers at Umina Beach Public School are required to follow these steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students:

1. Sign In at the Front Office

   • Every time you arrive at the school, you must sign in at the front office.
   • You will receive a visitor/volunteer badge, which must be worn while on school grounds.

2. Complete a Child Protection Acknowledgement

   • The first time you volunteer, you will be required to complete a Child Protection Acknowledgement form.
   • This ensures you understand your responsibilities regarding child safety, appropriate conduct, and reporting obligations.

3. Provide Working With Children Check (WWCC) Details if Required

   • Volunteers over 18 may be required to show their WWCC clearance to the office before starting.
   • Students under 18 volunteering on-site must have appropriate supervision and permissions.

4. Follow School Policies and Procedures

   • Always follow the directions of staff while volunteering.
   • Maintain professional boundaries and treat all student information as confidential.

5. Sign Out at the Front Office

   • When leaving, return your badge and sign out at the office.

6. Ongoing Responsibilities

   • Volunteers must continue to adhere to child protection expectations every time they are on school grounds or involved in school activities.

By following these steps, volunteers help create a safe, supportive environment for every student at Umina Beach Public School.