ARTEFACT: STATEMENT OF ACHIEVEMENT
Prior to starting a professional experience, I had to engage with an online course “Child-safe organisation’ through ACU which deepened my knowledge and understanding of Rights, Wellbeing and Dignity of young people. This reiterated to me, that as a teacher, we have legal and ethical responsibility to execute a level of care for children’s safety. Child safety standards reflect professional responsibilities such as carrying out all my duties, code and conduct and child-protection in relation to relevant legislation and organisational policies in which I must adhere too (7.7.1).
Throughout this experience, the content on the online modules consisted of a series of scenarios and what to do if a situation were to arise, such as bullying or neglect. Children have equal fundamental rights as adults and are not any lesser of people because of their age (Desai & Goel, 2018). The provisions of the Australian constitution along with Australia’s ratification of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1992 give all children the right to life, health, nutrition.. Education, and participation (Desai & Goel, 2018). During any point of a person's teaching career, we may be put in compromising situations if we don't adhere to and follow school procedures such as mandatory reporting and government framework (7.7.1).
To date, my pre-existing knowledge and knowledge I have gained during my professional experience and place of work, I am constantly reminded of a young person's right to feel safe, supported and engage fruitfully in experiences where they will transform and not be hindered in any way. Compliance of frameworks and policies and being held accountable to be up to date with procedures, will ensure children's rights are being honoured. Meeting professional ethics and responsibilities (7.7.1) is a strong element of teaching which will always be at the forefront of my mind, when planning lessons, and communicating with parents and colleagues. (315 words)