policies

1. Child Safety & Wellbeing Commitment Statement

At The Little OT Co, we deliver joyful and engaging paediatric occupational therapy that supports children to thrive in their early years. Our practice is deeply child‑led, family‑focused and grounded in evidence‑informed care. We work with children of all abilities, helping them build confidence, independence and meaningful participation in everyday occupations.

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The safety, wellbeing and rights of every child are our highest priority. We are committed to creating welcoming, respectful and safe environments where children feel valued, supported and free from harm.
 

We:

• Actively promote environments where children are safe, nurtured and empowered.

• Prioritise respectful, professional and responsive care for all children and families.

• Ensure all staff and contractors understand and uphold our child safety values and responsibilities.

• Encourage children, families and carers to share their views and raise any concerns about safety or wellbeing.

• Maintain transparent policies and procedures that reflect best practice and legal requirements.
   

Our Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy and Code of Conduct provide detailed guidance about how we uphold these standards and are available below and for download on this site.

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2. Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy

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Purpose

This policy outlines how The Little OT Co proactively fosters and maintains safe environments for children in line with current legislation and best practice standards for child safety and wellbeing.

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Our Commitment

As a paediatric occupational therapy service that supports children and families across Brisbane, we:

• Place the safety, wellbeing and rights of children at the centre of everything we do.

• Act with integrity, care and professionalism in all interactions.

• Foster an environment where children are encouraged to speak up and be heard.

• Respond immediately to any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

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Principles

1. Child‑Focused Practice
   We place children’s needs, views and rights at the heart of our actions and decisions.

2. Prevention and Protection
   We take all reasonable steps to prevent harm and protect children from all forms of abuse.

3. Transparency and Accountability
   We communicate openly with families about child safety policies and how to raise concerns.

4. Inclusive and Respectful Culture
   We celebrate diversity and respect the dignity and rights of every child and family.
    

Implementation

• All team members complete training on child safety practices.

• Occupational therapists hold current AHPRA registration, Working with Children Checks, and NDIS Worker Screening to ensure compliance and professional standards.

• Physical and online spaces are regularly assessed for potential risks.

• Any concerns, disclosures or incidents are recorded and reported promptly to our Child Safety Officer and, where required, to relevant authorities.

• Children, parents and carers are informed about how to share feedback and raise concerns.
   

Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually or when significant legislative or organisational changes occur.

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3. Child Safe Code of Conduct

(For staff, contractors and volunteers)

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As part of our commitment to creating a safe and respectful service for children, all staff and contractors must:
 

Positive Expectations

• Treat all children with fairness, respect and dignity.

• Promote a culture where children feel comfortable, safe and listened to.

• Communicate appropriately and professionally with children and families.

• Follow all child safety policies, procedures and training requirements.
   

Professional Boundaries

• Maintain clear professional boundaries in all interactions.

• Avoid any behaviour that could be reasonably perceived as unsafe or inappropriate.

• Refrain from one‑on‑one unsupervised contact with children where it is not necessary to deliver therapy.
   

Reporting and Response

• Immediately report any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing to the designated Child Safety Officer.

• Cooperate with investigations and support efforts to protect children.
   

Prohibited Behaviours

• Physical, emotional, sexual, or discriminatory behaviour towards a child.

• Bullying, harassment or humiliation of children or families.

• Engaging in personal relationships with children outside of professional obligations.
   

Consequences:
Breaches of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or engagement.

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