STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND SAFETY POLICY

Applicable To:

All Students, Parents, Staff, and Visitors

Compliance With:

  • Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) Guidelines

  • Child Safe Standards (Ministerial Order No. 1359)

  • Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

  • Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic)

  • National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (Australian Human Rights Commission)

  • Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)

  • DET’s Student Engagement and Wellbeing Guidelines

  • Victorian WorkSafe Guidelines on Workplace Safety & Hazardous Equipment Use

1. Purpose & Scope

1.1 Purpose

The Visionary Design Academy (VDA) Student Engagement and Safety Policy establishes a structured, safe, and well-supervised environment for students aged 5 to 18 years enrolled in our after-school extra-curricular learning programs.

This policy ensures:

  • Student safety and engagement in all learning activities.

  • Clear arrival, dismissal, and supervision protocols tailored to different age groups.

  • Safe and responsible use of tools, materials, and equipment in design, fashion, digital media, architecture, and related programs.

  • Compliance with Victorian Child Safety Standards and workplace safety regulations for creative learning environments.

  • A reference document for parents, staff, compliance audits, accreditation reviews, and risk management processes.

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All enrolled students (ages 5-18) participating in VDA programs.

  • All VDA staff members, instructors, and administrators.

  • Parents, guardians, and authorized pick-up persons.

  • All visitors and external contractors interacting with VDA students.

2. Student Engagement & Supervision Guidelines

2.1 Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

All enrolled students (ages 5-18) participating in VDA programs:

Ages 5 - 8
Parent/Guardian must sign in and sign out students at reception.

Ages 9 - 12
Parent/Guardian must sign in and sign out students at reception.

Ages 13 - 15
Student may sign in independently and may leave independently with prior written parental consent.

Ages 16 - 18
Student may arrive and leave independently. Student must sign out upon departure.

  • Late arrivals must report to reception and sign in.

  • Early departures require written notification from parents.

  • Parents must notify VDA if an alternate authorized person is picking up their child.

2.2 Classroom Supervision & Conduct

  • Primary students (ages 5-12) must remain under direct teacher supervision at all times.

  • Secondary students (ages 13-18) are given limited independence but must follow attendance and safety rules.

  • Students must not leave the classroom without permission.

  • VDA instructors must conduct pre-class safety briefings for any activity involving tools or equipment.

2.3 Break Time & Outdoor Activity Supervision

  • Ages 5-8: Playtime must be supervised by VDA staff in designated areas.

  • Ages 9-12: Students may engage in outdoor activities under scheduled supervision.

  • Ages 13-18: Students may access common areas but must remain within campus grounds.

  • First-aid trained staff will be present during all break times.

2.4 Restroom & Hygiene Protocols

  • Ages 5-8: Students must inform a teacher before using the restroom. A staff member will accompany them to the door.

  • Ages 9-12: Students may use the restroom independently but must report their departure and return.

  • Ages 13-18: Students may use restrooms freely but must adhere to proper hygiene and conduct.

3. Safety in Design, Creative, and Technical Programs

3.1 Safe Use of Tools & Equipment

VDA programs involve the use of specialized tools and equipment. The following rules apply:

  1. Fashion Design
    Equipment Used: Sewing machines, fabric cutters, mannequins, needles.
    Safety Measures: Students must complete a safety induction before operating sewing machines. Protective gloves must be used when necessary.

  2. Digital Media & Animation
    Equipment Used: Graphic tablets, software (Photoshop, Illustrator), VR devices.
    Safety Measures: Student must receive digital safety training before using new software or VR technology.

  3. Architecture & CAD
    Equipment Used: 3D printers, laser cutters, model-building tools.
    Safety Measures: Instructors must conduct risk assessments before students handle laser cutters. Safety glasses are mandatory.

  4. Creative Handcraft & Fine Arts
    Equipment Used: Paints, clay, sculpting tools, sharp objects.
    Safety Measures: Only age-appropriate tools are provided. Ventilation is ensured for chemical-based materials.

  5. Coding & Technology
    Equipment Used: Laptops, robotics kits, electronic components.
    Safety Measures: No student may work with live electrical components without supervision.

  • All students using sharp, electrical, or hazardous materials must complete a safety briefing before each session.

  • Instructors must be present during all hands-on learning activities.

  • Protective gear (gloves, masks, safety glasses, etc.) must be used when required.

  • Any injuries or incidents must be reported immediately to VDA administration.

3.2 Fire, Chemical & Hazardous Material Handling

  • Flammable materials must be stored in designated safe zones.

  • No chemicals or substances will be used without staff approval and proper ventilation.

  • Emergency procedures must be clearly displayed in all classrooms.

4. Emergency & Risk Management

4.1 First Aid & Medical Response

  • First aid kits will be available in all classrooms and workshop areas.

  • Instructors must be trained in basic first aid and CPR.

  • Parents must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs upon enrolment.

4.2 Emergency Evacuation

  • Fire drills and lockdown procedures will be conducted twice a year.

  • Evacuation maps must be clearly displayed in all learning areas.

  • Students must follow all instructor directions in an emergency.

5. Student Conduct & Digital Safety

5.1 Code of Conduct

  • All students must maintain respectful, responsible, and safe behavior at all times.

  • Any form of bullying, harassment, or misconduct will be handled through VDA’s disciplinary process.

5.2 Cyber Safety & Social Media Use

  • Primary students (ages 5-12) are not permitted to use personal devices in class.

  • Secondary students (ages 13-18) may use devices for educational purposes only.

  • Cyberbullying and misuse of digital platforms will be subject to strict action under VDA’s policy.

6. Compliance, Review & References

6.1 Compliance & Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it meets Victorian education safety regulations.

  • All staff must undergo training and sign an acknowledgment of their responsibilities under this policy.

6.2 References & Legislative Compliance

  • Victorian Child Safe Standards (Ministerial Order 1359)

  • Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

  • Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic)

  • DET’s Workplace Safety Guidelines for Schools and Educational Institutions

  • Victorian WorkSafe Guidelines on Safe Use of Machinery & Equipment

This policy serves as an official compliance policy for Visionary Design Academy (VDA). All students, parents, and staff must adhere to the protocols outlined herein.

Victorian Department of Education Website (https://www.education.vic.gov.au)

This version now fully incorporates tool and equipment safety while maintaining compliance for internal and external use.