What Safeguarding means for us at the Y

What Safeguarding means for us at the Y

National Child Protection Week 2025: Shifting Conversations to Action at Y Whittlesea

This week (7–13 September), Y Whittlesea proudly recognises National Child Protection Week (NCPW)—a time to shine a spotlight on building safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where every child feels valued and empowered to thrive. The theme for 2025, “Shifting Conversations to Action,” challenges all of us to move beyond simply talking about child safety. It calls on communities, organisations, and individuals to take meaningful steps to listen to children, respond to their voices, and create real change.

Listening to the Child’s Voice

At Y Whittlesea, we believe that protecting children starts with hearing them. Children communicate in many ways—through words, play, art, behaviours, and even silence—and we ensure these voices guide our decisions.

By turning children’s ideas and words into action, we demonstrate that their voices matters and that they are active participants in shaping their own wellbeing.

In Our Early Years

In our Early Learning Centres and Kindergartens, children’s voices directly influence how we shape their daily environments and experiences. When children show us the need for quieter moments, we create calming nooks where they can rest, regulate, and recharge. When their curiosity sparks around nature, we co-design gardens and outdoor areas that encourage exploration, sustainability, and discovery. And when children share worries or frustrations, our educators work in partnership with them to adapt routines, environments, and activities, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported. In this way, every decision reflects our belief that children are capable, competent, and active participants in their own learning and wellbeing.

Across Our Disability Programs

In our Inclusion Services, listening to children and young people with disabilities is central. We create opportunities for them to express choice and control—whether that’s choosing an activity on camp, shaping the structure/ activity of a social group, or setting personal goals with their support worker. We tailor support ratios to individual needs, ensuring each child feels safe, respected, and able to grow with confidence.

In Our School

At the Y Community School, student voice is a cornerstone of learning. We co-design projects and curriculum pathways with young people, ensuring education reflects their interests, goals, and aspirations. From group discussions to hands-on projects, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey, building the confidence to advocate for themselves and others.

In Our Recreation Programs

Our sport and recreation programs also embed child voice into daily practice. Coaches and instructors actively encourage children to share how they feel, what they enjoy, and what they’d like to try next. Whether in gymnastics, swimming, or junior sports, children’s feedback helps shape training sessions, ensuring activities are not only safe but also fun, engaging, and inclusive.

From Conversations to Action

National Child Protection Week reminds us that listening is only the first step—acting on what children say is what truly makes a difference. At Y Whittlesea, we shift everyday conversations into meaningful actions that strengthen children’s sense of safety, belonging, and respect.

Together, we are shaping a culture where every child’s voice is heard, valued, and protected—because every child, in every community, deserves a fair go.