Student Protection
A Guide to Compliance & Reporting
Based on Student Protection Procedure (Version 10.4) and relevant Queensland legislation.
Your Legal Duty to Report
Sexual Abuse
Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, school staff must immediately report suspected sexual abuse of a student to the Principal, who must then report to the QPS.
Significant Harm
Under the Child Protection Act 1999, teachers and others must report reasonable suspicion of significant harm from physical or sexual abuse to Child Safety.
Child Sexual Offences
Under the Criminal Code Act 1899, any adult must report reasonable belief of a child sexual offence by another adult to the QPS as soon as reasonably practicable.
Key Personnel & Responsibilities
Everyone in the school community has a role to play in student protection. All personnel must complete mandatory training and maintain strict confidentiality.
Principals
Lead the response, ensure training, progress reports, and support students.
School Staff
Report suspicions formed in the course of employment without delay.
Student Protection Record Approvers
Finalise reports in OneSchool and progress them to authorities.
Non-Departmental Employees
Report all suspicions to the principal as per procedure or MOU.
Regional & Central Office Staff
Report suspicions formed during contact with students.
Visitors & Volunteers
Report all suspicions formed during their duties to the principal.
The Reporting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
An employee or visitor suspects a student has been harmed or is at risk of harm.
Visitors and non-school staff report to the Principal immediately. School staff proceed to Step 3.
Provide a written report via OneSchool without unreasonable delay.
Principal/Approver finalises the report and progresses it to QPS and/or Child Safety.
Document concerns securely in OneSchool.
Discuss concerns with the Principal and consider appropriate student support.
Guidance: Use the Student Protection Guidelines, consult with colleagues, the Principal Advisor Student Protection, or Child Safety to help determine if the reporting threshold is met.
Key Concepts Explained
Harm
Any detrimental effect of a significant nature on a child's physical, psychological, or emotional wellbeing. This can be caused by a single act or a series of events, and includes physical, psychological, or emotional abuse or neglect, and sexual abuse or exploitation.
Significant Harm
Harm that is more than minor. It must be substantial, serious, and demonstrable—meaning it is measurable and observable on the child's body, or in their functioning or behaviour.
Reasonable Suspicion
A suspicion formed on grounds that are reasonable in the circumstances. This can be informed by direct observation, other knowledge of the child, professional training, or experience.
Parent Able and Willing
A parent who has both the capacity and the desire to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of the child. This is a key consideration when assessing risk of significant harm.
