Diversity and equity

Child Safe Standard 5 is about inclusion, fairness and respect for every child. This guidance explains what schools must do to meet the standard. It also gives practical examples of actions you can take.

Schools

To meet this standard:

have a clear policy on diversity and equity
notice students’ diverse needs and who may be at higher risk
provide information that’s easy to find and use
adjust procedures to meet different needs
provide a way to make a complaint that’s child-friendly and culturally safe.

This standard applies to all schools, including boarding schools.

Why equity and diversity matter

Equity means every student can take part and feel safe, no matter who they are or where they are from. It means a child’s safety does not depend on their family, background or circumstances.

Valuing diversity helps build a child-safe culture by:

respecting each child’s unique experiences, strengths and needs
reducing harm caused by exclusion, discrimination or unfair treatment
helping children feel safe to speak up if they need help.

Upholding equity and respecting diverse needs supports all the Child Safe Standards.

Actions schools must take

To comply with this standard, at minimum, schools must:

develop and endorse a policy statement or curriculum document that details the strategies and actions it will take to uphold diversity and equity, that:

makes sure school staff and volunteers understand the diverse circumstances of students, and how to provide support, and respond to vulnerable students
gives students, staff, volunteers and the school community access to information, support and complaints processes in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and easy to understand
pays particular attention to the needs of:

students with disability
students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
students who are unable to live at home
international students
lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) students
Aboriginal students and provides and promotes a culturally safe environment for them.

Relevant standards

Ministerial Order 1359 - Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding Premises (PDF, 363KB).
Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

Implement Standard 5

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Think about actions your school might take

There are many actions schools may use to address this standard. To get started, review the example actions.

Develop policies

Talk to families and students when developing these policies if it is safe, reasonable and appropriate to do so.

Schools can use these templates to develop the policies:

All schools

Child safety wellbeing policy guidance (DOCX, 448KB)

Government schools:

Student wellbeing and engagement policy (login required)
Bullying prevention policy template (login required)

Take all the necessary actions

Use this checklist to make sure your school is doing everything required to comply with this standard:

Government schools: Child Safety Action List (DOCX, 110KB)
Non-government schools: Child Safety Action List (DOCX, 384KB)

Review child safety policies

Schools must review their child safety and wellbeing policies:

after any significant child safety incident
at least once every 2 years.

Examples of steps you can take

There are many actions you may use to address this standard. Here are some examples of practical steps you can take.

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Recognise diversity

Notice the different needs in your school community, including:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
students with disability
students from different religious and cultural communities
very young children
students who have experienced trauma
gender-diverse or LGBTIQA+ students
students in foster or out-of-home care
international students
students who are pregnant or parents
students facing poverty, homelessness or isolation.

Notice students who may be at higher risk of harm.
Ask for and use students’ correct names and pronouns.
Use examples that respect all cultures when talking about families, relationships or work.

Respond to challenges for students

Make it clear that discrimination and bullying are not tolerated.
Respond to incidents using school policy.
Tell students they can raise concerns or report incidents at school and elsewhere.
Check in with vulnerable students and families.
Ask students what they need to feel safe and listen to their feelings.
Offer buddy or mentoring programs for students who may feel alone.
Respect students’ wishes about keeping information private.
Share information when required - such as, if a student is at serious risk.
Take a holistic approach when responding to family violence.
Respond to family violence in ways that are safe, inclusive, and respectful.

Create supportive policies and strategies

Make your school a welcoming and inclusive place:

display cultural flags
provide materials in different languages
decorate the school with student artwork.

Provide child safety information in language and formats that are suitable for children.
Share extra support materials to help families understand child safety information.
Plan for students who may not feel confident asking for what they need.
Train staff and volunteers to notice and respond to racism, bullying and discrimination.
Remind staff and volunteers about diversity, and the importance of supporting students’ needs.
Ask experts for help if needed, like therapists or specialist services.

Support diversity through school planning and resources

Recognise dates that connect with your school community, for example:

Cultural Diversity Week (March)
Hearing Awareness Week (1–7 March)
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, 17 May)
National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June)
Crazy Hair Day (Cystic Fibrosis Awareness, 26 July)
World Mental Health Day (10 October)
International Day of Persons with Disability (3 December)

Use classroom resources and activities that show diverse perspectives.
Show images of diverse students in school communications.

Resources

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Government schools

Non-government schools

Training resources

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Department training

External training

Support

For further help to meet Child Safe Standard 4 and Ministerial Order 1359, contact child.safe.schools@education.vic.gov.au.

Possible next steps

Use this checklist to make sure your school is doing everything required to comply with this standard:

Government schools: Child Safety Action List (DOCX, 110KB)
Non-government schools: Child Safety Action List (DOCX, 384KB)

Read more about implementing all the Child Safe Standards in schools.

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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Diversity and equity

Schools

On this page

Why equity and diversity matter

Actions schools must take

Relevant standards

Implement Standard 5

All schools

Government schools:

Examples of steps you can take

Resources

Training resources

Support

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