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  • Volunteer Registration and Child Safety Training Form

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  • If you do not have a current Working With Childrens Check, please click on this link and return to this form once it has been completed.

  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • At Mount Scopus, Child Safety & Wellbeing is our highest priority.

    We maintain this priority by ensuring that every adult that is involved at Mount Scopus is well trained in matters of child safety and speaks up immediately, if there is a concern.

    The following training module will empower you with the knowledge of your key responsibilities upon entering the College campuses.

    No school or community is immune to occurrences of child abuse and child sexual abuse. However at Mount Scopus, we have a range of robust policies and procedures in place to help minimise risk and to identify, respond to, and report any instances promptly.

  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • At Mount Scopus Memorial College any adult that is involved in our school in any way has the responsibility, and in many cases a legal obligation, to speak up and report any suspicion of a child being subjected to or at risk of any form of abuse, of any kind, be it sexual, physical, emotional or neglect.

    No matter how small or insignificant you think something is, or if something looks odd or simply not right, please let the staff member who engaged you know immediately, and they will ensure your concerns are addressed and followed up.

    What you see or hear may be the key piece that links other information together to something more significant.

    Concerns regarding a child’s safety must be immediately reported.

    If you prefer to speak directly to our nominated Child Safety Officers or Child Safety Champions, they can be easily identified by the Child Safety poster on their office door and there are Child Safety Officer posters on display on notice boards at each campus. You can also find a list of Child Safety Officers on the College website.

    You may also wish to report directly to the Child Protection Team at the Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) or Victoria Police. Our Child Safeguarding Champions can assist you with this process.

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  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • We have policies and procedures to ensure that everyone is safe and protected at Mount Scopus. One of these procedures – as found in The Child Safety Policy and Volunteers Code of Conduct (This policy can be reviewed later in the training module) – is to always ensure that a child and adult, who are not directly related, are never left alone together.

    To ensure this occurs, most activities take place with groups of students or in a place where other students and adults can observe what is happening. For example, you will notice that nearly every door in the school has a small window, so that there is always a chance that someone can see into a closed room.

    Another important procedure that helps us to protect all children, young people and adults, at our college, is the 2:1 rule. This rule ensures that there are always at least two students with one adult or two adults with one child anytime you are not in clear-sight of others. This makes certain that all children and adults are protected by the presence of others.

    You must be sure that your actions are always clearly visible to others and that you are never alone with a single child.

  • This is the Correct Answer

  • This answer is incorrect as gender would not change the scenario. Abuse or inappropriate behaviour can occur regardless of whether the adult and child are the same gender. Relying on gender as a “safety” measure exposes both the student and the adult to potential harm or misunderstanding.

  • This is incorrect. A student cannot consent to this. As the adult, you should be aware of the 2:1 rule and understand that a adult should never be alone with one student where they are not visible.

  • While keeping physical distance is appropriate in all circumstances, it does not allow for the 2:1 rule to be applied and you are not visible to other people. Therefore, this answer is incorrect.

  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • As a general rule, physical contact between adults and children at school should be avoided.

    Nevertheless, the College acknowledges there may be instances where physical contact between adults and children is appropriate and necessary.

    To provide clarity on what constitutes appropriate contact, please follow the guidelines below

    All physical contact must:

    • be only for the benefit of the child and not the adult
    • occur in a public space or in the view of others
    • include verbal consent from the child
    • never be used to discipline or manage the behaviour of a child
    • be appropriate to the circumstance, time and place (with younger students, help them understand what type of physical contact is appropriate in different circumstances).

    The only exception to these guidelines is in an emergency situation where a child is unable to provide consent (ie emergency first aid). Such breaches of the guideline must be reported to the College Principal after the incident.

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  • This answer contains some incorrect answers

  • This answer is incorrect. Being alone with a student in a private space creates a risk for both the student and the adult. Child safety rules require interactions to be observable by others. Private conversations should happen in a supervised or visible area, like a common classroom space where other people are present.

  • This answer is incorrect. This violates physical boundaries and could be misinterpreted. Child safety guidelines promote comforting children without physical contact, except in minimal, non-intrusive ways (like a reassuring pat on the back or hand on the shoulder in view of others, if appropriate).

  • This is incorrect. Physical contact like a hug can be misinterpreted and is not considered safe unless it’s in line with clear school policies (and still needs supervision). Alternatives include verbal reassurance, gestures like a smile, or sitting near the child in a visible area.

  • This is incorrect. Having a 1:1 activity in private breaches the 2:1 rule and prevents the interaction from being observed by others. Even with the best intentions, this exposes both you and the student to unnecessary risk.

  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • At Mount Scopus, we ensure that all adults who are involved with the College in any way (volunteers, contractors, casual, part-time or full-time employees) are educated and trained to effectively manage and respond to issues of child safeguarding.

    Therefore, the College requires all adults engaged in the school community to take action if they hold reasonable concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, including suspected sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, or neglect, in accordance with legal reporting obligations.

  • This is the Correct Answer. ALL adults involved in Mount Scopus in any way are responsible for raising concerns regarding suspected abuse and any concerns regarding neglect.

  • This is correct, but there is a better option.

  • Volunteer Child Safeguarding Training

  • It is important to be mindful of the possible inappropriate use of electronic communication and social media. Even online, a power imbalance between adults and children can exist and can impact the safety of young people.

    For that reason, at Mount Scopus, adults are not permitted to ‘friend’, ‘follow’, accept a friendship request or communicate with children and students online, including former students or graduates until the age of 21.

    One-on-one text messages, WhatsApp, emails and other electronic communication between children and adults is not permitted.

    The only exceptions to this rule are where:

    • You are directly related to the child (parent, grand parent, aunt or uncle)
    • There are other students or adults in the group chat and thus upholding the 2:1 rule.

  • This is the Correct Answer

  • This is incorrect. Doing nothing ignores the risk of inappropriate contact or boundary breaches. Being “friends” with a student on social media can create a private, unsupervised interaction, which is not allowed under child safety guidelines.

  • This is incorrect. Simply telling the Head of Department is not enough. Permission from a staff member does not remove the inherent risk of online contact with a student.

    Staff and volunteers are expected to avoid one-on-one online interactions with students entirely, not just get approval.

  • This is incorrect. Even if parents give permission, it does not make it safe or acceptable for you to be “friends” with a student on social media.

    Child safety policies are based on protecting the child and staff from risk, not parental consent. Online interactions between staff/volunteers and students are prohibited regardless of parent approval.

  • Child Safeguarding

  • There are many signs and symptoms of a child who has been abused or neglected. These can be, but are not limited to, physical signs such as bruising, inappropriate clothing for the weather or changes in mood or behaviour.

    Nevertheless, there is always the possibility that a student may disclose information about abuse or neglect either directly or indirectly to you. Our expectation is that any adult who has any level suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, immediately reports their concern to the child’s teacher or any other College staff member.

    Please note that it is not your role to directly investigate your concern of the child, other students or their parents. However, it is your role to immediately report any concerns you may have.

    Therefore, concerns need to be expressed directly to a College staff member who will pass the concerns to a Child Safeguarding Champion and report the concern to the Child Protection section of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and Victoria Police, if required.

    You are entitled to follow up with a Child Safeguarding Champion to see what action has been taken. If you disagree with this action, you are entitled to either call DFFH directly yourself or request assistance from a staff member to make the call, even if the school disagrees with your assessment of the situation.

    You are entitled to take part in making a report to DFFH or Victoria Police, with or without the support of a College staff member.

  • This is correct. By doing this, you are ensuring appropriate reporting to both the College and DFFH.

  • This is correct, but there is a better option.

  • This is incorrect. It is not your role to investigate the situation and ask the child more questions.

  • This is incorrect. Any concern must be reported immediately, even if it might be a misunderstanding. Waiting could put the child at risk. Staff and volunteers have a duty of care and, in some cases, a legal obligation to report suspicions of abuse. Assuming you’re wrong and doing nothing breaches this duty.

  • This is correct. Even if the Child Safety Officer has decided not to report to DFFH, you still have a duty of care. If you believe the child may be at risk, you must ensure the concern is escalated appropriately within the school. Escalating to a senior staff member or Principal ensures that the concern is reviewed by someone with the authority and experience to decide if further action is required. Child safety guidelines clearly state that if you are not satisfied with the response to a concern, you must escalate it rather than assuming the decision is final.

  • This answer could be correct. But there is a better option.

  • Child Safeguarding

  • It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the safety of children. Nobody is above reproach whether that be the College Principal, a Board member, a staff member, a Volunteer or even another student. It is for this reason that you can raise concerns with any member of staff all of whom have been trained in managing child protection matters.

    Please only express your concerns to relevant staff members. All matters of child protection must be kept in the strictest of confidence in order to ensure the safety of the child involved.

  • This answer is correct.

  • This is incorrect. It is not your responsibility to reprimand staff member or volunteer. The right thing to do would be to pass on the information.

  • This is not the best option as while you are able to ask for advice, if you feel uncomfortable about a situation, it is best to report it.

  • This is incorrect. While it is always okay to check how a child is doing, it is not your responsibility to investigate the situation.

  • Child Safeguarding

  • Grooming

    Grooming is when an adult builds a relationship with a child to gain their trust, with the intention of sexually abusing or exploiting them. This can include giving gifts, giving special attention, asking the child to keep secrets, or crossing personal boundaries. Grooming can happen in person or online.

    Signs of grooming may include:

    • The adult gives the child excessive attention or gifts.
    • The adult encourages the child to keep secrets from parents, teachers, or friends.
    • The adult gradually tests or crosses physical or emotional boundaries.
    • The adult isolates the child from friends, family, or other support networks.
    • The adult uses inappropriate language, sexual jokes, or discussions.
    • The adult communicates with the child in secret, including online or via messaging apps, social media, or gaming platforms.
    • The child shows sudden secrecy, anxiety, or unusual attachment to an adult.
    • The adult develops an online “friendship” with the child, often pretending to be a peer or someone trustworthy, to gain control or influence.


    As a volunteer, it’s important to report any concerns immediately.

    You do not need proof - raising concerns early helps keep children safe.

  • This answer is correct.

  • This is incorrect. It is best not to draw attention to to the situation as it may make the child feel uncomfortable. It is okay, however, to ask the child if they are okay.

  • This is incorrect. Whether physical contact occurs or not, the behaviour is inappropriate.

  • This is incorrect. It is not your responsibility to reprimand staff member or volunteer. The right thing to do would be to pass on your concerns.

  • Child Safeguarding

  • Appropriate Language

    All adults are expected to maintain a professional and respectful standard of communication at all times. The language used by volunteers and staff should foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.

    Volunteers & Staff must:

    • Use polite, professional, and respectful language in all interactions.
    • Refrain from using offensive, discriminatory, racist or inappropriate language, including swearing or sexually suggestive remarks.
    • Avoid language that is threatening, aggressive, or could be perceived as bullying.
    • Provide constructive feedback and encouragement in a positive and professional manner.
    • Refrain from engaging in private conversations with students about personal or sensitive topics unrelated to school activities.
    • Promote inclusivity and respect for all students, regardless of background, ability, gender, or cultural identity.

    All volunteers are reminded that their communication directly impacts the school’s culture and the wellbeing of students.

  • This answer is correct.

  • This is incorrect. If you notice that a child is upset, we always want you to check in on them.

  • This is incorrect. Laughing along makes the situation seem acceptable.

  • This is incorrect. We may may not always be aware of a child's individual circumstances and do not make judgements about a child's reaction.

  • Child Safeguarding Polices

  • Every adult engaging with our school and our students must have read and understood our key policies relating to Child Safeguarding. Please read the following before you continue.

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  • Child Safeguarding Policies

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  • Security and Sign In/Sign Out Procedures

    When volunteering at Mount Scopus, we remind you to wear your volunteer lanyard at all times and make sure it is visible whilst on the premises.

    You will not be able to volunteer on campus unless you have and wear your lanyard at all times.

    You must sign in and sign out during the day (even if you intend to return to volunteer later the same day). The sign in register will be given to emergency services in the case of an emergency on campus.

    You must be able to produce your valid Working With Children Card on request.

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  • Site Rules

    Traffic Management and Parking

    There is limited parking on Mount Scopus sites.

    Volunteers are not permitted to park in any reserved car park or in the administration car spaces.

    Traffic movement at the Gandel Campus, Burwood may be restricted during peak drop off and pick up times as outlined below:

    • Drop off: 08:00 – 09:15
    • Pick up: 15:00 – 16:00

    Please be aware of all pedestrian traffic. Students particularly will often be distracted or unaware of traffic moving through the site. The maximum speed for all vehicles, maintenance vehicles, buses etc around the Gandel Campus, Burwood is 10 km/h.

    All vehicle operators are expected to obey applicable road rules including not using mobile phones while driving and following all temporary traffic arrangements within Mount Scopus premises.

    Dress Code

    Volunteers are reminded that presentation is very important to the College. A dress code is therefore enforced and singlets, shirts with rips and thongs or shoes without straps at the back are not permitted.

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  • Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)

    Incident:

    It is everyone's duty to report any near miss, incident or hazard.

    Should you observe an incident or be involved in an incident (which may include slip, trip, pedestrian etc) please report to the staff member who has engaged you.

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  • Amenities

    Volunteers are only to use adult staff toilets across all Campuses . Under no circumstances should student toilets be used.

    Disability Considerations

    Mount Scopus is an inclusive organisation. Staff and visitors with disabilities are often present at all education facilities. Therefore consideration must be given in the following situations:

    • Parking across a path or other access route, even for a few minutes, could cause difficulties for people in wheelchairs or on crutches.
    • Do not park in a disabled spot unless you have a disabled sticker displayed.

    This is also a requirement of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission pursuant to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Consult with the Property and Facilities Manager if you require any further information regarding disability issue

  • Privacy and Photography

    Mobile Phones:

    Volunteers should not use their mobile phones in the presence of students. If you need to make a call, please step outside the room and the building. Please ensure there are no students around.

    Mobile Phones and Photography:

    Volunteers are not permitted to take photos whilst working on College premises. Only College staff are permitted to take photos on College issued devices (mobiles and iPads)

    Privacy and Confidentiality:

    Privacy and Confidentiality are essential to protect the rights and beliefs of current and former staff members, students and their families. Volunteers, shall not in the period of engagement or thereafter, disclose or divulge any information of a confidential nature relating to information privy to or information relating to staff, students or activities.

  • Cafeteria and Festivals

    Mount Scopus is a Jewish orthodox institution. The College strictly maintains 'kosher' food services for students.

    No outside food can be brought into kosher kitchens and kosher utensils/condiments cannot be used with outside food.

    At the Gandel Campus, Burwood - the cafeteria provides strictly kosher food, and their kitchen and utensils cannot be used outside of the cafeteria under any circumstances.

    The following kitchens are kosher; All Kitchen Gardens, the Rose Hall Kitchen, the Baker Family Cafeteria, the Gandel Besen House Hall kitchen, the Fink Karp Ivany kinder kitchens, and the Fink Karp Ivany upstairs kitchen.

    The Synagogue is the area/building for religious activity - activities are not to be carried out in our Synagogues without prior approval.

  • Emergency Management

    When volunteering on College campuses, all volunteers are to adhere to all Mount Scopus evacuation procedures and alarms.

    Volunteers are to listen to announcements and follow directions from Security and Mount Scopus Wardens who will guide them to the most suitable assembly point.

    If the volunteer triggers an emergency on school grounds they must:

    • Contact the staff member who has engaged them as soon as possible.
    • Alert personnel around them and contact Emergency services 000.
    • Assist any person in immediate danger if safe to do so.
    • Take steps to contain or combat the emergency, if safe and they are suitably trained to do so.
    • Evacuate to a safe assembly location.
    • Continue to contact the staff member who has engaged them, if first attempts unsuccessful.

    If a fire/evacuation alarm sounds in your area:

    Important Note: At Mount Scopus the alert signal goes for only 10 seconds before going into evacuation.

    • On the alert signal (single repeated tone – beep beep beep) evacuate calmly via the nearest exit door or access way.
    • Stay together in a group, assemble at the appropriate assembly location as guided by the Mount Scopus Warden.
    • Report to the Chief Warden at that assembly location (White hat).
    • Follow all instructions from the Chief Warden, Wardens and Emergency Services Personnel. Do not leave the assembly point until instructed to do so.

    Shelter in place (stay indoors or move indoors)

    Listen to announcements.

    • Remain inside of building and move to a classroom or office.

    Evacuation Tone (Whoop Whoop “Evacuate Now”)

    Our emergency evacuation system is fully automated and will sound both tones and verbal instructions. Follow these instructions and any further advice given by the Chief Warden over the PA system. Proceed to the advised assembly area and report to one of the Wardens. Do not leave the assembly area until advised that it is safe to do so.

    Lockdown (Beep Beep Beep “Lockdown Lockdown Lockdown”)

    Proceed to the closest building and keep out of sight. Do not leave this lockdown area until advised safe to do so.

    The signal to lockdown will sound with both tones and verbal instruction to Lockdown.

  • Acceptance

    Prior to starting volunteer work, I will abide by all guidelines included in the volunteer induction and policies that have been attached.

    I confirm I have read and understood my obligations and if I am unsure I can speak to the staff member who has engaged me.

    Thank you for completing this important training to ensure we have a safe learning environment for our students and you are safe when volunteering at our College campuses. You will be notified when your lanyard is available for collection.

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