Rationale

Kindercare is committed to providing an environment that protects the hauora, marutau, and wellbeing of Because safety is a core Kindercare value, we are committed to protecting the rights of all our tamariki, and every adult in our centre, to enjoy a safe, inclusive environment, in which whanaungatanga is fostered and diversity is promoted. (NELP Obj. 1)

Policy

For the purposes of this policy, harassment, discrimination and bullying will collectively be referred to as disrespectful behaviour. Our policy relates to disrespectful behaviour towards both adults and tamariki at Kindercare. It includes a definition of each: i.e. harassment, discrimination and bullying, and it clarifies our commitment to how we intentionally create an environment that seeks to prevent this disrespectful behaviour.

Kindercare takes a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination, harassment and/or bullying.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who breaches this policy and Kindercare will not hesitate to act, including taking legal action, against any adult who breaches this policy. 

Definitions

Bullying: can potentially happen anywhere, at any time and can be verbal, physical, cyber or social/relational. It is unreasonable behaviour that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time and is directed towards tamariki and/or adults in a way that creates a risk to their health or safety. Bullying is behaviour or language that is deliberate (meant to intentionally harm another person), it may involve a misuse of power in a relationship, and includes but is not limited to victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening behaviour towards tamariki or adults.

Discrimination: is the act of prejudice against an adult or child, based on their personal characteristics. These characteristics can include but are not limited to disability, neurodiversity, age, gender, religion, race, language, sex and sexual orientation.

Harassment: is any unwanted behaviour (or suggested behaviour), which can be physical or verbal, that makes a reasonable person feel uncomfortable, humiliated or mentally distressed on the grounds of, but not limited to, the adult or child’s race, gender, age, language, religion or sexual orientation etc. The purpose or impact of the harassment violates the claimant’s dignity, and/or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Harassment is a form of discrimination.

Sexual Harassment: could be defined as requesting, either by implication or directly, sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or other form of sexual favour or activity with another person, which conveys a promise, either implied or direct, of preferential or detrimental treatment. It also includes language or visual material of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or offensive to the adult/child receiving it, to the extent that it has a significantly detrimental effect on that person.

Cyber Bullying: is online or electronic harassment of a person through the use of digital devices. It includes but is not limited to sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can also include, but is not limited to, sharing personal or professional information about someone that causes humiliation or embarrassment.  

PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND BULLYING:

• Create a high-trust environment, where adults and tamariki feel safe speaking up
• Nurture strong connections and respectful interactions
• Promote a caring culture that prioritises personal wellbeing and a sense of belonging
• Consistent messaging that everyone is responsible for preventing and addressing disrespectful behaviour
• Commitment to a targeted, positive, and early response to reported disrespectful behaviour

Last review date: 28 September 2022