Village Nation is dedicated to promoting child safety within the Dance and Performing Arts Industry.

​

From June 2013, people working or volunteer with children under 18 years in NSW have been required to have a Working With Children Check (WWCC).  In line with current NSW Government guidelines, Village Nation verifies all of our teachers and staff over 18 years of age through WWCCs online system. 

 

The Working With Children Check provides a unique number (the WWC number) to a person who has been cleared to work with children. The WWC is valid for five years and is continuously monitored for any new, relevant offences. 

 

It is therefore a requirement of Village Nation that all of our performing arts teachers and staff over the age of 18 years of age, who work directly with children under 18 years of age, obtain a WWCC and provide us with a valid WWC number before commencement of their teaching contract. Employment for Village Nation staff will not commence until a WWC number is provided and verified.

​

In line with NSW Child Protection Legislation, Village Nation only offer WWCC exemption as follows: 

​

• Parents and other close relatives (such as a sibling, grandparent, step-parent, uncle) may volunteer in activities that involve their own children without needing a WWC number. This includes volunteering with a class, program or other activity in which their child usually participates. A parent volunteer or close relative who teaches or instructs a class that includes their child does not need a WWC number.

 

• Individuals that do not have direct face-to-face contact with children do not require a WWC number. Parents who volunteer at performances or rehearsals that include their own children, (ie: help with setting up, make up or costumes, participate in organising committees), or are spectators at performances and events, do not need a WWC number.

 

As per current NSW Legislation, the WWCC application process involves a national police check and a review of findings of workplace misconduct. The result is either a clearance to work with children for five years, or a bar against working with children. Barred applicants will not be allowed to work with or volunteer with children at Village Nation. If a person receives an interim bar, they will be immediately removed from their child-related position with Village Nation.

 

If you would like more information from The Children’s Guardian in regards to child protection legislation within the dance and performing arts industry please click here.