Marymede Catholic College is committed to providing a professional, safe, and focused environment for all members of our teaching and administrative community. We recognise the complexities of balancing professional responsibilities with family life; however, the College must prioritise the integrity of our workspace, the privacy of our students, and the safety of all individuals on campus.

This policy outlines the expectations and boundaries regarding the presence of staff members’ children on College grounds. It is designed to mitigate risks, ensure the strict maintenance of Privacy and Confidentiality, and uphold the Duty of Care standards required in an educational setting. By clearly defining restricted zones and times, this document ensures that our workspaces remain functional, equitable, and professional for all staff.

MARYMEDE CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Policy Title:	Children of Staff Onsite 2026
Date Implemented:	January 2026
Date for Review:	November 2026

POLICY DOCUMENT

1. Policy Purpose

This policy establishes clear guidelines regarding the presence of children of Marymede staff members on college premises. The policy aims to maintain professional work environments, ensure appropriate supervision and duty of care, protect confidentiality and privacy, and support workplace safety and equitable working conditions for all staff.

2. Rationale

2.1 Professional Work Environment

Work areas are professional environments where colleagues focus on teaching preparation, completing administrative tasks, and engaging in confidential professional conversations and duties. These spaces contain sensitive student and staff information, confidential materials, equipment, and potential hazards that are not appropriate for children.

2.2 Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy, confidentiality and supervision are/can be compromised when children of Marymede staff have access to play spaces, yard duty areas and work areas, which may contain student information, restricted IT systems, and sensitive conversations regarding students/staff matters.

2.3 Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace health and safety risks can and do include children’s exposure to equipment, chemicals, hazards, as well as medical equipment.

3. Core Principle

Children of Marymede staff should not be present at the College (aside from attendance as a student of the College during regular student times) in staff work areas, yard duty areas or in play spaces, as these are professional spaces that must remain functional for all staff members.

This approach:

• Maintains professional work environments

• Clarifies duty of care and supervision responsibilities

• Protects confidentiality and privacy

• Ensures workplace safety

• Supports equitable working conditions for all staff

4. Scope

This policy applies to all play spaces, yard duty areas and staff work areas at Marymede Catholic College, including (but not limited to):

4.1 Locations Covered

• All areas of the College, including but not limited to:

• Faculty offices / Classrooms

• Reception areas

• First Aid rooms

• Administrative offices

• Play areas

• Outdoor spaces adjacent to professional work zones

4.2 Times Covered

This policy applies during:

• Before school hours
• During school hours
• After school hours
• Weekends
• School Holidays

The College has a duty of care to everyone onsite, and any attendance during and outside of normal hours requires approval.

5. Implementation

All staff members are expected to adhere to this policy and ensure that their own children do not access restricted work areas as per this Policy.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Deputy Principal, Professional Culture.

Marymede Catholic College | Policy Document 2026