OSCAR Safeguarding is a joint initiative of OSCN and Holistic Safeguarding
You’ll see from the video discussion that OSCAR Safeguarding offers a more comprehensive approach to child safety and wellbeing, as well as bringing safety processes in the OSCAR sector much closer to international best practice.
OSCN hopes to see safeguarding embedded as standard practice across the whole OSCAR sector and that collectively, we achieve a higher level of organisational safety:
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the whole organisation practices safeguarding systematically, transparently and in an integrated way, connecting through all parts of the organisation: in policy, in training, in recruitment and in programme delivery
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these practices extend to all levels: management, staff, children and whānau, ‘holistically’ and as a shared responsibility
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individual staff are supported by the organisational structures when applying safeguarding practices and expectations in their everyday role.
A safeguarding approach will help our programmes have a positive impact on the well-being of all the children we work with, while also enabling robust processes to respond to concerns about individual children, as they arise.
Getting started with safeguarding
While this might sound like a lot for to take on, we want to make safeguarding knowledge and expertise accessible. We are mindful that the majority of OSCAR services are small entities and across the whole sector budgets are very tight. So we think it's best to keep your process in proportion to your organisation.
Even small steps can help make a shift in programme culture. Start by building your knowledge about safeguarding - we have options for professional development for both frontline staff and for people in more senior roles (see below). These are OSCAR-focused courses and most are delivered by experienced OSCAR practitioners.
We also have resources accessible on-line, many of which are freely available and some that require an OSCN membership, which also gives your organisation access to discounted course fees, our growing eLearning library and a friendly and supportive social media community. More information on membership
You don't have to be a member to get our help. We are happy to provide expert professional advice on all things OSCAR, including getting a programme started. We've been doing this for over thirty years and we know our stuff! All your questions are answered promptly, with no obligation to take up membership. Email OSCN
Safeguarding for OSCAR teams
OSCAR safeguarding in-person workshops
This is our recommended option, as in-person workshops provide a more supportive and sensitive learning environment. Our facilitators have all held OSCAR roles and so these sessions follow closely the particular characteristics of OSCAR programmes. Learning is enhanced by the shared experience of other OSCAR practitioners. More information on this course
This is our recommended option, as in-person workshops provide a more supportive...
OSCAR safeguarding eLearning AND - now a webinar option too
An alternative option, similar our in-person workshop, provided by Holistic Safeguarding as eLearning, so you can upskill when it suits.
More information
An alternative option, similar our in-person workshop...
OSCAR Safeguarding refresher eLearning
This is an on-line refresher course for staff who have previously completed either “OSCAR Safeguarding” or “Safeguarding and Child Protection Aotearoa”. It’s tailored to the OSCAR sector and touches on core OSCAR skills such as active supervision, maintaining professional boundaries and child-centred practice. We recommend that staff renew their training every two years. An ongoing commitment to safeguarding professional development will also demonstrate best practice at OSCAR Accreditation reviews. Available later in 2025
This is an on-line refresher course for staff who have previously completed...
Other OSCAR professional development
Our courses help staff approach their work skillfully and with a good grounding in what really matters when working with children in an OSCAR setting. Each term we offer a mix of webinars and in-person workshops: find out more here. Our eLearning hub includes a range of on-demand courses and videos: if you have questions please contact us here
Our courses help staff approach their work skillfully and with a good grounding...
Safeguarding for OSCAR owners, managers and senior staff
Safeguarding webinars for programme leaders
A webinar for those in leadership roles who may have to respond to child safety concerns.
It explores all aspects of OSCAR Safeguarding from an organisational perspective. It follows the same topics as the course we offer for on-the-floor staff and so promotes a shared understanding and consistent practices.
More information
A webinar for those in leadership roles who may have to respond to child safety concerns...
Safer recruitment eLearning
This course, delivered by Holistic Safeguarding, provides knowledge and skills to undertake staff recruitment that is underpinned by a safeguarding culture. “Without a safeguarding culture, you can have a great toolbox that is rarely used.”
This course, delivered by Holistic Safeguarding, provides knowledge and skills to undertake...
Resources and templates
It can seem like there is a lot to put in place to develop an effective safeguarding culture in your organisation but the good news is that most of what you need has already been done before. We have a range of samples and templates all in one place.
It can seem like there is a lot to put in place to develop an effective safeguarding culture...
Guidelines for safer recruitment in OSCAR
An overview of the legal requirements and essential procedures for staff recruitment, including guidelines for interviewing and staff safety checks.
An overview of the legal requirements and essential procedures for staff recruitment...