Working With Children Policy

Last updated: February 2026

Wise Women Gathering (“WWG”, “the Conference”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful and nourishing environment for children attending the Gathering and for all members of the community.

This policy outlines the standards, procedures and responsibilities that apply to the care and supervision of children during Wise Women Gathering.

1. scope and registration

WWG provides childcare during scheduled Education Sessions only.

All children attending Wise Women Gathering between the ages of 3 and 15 years must be registered for either Kids Camp or Maiden’s Circle.

Girls aged 15–17 years may choose to attend Maiden’s Circle or attend Educator Sessions without supervision.

2. supervision ratios

Kids Camp operates in accordance with the following supervision ratios:

• Ages 3–10: 1 adult to 6 children

• Ages 11–14: 1 adult to 12 girls

These ratios are maintained to support safety, containment and appropriate care.

3. staff and volunteer requirements

All staff and volunteers working in childcare or supervisory roles at Wise Women Gathering:

• hold a valid Working With Children Check (or equivalent), and

• where required, hold relevant professional qualifications

All supervisory staff hold current first aid certification.

4. toilets and amenities

When a child in care needs to use toilet or amenity facilities:

• an adult will accompany a group of children to the wet area

• there must be two or more children present with the adult

• adults are never alone with a single child in toilet or amenity areas

These procedures are in place to support safety and appropriate boundaries.

5. swimming and river access

All swimming activities are the responsibility of the child’s primary carer. Kids Camp may take children to the river only at low tide and for paddling only. Swimming is not permitted under Kids Camp supervision.

6. incidents and injuries

Any incident, injury or safety concern involving a child must be reported to:

• Wise Women Gathering management, and

• the child’s primary carer

Reports must be made as soon as reasonably possible.

7. misconduct and reporting obligations

If misconduct by an adult is suspected or observed, it is the responsibility of any volunteer or paid carer to report concerns immediately to the WWG management team.

All reports are taken seriously and addressed in accordance with WWG’s duty of care obligations.

8. policy framework and updates

The Working With Children Policy is a framework designed to support safe, respectful and nourishing space for families attending Wise Women Gathering.

This policy is subject to change without notice. Any updates will be published on the Wise Women Gathering website.