Child Safety Complaints and Reporting Procedure

Queensland Robotics & Coding Academy Pty Ltd (QRCA)

Public Information | November 2026

Supporting policy: Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy — Version 1.1

1. Our Commitment

Queensland Robotics & Coding Academy (QRCA) is committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every child participating in our robotics, coding, STEM education and competition activities.

We encourage children, parents, guardians, staff, contractors and community members to raise concerns about children’s safety or wellbeing.

All child safety concerns will be taken seriously, considered promptly and handled with the child’s safety and wellbeing as the priority.

No child or family will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern.

2. What Can Be Reported?

You can contact QRCA about any matter affecting a child’s safety, wellbeing or treatment, including:

Bullying, intimidation, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.
Unsafe supervision, equipment or activities.
Inappropriate physical contact, language or communication.
Concerns involving staff, contractors, volunteers or other students.
Inappropriate online contact, photography or sharing of personal information.
Suspected abuse, grooming, neglect or exploitation.
Breaches of QRCA’s Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy or Code of Conduct.

You do not need proof of wrongdoing to raise a genuine concern.

3. How to Raise a Concern

Children and families may raise a concern verbally, by email or through a trusted adult.

QRCA Child Safety Contacts

Daniel Ricardo and Sharon Ricardo

Email: admin@qrca.com.au

You can explain what happened, when it happened, who was involved and whether anyone needs immediate help.

You do not need to complete a special form or use formal language.

Children may also ask a parent, guardian or trusted adult to help them report a concern.

4. What Happens When a Concern Is Raised?

When QRCA receives a child safety concern, we will:

Prioritise safety. Check whether the child needs immediate protection, medical assistance or other support.
Listen respectfully. Take the concern seriously without blaming, dismissing or pressuring the child.
Record the concern. Document relevant facts, including the child’s own words where appropriate.
Determine the response. Consider immediate protective actions, appropriate support and any legal reporting obligations.
Contact external authorities where required. QRCA will not delay necessary reporting while conducting its own enquiries.
Follow up appropriately. Provide information about next steps and outcomes where lawful and appropriate, while protecting privacy.
Review safety arrangements. Consider whether any changes are needed to prevent similar concerns.

QRCA will not promise absolute secrecy. Information may need to be shared with relevant authorities or people responsible for protecting the child.

We will limit disclosure of personal information to what is appropriate and necessary.

5. Concerns About QRCA Staff, Contractors or Owners

Concerns about any QRCA staff member, contractor or volunteer will be taken seriously.

Where appropriate, QRCA may implement protective arrangements while the concern is assessed, including changing supervision arrangements or restricting child-related duties.

If a concern involves Daniel Ricardo or Sharon Ricardo, you do not have to report it to the person concerned.

You may contact Queensland Police or Queensland Child Safety directly, without first notifying QRCA.

If you are uncomfortable reporting internally for any reason, you may use these external reporting options.

QRCA will not obstruct external reporting.

6. Reporting to External Authorities

You may contact external authorities directly whenever you believe a child may be at risk.

Immediate danger or emergency

Call 000.

Queensland Police — Non-emergency

Call 131 444.

Queensland Child Safety — During Business Hours

Contact the relevant Regional Intake Service:

https://www.families.qld.gov.au/contact-us/department-contacts/child-family-contacts/child-safety-service-centres/regional-intake-services

Queensland Child Safety — After Hours

Call 1800 177 135.

Reporting a concern to QRCA does not replace any legal obligation to report suspected offences or child protection concerns to the appropriate authority.

QRCA will cooperate with relevant authorities and avoid taking actions that could interfere with their investigations.

7. Supporting Children Who Raise Concerns

We recognise that speaking up can be difficult, particularly for children.

QRCA aims to provide a response that is respectful, age-appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the child’s circumstances.

Children may seek support from a parent, guardian, trusted adult or appropriate support service.

We respect the cultural identities and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, including requests for a trusted cultural support person where appropriate.

We will also consider communication, accessibility and support needs for children with disability or other additional needs.

8. Privacy and Recordkeeping

QRCA maintains confidential records of child safety concerns, complaints and actions taken.

Records are accessible only to authorised persons with a legitimate need to access them, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Information is handled in accordance with QRCA’s safeguarding arrangements and applicable privacy obligations.

9. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

QRCA welcomes suggestions from children, parents and guardians about improving safety across our programs.

We review relevant complaints, incidents and feedback to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

Child safety concerns may be raised at any time.

10. Information for Children — Your Safety Matters

You have the right to feel safe, be treated fairly and be listened to.

If someone makes you feel unsafe, worried, uncomfortable or upset:

Tell Daniel, Sharon, your parent or guardian, or another trusted adult.
Explain what happened in your own words.
If the first person cannot help, tell another trusted adult.
You can ask someone to help you speak up.

You will not be in trouble for raising a genuine safety concern.

If you want to speak with someone outside QRCA, you can contact:

Kids Helpline

Phone: 1800 55 1800

Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au

If you or another child is in immediate danger, call 000.