Factors affecting the implementation of the NSW Department of School Education child protection curriculum

Abstract

In response to increased awareness of the negative consequences of child sexual assault, the New South Wales Department of School Education has developed the Child Protection: Preventing Child Sexual Assault curriculum, which is a K-12 school based program. The attitudes and experiences of 250 members of staff in the Metropolitan North Region were analysed to identify some of the factors which affect implementation of this curriculum in schools. The results indicate that the most important factors were not the quality of the package or the beliefs of staff, but the support of those staff responsible for implementing the program and practical consideration of the day-to-day running of the school. The findings have implications for (1) further education of school personnel prior to specialist training, (2) the importance of establishing support for the curriculum as a priority within the school community, and (3) practical strategies and support for teachers in the implementation process.