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Authorisation Procedure

CCD Authorisation Procedure

A new Special Religious Education (SRE) teacher (also known as a catechist) is required to:

Upon verification of the Working with Children Check and completion of authorisation documents and Safeguarding/Child Protection/Mandatory Reporting training, the SRE Teacher will receive:

  • Provisional Authorisation Card (Yellow card - valid until the end of the current year)

Upon completion of the CCD Ministry Induction, the SRE Teacher will receive:

  • Full Authorisation Card (Green card - automatically re-issued annually)

Ongoing training in child protection/mandatory reporting, curriculum and classroom management is required to be undertaken every three years for SRE teachers to maintain full authorisation.

All Catechists entering Public Schools as SRE teachers are representing their Parish, their Diocese, their Bishop and their Church. They are therefore expected to adhere to the Diocese of Broken Bay Code of Conduct. (PDF 165.8KB) The Code of Conduct gives guidance in areas where staff and volunteers need to make personal and ethical decisions.

Catechists are also required to have an awareness of the Department of Education's Code of Conduct.

The compulsory CCD Ministry Induction Course includes Code of Conduct training.

A visitor entering the SRE classroom:
  • Prospective new catechists are not able to go into the SRE classrooms to observe a lesson unless they have a verified Working With Children Check number and an authorisation card issued by the Diocese of Broken Bay. (Please refer to CCD Authorisation Procedures above)
CCD and Child Protection
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The Diocese of Broken Bay, consistent with its Mission Statement, affirms the dignity and worth of all children and young people in its care. The Diocese has a strong commitment to the wellbeing, belonging and security of children and young people.

All persons (including clergy, volunteers and paid staff) undertaking ministry in any capacity within the Diocese are expected to promote child safety and wellbeing and provide an environment which fosters the child’s developmental needs, spirituality, self-respect and dignity.

For a full DBB 'Safe Church' statement go to Diocese of Broken Bay Safeguarding Office

SRE Teachers are mandatory reporters. Fact Sheet on Mandatory Reporting (PDF 549.9KB)

    For further information please contact:

    Alison Newell
    Postal address:
    PO Box 340
    Pennant Hills NSW 1715

    Phone: (02) 8379 1637
    Mobile: 0424 737 911
    E-mail: Alison Newell