Childcare abuse: Systemic failures have led to unacceptable risks for nation’s children

The revelation that more than 100 alleged or convicted child sexual offenders have been linked to early childhood education and care services in NSW is harrowing evidence of deep failures in the system, says The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent.

“Parents across Australia are sick to their core,” Ms Dent said. “It is the absolute bare minimum we should expect that every child is safe from harm in early childhood education and care.”

“These revelations, building on similar cases exposed earlier this year, are gut-wrenching and heartbreaking for parents who place their trust in these services to protect and nurture their children.”

Ms Dent said while the vast majority of early childhood educators are dedicated, caring professionals, too many are working in environments that don’t give them the time, training or support to identify and act on risks.

“To any parent feeling anxious dropping their child off today - trust your instincts,” she said. “If you and your child have strong, trusting relationships with your educators, that’s a good sign. But if something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Talk to your centre director. And if you suspect abuse, contact the police.”

The Parenthood is among many organisations calling for the creation of an independent National Early Childhood Commission to ensure consistent oversight, safety and quality across the sector.

“The early childhood system has expanded rapidly as more families rely on it and the benefits of early learning have become clearer. But government oversight and regulation simply haven’t kept pace,” Ms Dent said.

“What we have now is a market-driven system that too often rewards profit over the wellbeing of children. As the main funder through the Child Care Subsidy, the Federal Government has both the opportunity and the responsibility to fix this.”

“In recent months, we’ve seen encouraging signs of national leadership to improve safety. But what’s needed now is a system designed, funded and led with one clear priority: the safety and wellbeing of children — and the empowerment of the good educators who are their first line of defence.”