The Four Eyes Policy—also known as the Four Eyes Principle or Two-Person Rule—is a safeguarding and accountability measure that requires two adults to be present or able to observe during certain activities involving children. In childcare, especially in high-risk contexts like intimate care or one-on-one interactions, this principle helps protect both children and educators.
In the wake of harrowing abuse allegations against a male childcare worker in Victoria, Australia, many male educators are grappling with a new wave of scrutiny, stigma, and self-doubt. For Ben Munroe, a 27-year-old early childhood educator in Melbourne, the news was more than disturbing—it was personally devastating.
In a heartwarming episode of Playschool titled “Island Life,” features Uncle Charles Passi, a proud Torres Strait Islander, joins the show and introduces viewers to the sit-down dance “Taba Naba,” a traditional Torres Strait Islander song that celebrates island life, the sea, and community connection. This is a great opportunity for educators to learn to dance to teach children.
In a world where children are constantly learning how to navigate relationships, boundaries, and emotions, Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No is a free children's story to introduce the concept of consent. Through the eyes of Lulu the Ladybug, children explore what it means to feel safe, respected, and empowered to make choices about their own bodies. This story is more than a tale—it's a teaching tool that supports social-emotional learning, body autonomy, and respectful communication in early childhood settings. The following article provides the free children's book Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No, Learning Objectives, Link to the EYLF, Discussion Prompts, Extension Ideas and more.
Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No is an empowering story for preschoolers that introduces the concept of consent through everyday interactions. It uses clear, age-appropriate language and relatable scenarios to help children understand that their voice matters and their body belongs to them. The following provides a free ebook to download and individual posters of the story.
NAIDOC Week is a powerful opportunity to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in ways that are respectful, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful. The following article provides a list of celebration ideas tailored for early childhood settings, blending creativity, sensory exploration, and cultural appreciation.
In a move that has ignited national debate, Inspire Early Learning Journey has announced that male educators will no longer be permitted to change nappies or perform toileting duties at any of its 16 centres across Victoria. The decision, communicated in a letter to families, is being implemented immediately and has drawn both support and criticism from across the early childhood education sector.
Join Semann and Slattery for a free webinar on Tuesday, 8th July, on Protecting Children From Paedophiles and Child Abuse, with practical strategies to ensure protective mechanisms are in place.
The recent tragedy is a stark reminder that compliance alone is not enough. Despite holding a valid Working with Children Check, the alleged offender was able to exploit systemic gaps. It calls for a renewed commitment to proactive safeguarding, transparent communication, and a culture where children’s rights and voices are at the centre of everything we do. The The following article provides information on: Beyond Background Checks: Rethinking Recruitment, Active Supervision and Safe Environments, Clear Codes of Conduct, Mandatory and Ongoing Training, Empowering Children and Elevating Their Voices, Reassuring and Engaging Families, Leadership and Accountability, Advocating for Systemic Reform and more.
In light of the recent events, it's important for services to reassure families that this incident should not deter them from sending their child to care and from trusting in early childhood education. The following is a compassionate and professionally grounded sample letter that acknowledges parents’ concerns while reassuring them of your center’s commitment to safety, transparency, and trust. This letter may be used, edited, and adapted for your particular service to reassure families that their concerns are valid and their children are safe.
A recent high-profile case in Melbourne has reignited fierce debate across Australia’s childcare sector: should men be banned from working in early childhood education settings? The following article provides information on The Ethical Crossroads: Safety vs. Stereotyping, The Value of Male Educators in Early Childhood: Breaking Bias, Building Balance, A Sector in Reflection: Trauma-Informed and Preventative Measures, Moving Forward: Balanced Reform and Empathy and more.
In the wake of disturbing child abuse allegations at a Melbourne early learning centre, families across the country have been left shaken. These events cast long shadows—not just over the centre involved but over the broader early childhood education community. Understandably, parents are seeking clarity, reassurance, and transparency. The following article provides information on Why Reassurance is Crucial, Strategies to Reassure Families About Their Child Safety Concerns, Letter to Families, Creating a Safety Culture Beyond the Headlines and more.
In light of ongoing reforms to Working with Children Check legislation across Australia, especially following serious child safety breaches, early childhood education (ECE) centres are called to rethink how safeguarding is embedded into everyday practice.
