Hosted by Semann and Slattery, this online conversation space is designed specifically for men working in early childhood education to engage in open, respectful dialogue about child sexual abuse prevention, safeguarding practices, and professional identity.
Australia’s early childhood education sector is facing a crisis of confidence, with a growing number of insiders warning that fast-tracked qualification courses are putting children at serious risk. A recent investigation by ABC’s Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett has exposed a troubling trend: education providers, driven by profit and immigration incentives, are flooding the sector with underprepared graduates—many of whom lack the skills, understanding, and commitment necessary to ensure children’s safety and well-being.
In early childhood education, advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about protection. It’s about standing up for safe supervision, ethical staffing, and professional respect. When educators are unsupported, children are at risk. When educators are silenced, quality suffers. That’s why now, more than ever, we must speak. This article is a call to action. It’s a guide for educators who care deeply, who speak bravely, and who protect fiercely. Whether you're raising a concern for the first time or supporting a colleague who feels unheard, this resource will help you advocate with confidence, professionalism, and purpose—backed by the National Quality Standard, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.
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.
