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.
Starting September 26, all childcare providers in Victoria will be required to adopt a strict ban on personal smartphones. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $50,000 and alterations to licensing conditions. Although personal device bans exist within national frameworks, enforcement has previously relied on individual centers—a shortfall the government is now determined to rectify.
Mindsets in early childhood are foundational beliefs children form about themselves, their abilities, and how they relate to the world. These beliefs begin to take shape through everyday experiences, interactions, and the language used by adults around them. The following article provides information on Key Mindsets, How Do These Mindsets Relate To The EYLF Outcomes, What Activities Can Foster These Mindsets In Children and more.
In a sweeping reform aimed at strengthening child safety, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has announced plans to ban appeals for individuals denied a Working With Children Check.
***WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT*** In response to alarming revelations of child abuse within early learning settings, the Victorian Government has announced sweeping changes to the state’s Working with Children Check (WWCC) laws—aimed at tightening safeguards and closing systemic loopholes.
For babies, the Acknowledgment of Country is often expressed through sensory-rich, rhythmic, and visual experiences that help them connect to the land and its Traditional Custodians in developmentally appropriate ways. The following article provides Acknowledgment Of Country Ideas For The Babies Room.
A “Look-For” guide is a practical tool used by educational leaders and mentors to identify and reflect on key indicators of quality practice during observations, walkthroughs, or self-assessments. Think of it as a lens—it helps you focus on what matters most in a learning environment.
