77% Of Educators Report Their Centres Are Operating Below Minimum Staffing Levels According To Survey

A recent survey conducted by the United Workers Union (UWU) has revealed a troubling reality in Australia’s early childhood education sector: 77% of childcare workers report that their centres operate below minimum staffing levels at least once a week, with 42% saying this occurs daily.

These findings come amid heightened scrutiny of the sector following the charging of a Melbourne childcare worker with over 70 offences, including sexual assault. The UWU survey, which included responses from 2,100 educators, paints a picture of a workforce under immense pressure and a system struggling to meet basic safety standards.

Educators Sound the Alarm

Educators report being stretched thin—juggling roles as teachers, cleaners, administrators, and emotional support providers. One Victorian educator shared, “I can’t even guarantee the safety of the children and myself. I feel sad, unsafe and stressful every day.”

Preeti Soodan, a Melbourne-based educator with over a decade of experience, described the profession as undervalued: “We are treated like glorified babysitters. But neuroscience tells us that 90% of brain development happens before age five. We are shaping the foundation of Australia.”

Loopholes and Unsafe Practices

A major concern highlighted in the survey is the misuse of the “under the roof” staffing loophole. 83% of respondents said this practice—where centres count all staff on-site rather than those present in individual rooms—compromises child safety.

Even when ratios are technically met, educators say the growing number of children with additional needs makes current staffing levels inadequate. “The increase of children with higher needs is making current ratios completely inappropriate,” said a New South Wales educator.

Sector Challenges and Government Response

The childcare sector is dominated by for-profit providers, which, according to a 2023 ACCC investigation, often pay lower wages and rely heavily on casual staff. This contributes to high turnover and inconsistent care.

Federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh called the findings “very concerning” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue. “Providers must meet minimum staffing levels to provide safe, quality early education and care,” she said. The government has pledged $3.6 billion to increase wages and reduce job vacancies.

The Australian Childcare Alliance, representing for-profit providers, acknowledged the need for compliance but questioned the transparency of the UWU survey.

Why It Matters

This report underscores a critical disconnect between the value of early childhood education and the conditions under which educators work. As Preeti Soodan emphasized, “We are training young minds. This profession is precious.”

Further Reading 

Under the Roof Ratios
Mixed Age Ratios In An Early Childhood Service
Implementing Under The Roof Ratios
Educator to Child Ratios In Early Childhood Services 
Educator To Child Ratio Calculator 
NSW Staff Ratios and Adequate Supervision

Reference:
77 Percent of Childcare Workers Operating Below Safety Requirements, Union Survey Finds