Inspire Early Learning Bans Male Educators from Nappy Changes From All Their Services

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.

The Policy Shift

Chief Curriculum and Quality Officer Eleinna Anderson stated the change was made “to ensure we remain sensitive and responsive to family needs.” While male educators will still be involved in classroom activities, environment preparation, and safety, they are now excluded from intimate care tasks such as:

Nappy changing
Assisting with toileting
Physical comfort (e.g., hugs or hand-holding) without explicit child consent

Educators of all genders have also been instructed to avoid unnecessary physical contact with children.

Voices from the Field: Support and Backlash

Supporters Say:

The ban is a precautionary measure to protect children.
Parents deserve the right to opt in or out of allowing male carers to perform intimate care tasks.
It’s a temporary step until national vetting and surveillance systems improve.

Louise Edmonds, founder of the Independent Collective of Survivors, emphasized that while many male educators are outstanding, “we need to do something a little more drastic than has been happening in the past.”

Critics Argue:

The policy is discriminatory and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.
Abuse is not gender-specific—both men and women have been offenders.
The focus should be on systemic reforms, such as:
- Enhanced CCTV coverage
- Transparent safeguarding protocols
- Stronger Working With Children Checks
- Trauma-informed training for all staff

The United Workers Union and child protection advocates have voiced concern that such bans may discourage men from entering or staying in the profession, exacerbating existing workforce shortages.

A Sector at a Crossroads

This policy has reignited a broader conversation about:

The value of male educators as role models
The balance between safety and inclusion
The need for trauma-informed, evidence-based reforms rather than reactive bans

Experts warn that while public fear is understandable, blanket restrictions risk undermining trust and diversity in early childhood education. As one educator put it, “We must protect children, but not at the cost of vilifying an entire gender.”

What’s Next?

Former South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has been appointed to lead an inquiry into Victoria’s childcare sector. Meanwhile, an online petition calling for broader restrictions on male workers in early childhood settings has gained over 600 signatures.

As the sector grapples with this complex issue, the challenge remains: how to create environments that are both safe and inclusive, where every child—and every educator—is treated with dignity and care.

Although Inspire Early Learning was not involved in the case, the incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for stronger safeguarding measures across the sector.