Changes in Childcare Practices Across Victorian Centres
A number of childcare centres in Victoria have reportedly implemented new policies that exclude male educators from certain responsibilities, such as changing nappies or assisting with toileting. This decision has been made by Inspire Early Learning, an organization that operates 16 childcare centres across the state. The changes were communicated to parents through a letter released on Friday.
Eleinna Anderson, the chief curriculum and quality officer at Inspire Early Learning, explained that the updates aim to ensure the organisation remains “sensitive and responsive to family needs.” She emphasized that male staff will still play a vital role in various aspects of childcare, including activities and classroom preparation. Anderson also highlighted the organisation’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children.
The new guidelines also include restrictions on physical contact between educators and children. Staff are now advised to avoid unnecessary interactions such as kissing, and to seek consent before holding hands or offering a gentle hug. These measures reflect a broader effort to enhance safety protocols within childcare settings.
This shift in policy comes in response to recent allegations involving a childcare worker named Joshua Brown, who has been charged with over 70 offences. It is alleged that he abused eight children at a centre in Point Cook, Melbourne, with some victims as young as five months old. As a result, families of 1200 children have been advised to have their children tested for sexually transmitted infections.
Police confirmed they are investigating Brown’s employment history across 20 Melbourne childcare centres. A suppression order on his name was lifted to inform affected families about the need for testing. However, Inspire Early Learning is not among the centres where Brown is said to have worked.
The allegations against Brown have prompted a strong reaction from authorities and advocates nationwide. Louise Edmonds, a child abuse victims’ advocate and founding member of the Collective of Survivors, has called for men to be banned from working in childcare centres. She pointed out that this is the third case of significant child sexual abuse reported in a childcare setting.
Edmonds stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of children, many of whom are too young to communicate effectively. She noted that 97% of child sex offenders are male, highlighting the need for increased vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
In response to these concerns, politicians have pledged to introduce new laws aimed at strengthening background checks for individuals working with children. These measures were recommended during the 2015 Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow fraud investigators to conduct random, unannounced visits at childcare centres without requiring a warrant or police accompaniment. Additionally, the federal government may withhold payments from centres that fail to meet established standards.
State and federal ministers are also considering the use of CCTV cameras to monitor childcare centres more effectively. Attorneys-General are working on improving information-sharing practices to better address potential risks and ensure the safety of children in care.
