Educators share on child safety

In a sickening week for parents with children in early education and care, I sat down with three dedicated early childhood educators – Senay, Seranthie and Ash.

Australians are devastated by horrific allegations of abuse, and educators share this immense distress.

With a combined experience of 43 years, these three educators had a lot to say about how to keep children safe and well.

Centre director Senay told me she and her colleagues are “disgusted” because children’s safety comes first for educators each and every day.

Along with other experts I’ve spoken with this week, the three told me that providers must be made to prioritise child-safe culture with:
·    Professional pay and respect to support a stable long-term workforce
·    Staff to child ratios that are maintained at all times
·    Leadership from the top in each centre to value safety and support educators who speak out

All three welcomed the idea of nationwide registration of early childhood educators, to support a professional workforce.

All three also shared experience working for, and leaving, providers who cut corners.

There can be no place for providers who put profits ahead of child safety.

That’s why we’re introducing legislation when Parliament returns to withdraw Commonwealth funding from providers who do just that.

There is much more to do to ensure quality and safety in early education and care.

I look forward to working with educators, sector experts and quality providers to create a system where children are safe, and parents have confidence.

And with my State and Territory counterparts across the Commonwealth to take the urgent action Australian children deserve.