United Voice News
Childcare centre breaches show why major reform is crucial
The LHMU, the childcare union, says a report in today’s Herald Sun about cautions and prosecutions of Victorian childcare centres is an important reminder of why major reform to Victoria’s childcare regulations is needed.
The Herald Sun’s FOI investigation revealed that the number of cautions and prosecutions of childcare centres has increased over the last three years.
Cases include:
● Children wandering off the premises
● Children given incorrect medication or the wrong dosage
● Mistreatment of children
LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh said the breaches are concerning and highlight once again why Victoria needs stronger childcare regulations.
“These breaches are primarily about there not being enough carers in centres to look after the kids.”
“Victoria has the weakest staff-to-child ratios in Australia. Imagine having to keep an on eye on 15 three, four and five year-olds — our current regulations say that’s okay,” she said.
“Our members are hard-working, dedicated professionals, but they need to be supported with stronger regulations and staff to child ratios that allow them to do their jobs properly.
“There also needs to be more rigorous enforcement of regulations, to ensure that staff-to-child ratios are strictly adhered to.
“Victoria’s current staff-to-child ratios in the key age group of 3-5 years are the worst in Australia (currently 1:15). In the 0-2 years range we also trail behind much of Australia. Only for 2 year-olds are we in line with national best practice (1:5).
“We believe there need to be staff-to-child ratios of 1:3 for the under twos, 1:5 for the two to three-year olds and 1:8 for three to five year-olds.
“Better ratios will ensure our kids get the highest quality childcare possible.”
