A Batemans Bay childcare centre has reopened after serving a three-month suspension due to risk to children.
The NSW Early Learning Commission suspended the service approval of Surfside Kidz in December because of a spate of concerns relating to poor supervision and staffing, and issues with maintenance and cleanliness of the premises.
The new body says it has worked with the operators since then to rectify the problems.
“The Commission allowed Surfside Kidz to reopen on Monday 2 March with strict conditions imposed on the service approval to support the safe, high-quality operation of the service. These conditions require the service to:
- operate with one educator above the required educator-to-child ratio at all times
- submit weekly attendance records for children, and the records of educators working directly with children, to the Commission for three months.
- be capped at a maximum of 25 children in attendance until an Early Childhood Teacher is employed and has remained employed at the service for a continuous period of six months.
- The service’s approved provider, nominated supervisor(s) and educators are also required to complete additional training related to child safety.
Conditions are just one of the regulatory tools the Commission can use to enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of children that attend early childhood education and care services across NSW, requiring providers to meet a standard above and beyond usual requirements of the National Quality Framework.
These conditions will be monitored closely through regular reporting from the service as well as unannounced visits from the Commission.
Acting NSW Early Learning Commissioner, Daryl Currie said it is pleasing for us to be able to lift this service’s suspension as a result of the service demonstrating a genuine effort to improve quality and protect children.
“We know how important quality early learning services are for families, and the Commission is committed to supporting safe services to keep their doors open,” Mr Currie said.
“Where services fail to meet minimum standards, we will take action, however this is a positive story of a provider taking action to improve outcomes for children,” he said.
