Last week, Sought After Investments Pty Ltd, the Approved Provider of Little Peoples Early Learning Centre Tamworth, was fined $17,220 for not meeting staffing qualification requirements. During an unannounced visit by the Commission, the service failed to meet the requirement that at least 50% of educators hold or be actively working towards a diploma-level qualification. This Approved Provider was also issued three fines totalling $1980 in March after Little Peoples Early Learning Tamworth was found to have premises, equipment and furniture that were not safe, clean, or in good repair.

The Approved Provider of Busy Bees New Lambton, FEL Childcare Centres 4 Pty Ltd, was fined $20,610 earlier this month for failing to notify the NSW Early Learning Commission of serious incidents at the service. This includes failing to report a parent complaint to the Commission, plus an additional $1980 for failing to advise parents about an alleged incident involving their child.

The Approved Provider of Jerrabomberra Public School Out of School Hours Care (OSHC), Village OSHC Pty Ltd, was also fined $20,610 in April for failing to report a child absconding from the service to the Commission.

In March, the Approved Provider of 3 Bridges Green Square, 3Bridges Community Limited, was fined $17,220 for failing to ensure that the number of children being educated and cared for by the service at any one time did not exceed the maximum number of 68 children specified in the service approval. They were found to be operating with 104 children and less educators than required.

These are among the first approved providers in NSW to be fined under new legislation that tripled penalties for breaches of the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010 and increased the number of offences for which a fine could be issued from 15 to 30.

Previously, approved providers could not be fined for failing to notify the Commission about serious incidents or complaints, including incidents or allegations related to physical or sexual abuse of a child at an early learning service. Instead, fines could only be imposed by a court after a successful, and often lengthy, prosecution.

These Approved Providers have also been issued with compliance notices outlining the next steps to ensure that the services are compliant with the National Law.

Acting NSW Early Learning Commissioner, Daryl Currie said:

“These significant fines should help to reassure families that the Commission will hit providers where it hurts – their wallets – when they don’t take their obligations seriously.

“The Commission will not hesitate to act when approved providers and services fail to prioritise children’s health, safety and wellbeing in every aspect of their operations.”

MEDIA: Kate Hancock 0499 843 397 | media@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au