A new parliamentary report from the Select Committee on the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in Victoria has made a series of recommendations aimed at tackling failures in the state’s early childhood education and care sector.
The Committee has made 43 findings and 37 recommendations that include:
- better coordination from all governments, including establishing a national commission;
- increased support, guidance and reporting from regulators;
- improving pay, training and professional development for educators;
- better support and preparation for new educators, along with assessing the suitability of fast-tracked courses;
- working with key First Nations groups to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation-led services;
- changes to compliance and reporting requirements aimed at improving service quality;
- targeted strategies for services in rural and regional Victoria
- better training and guidance for educators caring for children with disabilities and complex medical needs.
“It is imperative that we learn from failures of the past wrongs to ensure that these failings are never repeated,” said Legislative Council Select Committee Chair Anasina Gray-Barberio.
“The new paramount consideration sets the standard of behaviour expected of all people and organisations involved in providing early childhood education and care services. It is an assurance to parents that their children are safe from all levels of harm.
“It is time for the Government to act on further child safety and service quality reforms to show its commitment to upholding the paramount consideration.”
During the inquiry, the Committee heard clear and consistent calls for stronger stewardship from regulators to ensure that safety, quality and accountability are not optional but guaranteed in the sector.
Ms Gray-Barberio said the evidence stressed that governments cannot continue with the same reactive and fragmented approach and expect enduring outcomes in child safety.
“The Committee drew on a rich evidence base. I want to thank everyone who participated in our inquiry and shared their stories. Your voices have been central to our work,” she said.
“While urgent changes were made when horrific allegations came to light, much more is needed. Let’s make sure all our children have access to safe and secure early childhood and education settings.”
The report is available to read and download on the Committee’s website.
