our commitment to safety

We understand that recent media coverage surrounding child safety concerns within the early childhood education sector has been deeply distressing.  As educators, parents, and carers ourselves, we want to reassure you that the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child in our care is – and always will be – our highest priority.

At Torrensville Community Childcare Centre, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment where children can thrive. Our responsibility to safeguard children is embedded in our daily practice, our policies, and our professional values. 

Our team is closely monitoring the responses and initiatives being announced by governments around the country and fully support any measures that strengthen the safety and wellbeing of children. We welcome proposed actions including a national Working with Children Check, better collaboration and information sharing across agencies, more resources for regulators, and the creation of a National Early Childhood Education and Care Commission.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Torrensville Community Childcare Centre, we follow clear, comprehensive child safety practices that exceed national requirements. These include:

• Active supervision that ensures children are always visible, well supported with appropriate staffing levels and safety practices embedded throughout our rooms and outdoor spaces. 
• Thorough recruitment and screening, including verified Working With Children Checks, at least two reference checks (with one being a direct supervisor), and close attention to any gaps in employment or inconsistencies.
• Mandatory training for all educators on child protection, including the Responding to Abuse and Neglect (RAN) training, ensuring they know how to recognise, respond to, and report any concerns.
• A strict policy on personal mobile devices for all staff within children’s spaces, with a national ban coming into effect in September 2025. 
• A culture that empowers children to speak up and seek help – which occurs through active supervision, responsive action, and responsible reporting. 
• Respectful guidelines that prohibit parents or visitors from using children’s bathrooms. Also, nappy changes and other child-related duties are only ever actioned by agency staffing educators when a TCCC staff member is present.
• Guidelines around agency educators include that when they are present at TCCC, they are always accompanied by a centre-based, responsible staff member to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children. Additionally, TCCC will request agency educators we are already familiar with when working with external agencies.

Protecting children from harm, abuse and neglect is at the heart of everything we do. Child safety is not just a policy – it’s a value that guides our decisions, our environments, and how we care for and support your children each day.

We know that safeguarding is an ongoing commitment. We remain deeply focused on doing everything we can to protect children and will continue to work alongside governments to ensure every child in Australia is safe, supported and able to thrive.

We welcome you contacting us if you have any further questions or concerns regarding the above or any other matter at TCCC. Contact Mark Perry at: mark.perry@ucwb.org.au 

Thank you once again for your continued trust, support and understanding. In partnership with you, we will keep doing all we can to protect every child and ensure they feel safe, valued, and supported.