Staff sacked, parents notified after inappropriate discipline and photos at Little Shining Stars in Klemzig

An SA mum has demanded answers after shocking allegations of inappropriate discipline and photos at a childcare centre sparked outrage across the state.

Three female childcare workers have been sacked following revelations of inappropriate discipline practices and “nappy rash” images of children stored on-site.

In early May this year, a parent reported Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre in Klemzig for tapping children on the head in an attempt to calm them down before sleep.

A subsequent investigation by the Education Standards Board (ESB), discovered workers were taking and storing images of children on service devices for the purpose of documenting minor injuries.

Some of the devices at the Klemzig service contained what the ESB considered inappropriate images of children. These photographs date as far back as 2022.

Up to 30 inappropriate photos were taken but it is unclear how many children were involved as defining features were not depicted.

Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre in Klemzig. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The Education Standards Board (ESB) investigated the complaint of the inappropriate conduct and after authorised officers attended the site, three female staff members were fired for tapping children on the head.

Additionally, conditions were placed on Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre in Klemzig by the Education Standards Board (ESB) over the incidents.

Parents have revealed they were left in the dark about their childcare’s practice of inappropriately photographing children’s “nappy rash” and were misled about the sudden sacking of three workers.

The mother of a child attending the childcare, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she was “devastating” by the conduct.

“I did a lot of research and we did visit a lot of childcare centre,” she said.

“They were promising and we could trust our child in their care.”

The mum said instead of learning about the incident – they were informed about a sudden “policy change” a couple of days ago.

“They just sent a policy change (where) they said they will no longer be taking photos of the nappy area because this will affect parents who are emotionally attached,” she said.

Additionally, she said when she asked about the “missing” staff, the childcare responded vaguely.

“I did inquire about it (sacked staff) and they’ve been very vague about it,” she said.

“They just said some have been away for medical issues and that’s why they haven’t come.”

Education Minister Blair Boyer detailed the “totally inappropriate” photos were taken in reaction to concerns from parents that children were suffering from nappy rash due to “something that was happening at the service”.

“Those educators felt that actually in some cases those children were presenting to the service in the morning already with nappy rash and were therefore trying to document it via a centre-owned iPad,” Mr Boyer said.

The devices were seized by the ESB and the matter was referred to SA Police.

Detectives from the sexual crime investigation section determined the images were a misguided attempt to show pre-existing rashes and injuries.

They believed there was no evidence to support criminal charges.

The investigation determined that the photos were not shared.

Staff at the site can no longer take photos.

The families of children have been notified about photos taken and stored by the private long day care provider service deemed to be inappropriate by the ESB.

Four more emergency action notices were then issued to Little Shining Stars locations in Pooraka, Virginia, Wayville and Evanston due to the practice of taking and storing images documenting minor scrapes or bumps.

“Although the intent is not nefarious, it is again, not appropriate,” Mr Boyer said.

A counselling service has been engaged to provide support to children and their families who attended the Klemzig location.

All devices involved have been reset and images have been permanently deleted under supervision of the ESB.

The service was directed to amend policies and procedures to be in line with national regulations.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing and further action may be taken by the ESB.

ESB chief executive Benn Gramola said the Little Shining Stars matter was considered “an isolated incident”.

“We’re taking strong action to make sure this doesn’t occur in this service or any other service again,” Mr Gramola said.

“This is the first time in South Australia we’ve had an incident like this.”

The ESB investigation is continuing and other action may be considered, including suspending or shutting the service.

It is understood the service was complying with staffing requirements including correct qualifications and staffing levels.

All five of the services remain open but Mr Gramola warned that if he thought “there were any further concerns, we would close the services”.

The operators have been contacted for comment.