An independent report of Port Augusta Council’s child care centre makes multiple recommendations to improve operations

A council-run child care needs significant improvements to ensure the safety and quality of care of its children, as hazards, broken play equipment and high turnover of staff were identified during an independent audit.

An independent review of a regional child care centre found it to have unsafe outdoor areas, cluttered classrooms, a high staff turnover and insufficient learning equipment.

The damning report into Port Augusta Council’s child care centre, found significant improvements were needed to ensure the safety and quality of care of its 50 children.

The council-commissioned report, by the Hessel Group, provided a comprehensive review of the centre, which opened in 1976 and operates at about half of its capacity.

The damning report into Port Augusta Council’s child care centre, found significant improvements were needed.

The report, tabled in full at the December meeting, listed outdoor areas as unsafe due to jagged concrete, unsuitable climbing equipment, a lack of grassed areas, and broken toys.

Classrooms were cluttered, had overflowing and unsecured bookcases, damaged play equipment and, in the baby room, insufficient engagement items for development.

Also of concern was its high staff turnover and it taking a minimum of nine weeks to find replacements.

However, the report listed current staff commitment as a positive aspect of the centre, alongside its cleanliness and community involvement.

The council chief executive, John Banks, did not shy away from the report which was prompted by a number of concerns about the difficulty attracting and retaining staff.

“My practice throughout the organisation when we have concerns as to how a particular area of the council is operating is to call in external eyes to have a look,” Mr Banks said.

“We’re keen for the centre to run effectively for the benefit of the community.”

The Port Augusta Council chambers. Picture: Supplied

Mr Banks said the council committed $80,000 towards the centre at the meeting and some of the recommendations for improvement had already been implemented.

“Some of the recommendations were implemented as they were identified, some were procedural ... which have been done and work identified in the playground area has been undertaken,” he said.

“Staff are on Christmas break and we’ve deliberately extended their time to undertake the works and the remedial action will continue.”

The recommendations – estimated to cost between $300,000 to $500,000 to be implemented in full – included repairing equipment, the purchasing of iPads to provide information to parents, website development and a review of salaries against industry standards.

Mr Banks said further funding allocations and wage increases would be discussed during budget deliberations.

“There has been a view expressed by many over time that the council should not be involved in it (childcare) but at the same time there is tremendous support for the council to maintain its role for the service provision,” he said.

“The service has run at a small profit, so it’s not as if these services are demanding rate revenue, it’s trying to ensure it meets the needs of the community.

“It may be something the council will consider over the next few years as to whether it stays in the business.”

The Education Standards Board conducted a site visit in November and requested information regarding four policies or centre matters, with all documents provided within the deadline.