Former Thomastown East Primary School education support staff member Ben Dance to face court

An education support staff member who was employed at a northern suburbs primary school will face court next month for alleged child safety offences.

An education support staff member who was employed at Thomastown East Primary School is facing court after he was charged with possessing child abuse material. Picture: Supplied

An education support staff member who was employed at a northern suburbs primary school has found himself on a “name and shame” Facebook page as he prepares to face court for alleged child safety offences.

Benjamin Dance, who worked at Thomastown East Primary School last year, was charged with knowingly possessing child abuse material.

Parents were informed about the charges in a letter that was distributed last month.

“I am writing to you with some concerning news about a former education support staff member, Ben Dance, who has been charged with a criminal offence relating to possession of child abuse material,” it said.

Benjamin Dance, who was working at Thomastown East Primary School last year, was charged with knowingly possessing child abuse material.

“Ben worked at our school for most of last year and some of 2023.

“As a result of the charge, he cannot be employed at a school or any other place that requires a working with children clearance.”

The letter stated there was no information to suggest any student at the school had been impacted by the alleged offending.

“I wanted to inform you as soon as possible and to let you know of supports available for anyone impacted by this news,” the letter said.

“As there is an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide any further information but will update you when we are able to.

“In the meantime we will work closely with the Department of Education to ensure all appropriate steps are taken, with child safety and wellbeing of paramount concern.”

The letter was shared on a Melbourne “name and shame” Facebook page – however the Herald Sun is not suggesting this was the school’s doing.

A Department of Education spokesman said the safety of students was its number one priority.

“As soon as the police notified the department of charges, which do not relate to any student, it undertook all necessary safety steps,” he said.

he letter stated there was no information to suggest any student at the school had been impacted by the alleged offending.

Unlike teachers, education support staff aren’t registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, so they can’t be suspended by the teaching regulator.

But they must have a Working with Children’s Check which is managed by the state government.

The former Thomastown East Primary School employee lost his Working with Children’s Check on January 15 this year.

Mr Dance is among several educators facing court in the coming weeks, including former Tarneit P-9 College maths and science teacher Justin Marks and former Mackillop College teacher Troy Ollis who are also facing similar child safety offence charges.

Both of these teachers continue to be suspended by the teaching regulator as they await their court date.

Mr Dance will appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court for a mention hearing on April 11.

Originally published as Former Thomastown East Primary School education support staff member Ben Dance to face court