Investigations into two troubling incidents at Melbourne after school care centres

A six-year-old girl who walked 1.8km from her after school care centre and a young boy left bleeding from scratches are being investigated by Victoria’s education department.

The education department is investigating two troubling incidents at after school centres in Melbourne. Picture: Stock image

Victoria’s education department is investigating multiple incidents involving a breach in child safety practices at two separate after school care centres run by a major provider.

The two incidents occurred on the same day in January in opposite parts of Melbourne but under the same outside school hours operator Team Kids.

In one incident, a seven-year-old boy, who has autism, was scratched so hard by a staff member that he started bleeding.

Photos shared with the Herald Sun show visible scratch marks on the boy’s right and left arms.

In an incident report, Team Kids claimed a worker “did not realise that she was scratching him … until (he) had two scratches down each forearm”.

In a separate, equally concerning incident, a six-year-old girl managed to escape from the care of Team Kids at Mitcham Primary during the school holiday program.

The girl’s family claimed she walked 1.8km across 10 streets and the Maroondah Hwy by herself before someone not known to her realised she was unaccompanied on the street.

Despite the serious incident, Team Kids at Mitcham Primary continues to meet national quality standards in all areas.

Victoria’s education department is investigating multiple incidents involving a breach in child safety practices. Picture: Nikki Short

Team Kids chief executive James Taylor said the wellbeing of children in their care is always the highest priority.

“We acknowledge the seriousness of the incidents referenced and have and continue to work closely with the families to ensure they feel supported,” he said.

“In response to these matters, we’ve taken a number of actions to strengthen our practices and further support our teams.

“This has included a change in site leadership, additional training for educators in behaviour guidance and active supervision, and a full review of individual child profiles to ensure they reflect current needs.”

The provider’s Child Wellbeing and Inclusion Support team is assisting services in implementing inclusive and responsive strategies for all children, with educators required to review and sign child-specific plans at the beginning of each shift.

“We are committed to continuous improvement to ensure every child feels safe, engaged, and welcome at our services,” Mr Taylor said.

“Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in care.”

A Department of Education spokesman said:“Victoria’s Regulatory Authority is investigating two notifications regarding Team Kids”.

“As the matters are under investigation, we cannot comment further.” 

Originally published as Investigations into two troubling incidents at Melbourne after school care centres