Major childcare providers stand by male staff as they introduce raft of child safety changes

More than 5000 people have signed a petition calling for men to be banned from working in childcare centres since Joshua Brown was charged with child sex offences. Major childcare providers don’t agree.

Major childcare providers are standing by their male employees despite persistent calls for gender restrictions on early learning educators.

Major childcare providers have made it clear they’re standing by their male employees despite persistent calls for gender restrictions on early learning educators.

Inspire Early Learning Journey remains the only Melbourne provider to have completely banned male educators from changing nappies and toileting duties across its 16 centres, with others drawing the line at giving parents preference over who supports their child’s personal needs.

At least four of the state’s largest childcare providers have announced changes to their child safety policies this month, in response to police charging alleged pedophile Joshua Brown with 70 offences relating to child sexual abuse.

At least four of the state’s largest childcare providers have announced changes to their child safety policies this month. Picture: iStock

This includes his former employers G8 Education and Affinity Education Group, which are fast-tracking the rollout of CCTV footage in their centres and seeking parental preference regarding who assists their child with toileting or nappy changes.

Affinity Education – which operates 12 of the centres Mr Brown worked at – also announced it would roll out personal device lockboxes nationally and review centre layouts to rectify blind spots.

An Affinity Education spokeswoman said the strengthened safety measures would be permanent and have been well-received by parents and staff.

“Our educators are dedicated professionals who understand the responsibility that comes with caring for young children. There’s strong support for clearer protocols, particularly around technology and supervision,” she said.

“Families have told us they’re reassured by the steps we’ve taken and our commitment to going above compliance.”

The child safety changes implemented at G8 Education will also be permanent, with a spokeswoman noting current and former staff and families support the installation of CCTV in centres.

“Keeping children safe is our number one priority, and so any changes that improve the safety of children in early childhood education and care settings are welcomed,” she said.

Goodstart Early Learning had already banned personal devices in March. Picture: Tara Miko

Meanwhile, Goodstart Early Learning had already banned personal devices in March and commenced a CCTV trial in 2022, with plans for national rollout.

Guardian Childcare and Education also has rules in place to ensure team members are always within sight or sound of another employee.

These changes coincide with federal Education Minister Jason Clare’s plans to introduce legislation next week to strengthen regulatory and enforcement powers to address providers prioritising profit over quality and child safety.

More than 45,000 Australians have signed 22 change.org petitions calling for urgent reforms to the early childhood sector, in the wake of the Joshua Brown allegations.

One of those petitions, initiated by For Parents, is urging the Albanese government to expand the childcare subsidy to allow parents more choice over who looks after their child – whether that be a nanny, grandparent or another family member.

A petition signed by more than 8000 people is urging the Albanese government to expand the childcare subsidy to allow parents more choice over who looks after their child. Picture: iStock

For Parents co-founder Jen Fleming said the petition – which has garnered over 8000 signatures – indicated parents desired more control over their childcare choices.

“People who are eligible for the childcare subsidy should have a choice over how they’re spending it and how their child is receiving it … we’re in a time where both parents have to work,” she said.

“We want mums back in the workforce, we want children to be well cared for in those early development years and the way to do that is to let parents choose.”

Other change.org petitions advocate for CCTV to be mandatory in childcare centres, improving child-to-educator ratios and establishing a national agency for childcare in Australia.

Mr Clare is considering these ideas as he seeks to improve the country’s childcare sector.