Dripstone Children’s Centre confirms an investigation has been launched into a claim of ‘inappropriate conduct’
A Top End childcare centre worker is being investigated after a claim of allegedly acting ‘inappropriately’ with a child, with the Education Minister, Police and regulator aware of the reports. Read the latest.
A Top End childcare centre worker is being investigated after a claim of allegedly acting ‘inappropriately’ with a child, the NT News understands.
On Thursday Dripstone Children’s Centre released a statement to all parents and carers confirming a “full investigation” was underway following a claim of “inappropriate conduct” at the Brinkin early childcare centre.
It is understood that the investigation is looking into the actions of a worker, with parents reporting their concerns to the Dripstone Children’s Centre on Friday, September 19.
Education Minister Jo Hersey has confirmed she was aware of the claim and both Quality Education and Care NT and the NT Police have been notified.
“I’m aware of that incident that happened and it has been reported to police and, they are working through that,” Ms Hersey said.
“That’s an operational matter, so I’ll leave that up to them.”
When approached for comment NT Police said it was unable to confirm any details about the claim and no further information could be provided.
“The NTPF has not received any formal complaint,” a spokesman said.
No charges have been laid.
On Thursday the early education centre told concerned families that “this matter is being taken very seriously and is currently under full investigation following the appropriate procedures”.
“Child safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain fully committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our care,” the statement said.
The Dripstone Children’s Centre said that some Facebook posts had been shared speculating on the incident, and “kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of all individuals involved”.
“While we understand there is concern within the community, we urge against speculation or the sharing of unverified information.
“We will provide an update when it is appropriate to do so.”
The national early childcare regulator, Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, confirmed on its website that the centre had its latest inspected this month.
The facility was judged to be “exceeding” the National Quality Standards in all categories in their last inspection in July 2022, including for children’s health and safety, relationships with children, and staffing arrangements.
This week Ms Hersey said she had committed to employing more five additional compliance officers and giving more resources to the Territory early education watchdog, the QECNT.
“We are committed to getting more people on the ground there,” she said on Thursday.
“I want to assure parents that we certainly want to know if there are concerns anywhere in our facilities right across the Territory.”
The Education Department, Quality Education and Care NT, and Dripstone Children's Centre have all been contacted for further comment.
More to come.
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Originally published as Dripstone Children’s Centre confirms an investigation has been launched into a claim of ‘inappropriate conduct’
Read related topics:Local Crime NT
