By Josefine Ganko and Penry Buckley
Two childcare workers have been charged with the assault of a 17-month-old boy at an early learning centre in western Sydney, with the alleged incidents reportedly captured on CCTV.
Police received information that a toddler had been injured at Start Strong Early Learning Centre in South Wentworthville on June 26. An investigation found the boy’s injuries were sustained in separate incidents involving the staff members on the same day.
The Start Strong Early Learning Centre in South Wentworthville.Credit: Nine News
Nine News said the child’s parents raised the alarm three weeks ago after noticing bruising from alleged rough handling, with detectives later discovering the CCTV footage.
On Tuesday, police charged two female childcare workers with assault. A 42-year-old woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault, and a 32-year-old woman was charged with common assault.
In a statement from the centre, obtained by Nine News, parents were told the staff members had been “terminated from our service following an internal investigation” and the centre was cooperating with police.
“Please rest assured that the safety and wellbeing of all children at our centres remains our highest priority”.
Start Strong Early Learning Centre declined a request for comment when contacted by the Herald.
Both women are due to appear before Blacktown Local Court on August 27.
Parents and carers are reminded that if you are concerned a child or children may be at risk, please contact the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 or police directly.
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