Education Department responds to childcare court charges

The Qld Education Department has confirmed that a Bundaberg childcare centre will continue to be monitored by the regulator as it faces multiple compliance and safety charges.

The Education Department has advised that Bundaberg’s Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare will be regularly monitored as it continues its prosecution of the childcare centre for charges of failing to protect and supervise children.

The Education Department has advised that Bundaberg’s Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare will be regularly monitored as it continues its prosecution of the childcare centre for charges of failing to protect and supervise children.

A Qld Ed spokesperson said on Thursday the charges of two counts each of failing to adequately supervise children and failing to protect children from harm related to incidents that occurred at the Avoca childcare centre over a 17-month period between February 23, 2021 and July 8, 2022.

In February 2022, a Queensland Regulatory Authority investigation found that Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare had breached “national laws and regulations” in failing to supervise children and notify the Regulatory Authority after a child needed surgery after being injured at the centre a month prior.

When asked if the Department would advise parents to avoid the centre and seek other options for children enrolled there, the spokesperson said:

“While the prosecution action is underway, the service continues to be regularly monitored by Authorised Officers from the Regulatory Authority to ensure its ongoing compliance with the National Law and Regulations”.

“As the Regulatory Authority for early childhood education and care services, the department places the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children attending these services.

“Approved providers have clear legislative requirements to ensure adequate supervision and to protect children in their care from harm and hazard.

“The Regulatory Authority actively monitors services’ compliance with these requirements, and does not hesitate to take action if and when providers fail to meet their obligations.”

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority website shows Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare has been meeting or exceeding all National Quality Standard ratings, including 'children's health and safety'.

According to The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority website, Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare is an approved childcare centre meeting all National Quality Standard ratings, including children’s health and safety, and exceeding the rating for collaborative partnerships with families and communities.

The rating was issued in May 2015. ACECQA has been contacted to confirm the body is aware of the complaint brought against the childcare centre, and whether parents with children currently enrolled at the centre are advised to seek other options.

The Department of Education’s prosecution of Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare was mentioned in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Kristy Ramsay appeared as a representative of Grans & Co Pty Ltd, the company trading as Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission records.

Kristy Ramsay appeared in Bundaberg Magistrates Court as a representative of Grans & Co. PTY. LTD., the company trading as Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare.

Appearing as town agent for Meridian Lawyers, the legal representatives for Grans & Co, Matt Maloy told the court negotiations had taken place between the company and the Department of Education, and he requested an adjournment to a later date.

While no representatives for the Department of Education appeared, Mr Maloy tendered emails in court from the department stating that it consented to a one month adjournment.

Grans & Co Pty Ltd is facing two counts each of failing to adequately supervise children and failing to protect children from harm and hazards, and one count each of failing to comply with a compliance notice and failing to comply with a compliance direction.

Magistrate John McInnes adjourned the matter to October 3, in Bundaberg Magistrates Court.

Frogtastic Educational Kindergarten and Childcare have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Education Department responds to childcare court charges