Parents at an eastern Perth primary school, whose children were taught by a man recently arrested over child abuse allegations, have spoken of their shock at the criminal charges levelled against him.
Kurt David Charlton, 28, was the subject of headlines across WA two weeks ago after he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court charged with indecently dealing with a child under 13, indecently recording a child under 13 and sexual penetration of a child under 13.
Kurt Charlton was employed at a Perth primary school last year, during which it is alleged he offended against young children he was babysitting.Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt
Those charges relate to babysitting work that Charlton carried out during his spare time, including alleged offending against an 18-month-old baby, but he had also been employed as a primary school teacher in Perth’s east throughout the entirety of 2024 and for part of 2023.
He left at the end of last year to pursue employment elsewhere, but his teaching registration was suspended on February 28 after police launched an investigation, now believed to be related to a complaint made about his conduct at the school.
So far, no charges have been laid in relation to schoolchildren, only in relation to children from three separate families he worked for as a babysitter. However, during Charlton’s court appearance on June 13, prosecutors said further charges were “likely”.
Perth primary school teacher Kurt David Charlton has been charged with child sex offences.
Police told the court there were six further victims they were in the process of identifying.
They also said they had allegedly found a significant number of indecent images at the 28-year-old’s Nollamara home that he shares with his wife and baby.
The parent of one of Charlton’s former students said she was shocked to hear of his arrest and said her daughter described him as “an amazing teacher” but criticised authorities’ communication with parents.
“In essence I think it’s pretty poor that parents of children in his class found out from media reports,” she said.
“The Department of Education and police could have done much better with their communication.”
The mother said finding out her daughter’s teacher had been charged with child sex abuse was deeply disturbing.
“I felt like I’d been in a car crash,” she said.
“Officials should be trained for these scenarios, however rare, and there should be a crisis plan ready to roll out immediately or in advance of the first hearing.
“It was also very shocking for my daughter, who said she feels sad and angry. We’ve had to actively seek support for her – no one contacted us with any resources initially.
“As a parent, you place your trust in teachers to care for your loved ones every day, and it’s very traumatic when that trust is betrayed like this. Now the department needs to restore that trust and recognising that families are hurting is the first step.”
Last week a meeting was held at the school with a Department of Education spokesperson and a member of the child sex abuse squad, who still have Charlton under investigation.
A follow-up letter was sent by Education Director Cheryl Townsend acknowledging that the matter had caused “significant concern with the community”.
The letter also stated that the department acted “immediately when concerns were first raised”.
“During the meeting we heard feedback that our communications were not in line with your expectations and we will review this,” Townsend wrote.
“We will continue to follow legal and procedural requirements and advice.
“It is essential we do not take actions that could compromise an ongoing police investigation or proceeding.”
During Charlton’s court appearance on June 13, prosecutors said he had a Working With Children certificate, police clearance and first aid certificate.
Charlton graduated with a degree in engineering from Curtin University, but re-trained as a teacher, prosecutors claiming in court because of “his attraction to children”.
The court was also told Charlton may face possessing child exploitation image charges at a later date.
He was granted bail by Magistrate Gavin Mclean on June 13 but was not released from custody after his mother later told the court she would not front the $10,000 surety.
Charlton was remanded in custody and will be back before the court on July 22.
A Department of Education spokesperson said it had “acted immediately when concerns were raised in February this year preventing the teacher from continuing work in a school and resulting in a police investigation”.
“When the department was advised of the police charges on Friday 13 June, the teacher’s employment was terminated,” they said.
“Support is always available at the school level for families and students who require it for as long as necessary.”
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