Education Department investigation ongoing into alleged ‘inappropriate’ conduct at Dripstone Children’s Centre
Investigators remain tight-lipped following allegations an early education worker acted ‘inappropriately’ with a child at a Top End centre, with no confirmation if the staff member has been stood down.
Investigators remain tight-lipped following allegations an early education worker acted “inappropriately” with a child at a Darwin centre, with no confirmation if the staff member has been stood down.
Dripstone Children’s Centre released a statement to all parents and carers three weeks ago confirming a “full investigation” was underway following a claim of “inappropriate conduct” at the Brinkin early childcare centre.
It is understood that the centre, Police and the Education Department were looking into the actions of a worker, after the child’s parents reported their concerns to the Dripstone Children’s Centre on Friday, September 19.
On Tuesday the Department of Education and Training the investigation into a Dripstone Children’s Centre staff member was still underway, but were unable to confirm if they were still on active duties.
The Department said the early education regulator — Quality Education and Care NT — was notified by the centre “within the required timeframe”, and a risk mitigation strategy was in place.
“QECNT immediately commenced preliminary investigations in line with legislative obligations, including immediately contacting the service to confirm risk mitigation strategies were in place,” a spokeswoman said.
“While QECNT investigates breaches of the National Quality Standard, it does not have authority over employment or enrolment decisions, which remain the responsibility of individual services,” she said.
For the past three weeks Dripstone Children’s Centre management have repeatedly been contacted for comment by the NT News, but have not responded.
“QECNT took proactive steps to ensure all appropriate authorities were informed by notifying the Northern Territory Police as a duty of care,” a spokeswoman said.
Education Minister Jo Hersey also previously confirmed the incident was reported to NT Police, but on Tuesday a spokesman said the force was “unable to confirm any details” and “no further information can be provided”.
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Originally published as Education Department investigation ongoing into alleged ‘inappropriate’ conduct at Dripstone Children’s Centre
