As a proud not-for-profit provider of outside school hours care (OSHC), the Y NSW has welcomed a key recommendation from a NSW Upper House Committee inquiry report on the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, saying it reinforces the need to prioritise child safety in OSHC.
The Inquiry's report, released this week, made significant findings about the sector and highlighted that current regulatory settings are not fit for purpose.
The Y NSW strongly supports recommendation #29, which states:
'That the NSW Government introduce a requirement that at least two staff members are in line of sight of each other at all times when interacting with children at early childhood education and care services.'
The recommendation closely aligns with The Y NSW's Prioritising Child Safety campaign which calls for stronger supervision safeguards and a consistent two-educator model across OSHC services.
Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh said the recommendation is welcome and a minimum of two educators rostered and physically present at all times in all OSHC services should be implemented by the NSW Government. "Implementing a two-educator model is a simple, practical safeguard that helps strengthen supervision and protect children."
"This recommendation is important, and a two-educator model now needs to become policy so that every child has access to the same standard of care and safety."
"Since launching our Prioritising Child Safety campaign, we've received strong, widespread community support to prioritise child safety. We thank our partners, including Wesley Mission, for their strong support for prioritising child safety in OSHC."
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron said families rightly expect the strongest possible safeguards when they entrust their children to care services.
"The report's recommendation sends an important signal that stronger supervision standards matter and that child safety must remain at the centre of decision-making. We hope the NSW Government now turns this momentum into action."
The community can learn more about the Prioritising Child Safety campaign and sign thepledge at prioritisingchildsafety.org.au.
