In a startling incident that has raised concerns about childcare safety, a one-year-old baby was mistakenly handed over to a stranger at the First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, Sydney. The mix-up occurred last Monday when a grandfather, who arrived to collect his grandchild, was inadvertently given the wrong child. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Department of Education into the childcare facility, which is owned by Patricia Hastie and her husband Andrew.
Patricia Hastie, who oversees eleven First Steps facilities across Sydney, was approached for comment but refused to engage with media inquiries, exclaiming, “Oh f— off!” when confronted by reporters. The incident has sparked a broader examination of the centre’s protocols and operational practices.
Child Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The mistaken handover has highlighted potential lapses in the facility’s child collection protocols. According to Hastie, these protocols were not followed, leading to the unfortunate mix-up. The Department of Education is now investigating multiple alleged breaches at the academy, which has faced criticism from both parents and former employees.
A former worker at First Steps Bangor described the working conditions as challenging, citing long hours and staffing shortages. “They work you long hours, and then when you’re meant to finish, because of ratios and lack of staff and too many kids, you have to stay back all the time,” the ex-employee revealed.
Parental Concerns and Allegations
Parents have expressed their concerns over the centre’s management and the safety of their children. One mother, whose four-year-old son attended the facility, noted the unsettling turnover of staff and the impact on children. “The staff are usually frazzled when we turn up. There’s a huge casual pool of staff and that’s quite unsettling for the children,” she said.
In a separate incident, a mother reported that her son was pulled vigorously by the hand, an event that went unreported for seven weeks. The Department of Education investigated the incident, which Hastie claims was reported the day it became known to the centre.
Previous Incidents and Compliance Actions
The current investigation is not the first time First Steps Learning Academy has faced scrutiny. A former employee recounted an incident where a child was left alone in a dark room as punishment, an allegation that Hastie denies. However, the Department of Education substantiated the claim and issued a compliance action against the centre.
“It doesn’t feel like they really care about your learning or the children and the families,” the former worker said, highlighting a broader issue of trust within the facility.
The ex-employee also described feeling intimidated during an inspection interview, with superiors present, which she claims prevented her from speaking freely about her concerns.
Government Response and Reforms
In response to the growing concerns over childcare safety, the NSW Government has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing safety and quality in the early education sector. The reforms include 30 proposed changes, such as prioritizing child safety, increasing fines for breaches, and enhancing transparency for families.
“The NSW Government is also investing $55 million to boost frontline staff, increase inspections, and fund technology to protect children,” the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority stated.
The reforms also propose the creation of a standalone regulator and the implementation of a national education register, among other measures, to ensure higher standards and accountability in childcare services.
As the investigation into First Steps Learning Academy continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of children in childcare facilities across the region. The outcome of the investigation and the implementation of the new reforms will likely shape the future landscape of early childhood education in New South Wales.
