An Adelaide early learning centre is under investigation for taking and storing images of children’s injuries and nappy rash, but police say no criminal charges have been laid.
The state’s Education Standards Board (ESB) chief executive Benn Gramola said the investigation began when they received a complaint “of inappropriate discipline” in early May from a parent whose child attended the Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre.
He said as part of that investigation, ESB officers found “photos taken of children in care to evidence nappy rash and minor scratches and grazes” at the Klemzig centre.
“The concern with that is obviously we don’t consider that appropriate,” he said.
“There’s a small number of images that were identified as part of our investigation and the service is being proactive in helping us and being cooperative with us.
“We believed this is a misguided arrangement or process to evidence injury or nappy rash within the service. We don’t believe there is any malicious intent with this.”
The Education Standards Board referred the matter to SA Police. (ABC News: Brant Cumming)
The ESB seized those devices and referred the matter to SA Police, who Mr Gramola said found no evidence to warrant criminal charges.
The ESB issued an emergency action notice and directed Little Shining Stars services to notify the families of each child enrolled during times when the photos were taken as well as engage a counselling service for the children and their families.
It also directed the centre to reset all service devices and permanently delete the images.
The centre was also ordered to amend their policies and procedures to ensure they were in line with national regulations.
In a statement later on Tuesday, Little Shining Stars said all parents have been notified and it has reviewed and amended some of its procedures “to strengthen our compliance and practices”.
“In response to this direction we have implemented a Photograph Policy in which we have committed to not taking any photos of children’s injuries and deleting all photos of children after three months,” it said.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and high-quality environment for children and families.”
Five Little Shining Stars centres were issued emergency action notices. File image. (ABC News)
The ESB further issued emergency action notice to four other Little Shining Stars centres at Pooraka, Virginia, Wayville and Evanston regarding the practice of taking and storing images evidencing injuries.
The ESB also said the service provider had terminated the employment of three female workers following the parent’s complaint that children were being tapped on the head during nap times.
ESB chief executive Benn Gramola said the Little Shining Stars incident was considered “isolated”.
“I want to reassure families that children’s safety remains our highest priority,” he said.
“I encourage staff, families, and members of the public to report any concerns or complaints about early childhood education and care services to the Education Standards Board.”
The ESB said the investigation was continuing and other regulatory action, including prosecution, may be taken when it ends.
More money was invested in the ESB in 2023, which has seen service visits rise by 63 per cent on the previous year, and staffing levels double.