The time-frame for reporting physical and sexual abuse of children in early childhood education centres to police and parents should be cut down from seven days to 24 hours, a report says.
A major review of the child safety arrangements under the National Quality Framework has made 16 recommendations relating to improving physical and online safety, supervision and staffing requirements in centres.
The report prepared by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority found the notification periods for physical or sexual abuse incidents or allegations of children in centres should be reduced to 24 hours.
Under current rules, providers have a 24-hour window to make a report for serious incidents, and a week for others.
The recommendation seeks to bring all incidents or allegations within a 24-hour reporting period.
Educators who fail to report incidents should also face penalties as individuals, the report says.
It also calls for a national educator register.
Early Learning Association Australia said it supported a centralised national database and establishing consistent terminology for Working with Children Checks.
"This would ensure that approved providers understand the importance of thorough and comprehensive due diligence when engaging new staff and throughout the employment lifecycle," chief executive Andrew Cameron said.
He said the review delivered a "real opportunity" to create and maintain a safe culture and environment for children.
Providers can be fined tens of thousands of dollars for multiple instances of abuse not being reported and almost $5000 for individual incidents.
The report found anyone working in a childhood centre should be banned from having electronic devices on them that can capture images or videos.
It comes as a former childcare worker was charged with 1623 sexual abuse offences against 91 children in Australia and overseas.
The nation's education ministers were handed the report last week and requested authorities consult with the sector on the recommendations.
They are expected to report back to the ministers at their first joint meeting early next year, with advice on how to implement the findings.
Education Minister Jason Clare said the safety of children remained a high priority for federal and state governments.
"Australia has a very good system of early childhood education and care, but more can be done to ensure the NQF remains contemporary and fit-for-purpose in the context of child safety," he said.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Remove the ability to apply for a waiver which requires the approved provider to ensure the service premises (including toilets and nappy change facilities) are designed and maintained in a way that facilitates supervision of children at all times
- Review structural building requirements under the National Construction Code with the Australian Building Codes Board to ensure building design facilitates unimpeded supervision of children at all times
- Mandate that only service-issued/approved devices may be used in centre-based services when taking images or videos of children
- Prohibit anyone who is working or engaged in a centre-based service in any capacity from having personal electronic devices that can take images or video, such as tablets and phones, on their person whilst with children
- Require parental authority to record children, including images and videos, and to clearly state the purpose for which they are to be used, including on any social media platforms
