Concerns over childcare assessment
It has been revealed more than half of Queensland's childcare centres have failed to pass national standards, or have not been assessed, in the wake of a worker being charged with the attempted rape of a two-year-old boy.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised that Queensland’s childcare facilities will meet national standards, after a Brisbane childcare worker was charged with the attempted rape of a two-year-old boy.
“What we saw the other day is completely disturbing,” she told 7 News.
“Childcare is a place where parents need to be assured that their child is safe... safety is paramount."
The 20-year-old man who was charged with attempted rape and deprivation of liberty on Monday, had been working at a Durack centre for around six months.
Police also found child exploitation material at his home.
The incident raised questions about how the man was cleared to work with children and brought the blue card system and criminal background check under scrutiny.
It has now been revealed that nearly half of Queensland's childcare providers do not meet the required industry benchmarks or haven't been assessed.
According to the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority there are 2806 childcare providers in Queensland, which have to be assessed by state Education department staff.
Of these, 823 meet national quality standards, 668 exceed them and nine have an excellent rating.
However 579 providers don't meet national standards and 723 are yet to be assessed.
"If there are any issues then those issues must be addressed,” Ms Palaszczuk told 7 News.
The Premier will also be pushing ahead with a possible overhaul of the blue card system, after a report into the Durack incident is finalised.
