UPDATE: A childcare worker in Bathurst, New South Wales, has admitted to assaulting a three-year-old boy after becoming increasingly “frustrated and flustered” when her requests for help were ignored. Hayley Kelleher, 18, pleaded guilty to one count of common assault during a brief appearance in Bathurst Local Court on Wednesday, marking a shocking incident that has raised concerns about childcare practices.
The incident occurred on July 11, 2023, at Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre. Kelleher was attempting to manage a group of young children for their midday nap when the boy repeatedly refused to lie down. Despite her pleas for assistance from senior colleagues, her requests went unanswered, escalating her frustration.
According to court documents, Kelleher grabbed the boy’s right arm, lifting him off the ground and dragging him approximately three meters to a different mattress. The action caused pain and discomfort to the child, resulting in damage to his clothing. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage, which later played a crucial role in the investigation.
The child’s mother lodged a complaint with the NSW Education Department soon after the event, prompting an internal investigation by the centre. Kelleher was terminated from her position shortly thereafter. The mother reported the incident to the police in late August after viewing the footage, leading to Kelleher’s police interview in mid-September, where she acknowledged her wrongdoing.
In her statement, Kelleher expressed remorse, clarifying that she had no intention of causing harm. “I felt frustrated and flustered due to the lack of assistance managing the child,” she stated, according to the court documents.
The conduct of childcare workers has been under intense scrutiny, particularly following a long-running investigation into the sector by ABC’s Four Corners. In response to this incident, the Bathurst centre reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse or neglect. They have worked closely with authorities to ensure that all concerns were handled appropriately.
Kelleher is scheduled for sentencing on December 10, 2023. As this case unfolds, it highlights significant issues within childcare management and the need for proper support and training for educators in high-stress environments. The community is watching closely, as the implications of this incident resonate beyond the courtroom.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
