Parents at the Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre in Klemzig, Adelaide, have expressed a range of opinions as the centre is currently under investigation by the Education Standards Board (ESB). The inquiry focuses on the centre’s practices regarding the taking and storage of children’s images, specifically for documenting minor injuries and nappy rash. The ESB confirmed that police found no evidence to support a criminal investigation.
A father of a child enrolled at the Klemzig centre stated he had no concerns about the photo-taking practices. “I’m not that worried because I have seen how good they are taking care of my baby,” he noted. He emphasized his trust in the staff, explaining that the images were for his reference only.
In contrast, other parents have raised serious concerns. One mother expressed her disapproval, stating, “Quite disgusted, what kind of world do you think you’re in to be taking photos of other children’s genitals, just for documenting purposes?” She indicated that her child would not return to the service after learning of the investigation.
Another parent reassured that she felt safe with the measures in place. “Our concern is a personal phone, but they say it’s not a personal [device], it’s an official iPad,” she said, adding that she trusts the staff’s intentions.
Blair Boyer, the South Australian Education Minister, commented on the situation, confirming that staff used “centre-owned iPads” for documentation, not personal devices. He noted that the investigation arose from concerns regarding the centre’s practices. “There were concerns from some parents that nappy rash was being caused by practices at the centre,” he stated, adding that the staff documented certain instances of nappy rash inappropriately.
The ESB’s scrutiny of Little Shining Stars is not isolated. Four additional centres operated by the same organization—located in Pooraka, Virginia, Evanston, and Wayville—have also received emergency action notices for failing to comply with national regulations.
In a statement, Little Shining Stars acknowledged the investigation and indicated that it had made changes to its procedures to enhance compliance. The ESB is continuing its investigation, which may lead to further regulatory actions, including potential prosecutions.
Boyer described the ESB’s investigation as “thorough” and emphasized the importance of timely inspections, which have increased due to recent funding boosts. “That means information that families have around where a centre might be on that chart of national quality standards is more up-to-date information,” he explained.
The last assessment of Little Shining Stars sites occurred in 2021. The ESB’s website lists seven other childcare centres and a primary school that have encountered various compliance issues with the Education and Care Services National Regulations. However, Boyer refrained from providing specific details about these instances, stating that decisions about issuing emergency action notices rest with the ESB.
Efforts are underway to ensure that childcare centres are assessed and rated every three years, a move supported by increased funding for the ESB in 2023. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of children at early learning centres across the region.
