The State Administrative Tribunal has found that GD & KJ Pty Ltd, trading as Gummi Bears Child Care Centre, breached Section 167(1) of the National Law for an offence involving protection of children from any harm and hazard likely to cause injury.
A Department of Communities investigation found that hot water had been splashed on the five-year-old girl during a playdough-making activity on 19 April this year.
She was treated at Perth Children’s Hospital for second degree burns to her chest, her right forearm (which required skin grafting) and minor burns to her face.
The child is likely to face lifelong effects as a result of this incident, and the seriousness of this is reflected in the high penalty imposed.
Quotes from Catherine Stoddart, Deputy Director General – Governance, Intelligence and Reform, Department of Communities
“The dangers of using hot water near children are well known, and hot water should not be used in an activity at an education and care service in any circumstances.”
“Burn injuries can have life-long consequences for children. Incidents like these are incredibly distressing for the children involved, their families, and other childcare staff involved.
“Staff should be trained in the service’s policies and procedures and risk assessment to ensure they are embedded in their service’s practices.
“Childcare providers must have systems in place to monitor that staff understand and follow the service policies and procedures.
“There has been a spate of incidents across the sector involving children being burned by hot liquids or seriously injured, and the Department of Communities is putting all approved providers on notice that it may suspend services from operating if it finds that children have been put at serious risk.
“The high penalty imposed by SAT demonstrates that approved providers are ultimately responsible for the actions of their educators and staff under the National Law.
“Having policies alone is not sufficient - childcare providers must actively engage staff in thinking about the safety of the children and ensure that appropriate and robust practices are in place at their services at all times. Ongoing reviews should be conducted to ensure maintenance of practices and, where applicable, improvements must be made to ensure children are protected from harm and hazards at all times.”
Media contact: Steve Worner 0418 918 299
