Surfside Kidz in Batemans Bay will need to adhere to extra conditions for at least the next three months to remain open. Photo: Facebook.
Surfside Kidz in Batemans Bay has been allowed to reopen its doors with additional conditions after a spate of issues caused its immediate closure three months ago.
The early learning service had its service approval suspended by the NSW Early Learning Commission last December due to the immediate risk it posed to children’s safety.
This included poor supervision and staffing, issues with maintenance and concerns around cleanliness of the premises.
Commission officers have worked with the service over the past few months to rectify the issues to make sure it has compliance with national laws.
Acting NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie said the suspension was lifted due to the service demonstrating a “genuine effort” to improve and protect children.
“We know how important quality early learning services are for families, and the commission is committed to supporting safe services to keep their doors open,” he said.
“Where services fail to meet minimum standards, we will take action, however this is a positive story of a provider taking action to improve outcomes for children.”
The regulator has imposed a number of extra conditions on the service to allow for the reopening.
These require the service, and its provider, to:
- operate with one educator above the required educator-to-child ratio at all times
- submit weekly attendance records for children, and the records of educators working directly with children, to the commission for the next three months
- be capped at a maximum of 25 children in attendance until an early childhood teacher is employed, and has remained employed at the service for a continuous period of six months.
The service’s approved provider, educators and nominated supervisors are also required to complete additional child safety-related training.
These conditions will be monitored closely through regular reporting from the service as well as unannounced visits from the commission.
