Child left alone on locked bus: OSHC under scrutiny

Fiona Alston

Jun 18, 2025

Save

A South Australian out-of-school hours care (OSHC) provider is facing serious scrutiny after a child was reportedly left alone on a locked bus that was returned to the depot following an after-school trip.

The incident, which occurred on Friday 13 June, involved a sleeping child who was not accounted for during the routine disembarkation process. The bus was subsequently driven back to the depot, where the child was later discovered unharmed.

Happy Haven OSHC, a family-owned provider operating over 50 sites across metropolitan and regional South Australia, has confirmed the incident and stated that an internal review is underway to assess and strengthen their safety protocols.

This event has reignited concerns about child safety during transportation in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) emphasises the importance of stringent safety measures, including thorough checks of vehicles after each trip and comprehensive staff training to prevent such incidents.

To assist services, ACECQA has published a suite of practical, guidance-driven resources:

Safe Transportation of Children Guidance for Adequate Supervision During Transportation Safe Transportation – Your Questions Answered Safety Checklist and Transportation Record Form

These documents are designed to support approved providers in reviewing and refining their transport procedures, risk assessments and compliance responsibilities under the National Quality Framework.

Happy Haven OSHC has expressed its commitment to reviewing and improving its procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in its care. The provider encourages families and staff to remain vigilant and report any concerns to maintain a safe environment for children.

Don’t miss a thing

NSW Early Learning Commission conducts 220 unannounced visits

More than 100 regulatory officers conducted unannounced inspections at over 220 early learning services in a single-day compliance operation, as the NSW Early Learning Commission intensifies oversight across the sector.

Failing the Most Vulnerable: Two WA Childcare Providers Penalised Over Supervision Breaches

In February the Western Australian State Administrative Tribunal handled two separate disciplinary proceedings brought by the CEO of the Department of Communities against out-of-school-hours care (OSHC) providers. Both cases highlight critical failures in active supervision, particularly concerning highly vulnerable children diagnosed with autism who managed to wander away from their respective services unnoticed.

Keeping children safe with one simple lesson

Water safety remains at the forefront of national concern, as drowning continues to be the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 0-4.

Prime childcare and medical investment opportunity hits the market in Thornhill Park

A permit-approved early learning and medical asset in Melbourne’s west is set to test investor appetite for secure income, long-term leases and value-add potential in a high-growth corridor.

Ecological identity: a new lens on an age-old practice