Child left alone on locked bus: OSHC under scrutiny

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.