Childcare provider restricts male educators from intimate care duties amid safety concerns

In response to mounting concern over child safety in early learning settings, Inspire Early Learning has introduced a policy banning male educators from nappy changes and toileting duties across its 16 centres in Victoria. The change, communicated to families last Friday, is being implemented immediately.

Eleinna Anderson, Chief Curriculum and Quality Officer at Inspire, said the decision was made to remain “sensitive and responsive to family needs” and reaffirmed that male staff “will continue to play a vital role” in learning environments, classroom preparation and maintaining a safe and clean space.

“The wellbeing and safety of your children are at the heart of everything we do,” the statement to families read.

In addition to the new staffing guidelines, all educators have been directed to refrain from kissing or unnecessary physical contact with children and to seek consent when offering comfort, such as a hug or hand-hold.

“The policy change has drawn mixed reactions across the sector. Lived experience survivor advocates such as Louise Edmonds, supported the decision as a temporary safeguard. “This is a controversial topic but many parents are asking for this,” she said. Edmonds called for the introduction of parent opt-in systems that would allow families to determine who provides intimate care for their children.”

An online petition supporting restrictions on male educators in early learning and kindergarten environments has gathered over 600 signatures. The petition calls for enhanced national screening systems, surveillance, and regulatory transparency before full inclusion in all care roles is restored.

However, others have raised concerns about the unintended consequences of gender-based restrictions. The United Workers Union said it does not support a ban on men in the sector, stating “we all want to make the system safer” without undermining inclusion.

Former child sexual abuse detective Kristi McVee urged a broader cultural shift focused on accountability. “I don’t want to gender this issue,” she said. “In my experience, I’ve seen both female and male offenders. It’s not until other men stand up to men and say ‘no, this is not good enough’ that meaningful change will happen.”

The policy shift at Inspire Early learning also brings renewed focus to the ongoing challenges faced by male educators in the early childhood sector.

As discussed in The Sector’s April feature, “Supporting male educators: Navigating challenges and advocating for change”, efforts to promote gender diversity in the workforce have long been accompanied by deeply rooted concerns and community perceptions.

While child safety remains paramount, stakeholders emphasise the need to avoid reinforcing stigma or limiting the contribution of male educators through blanket policies.

The debate has unfolded alongside major state and federal policy responses, including urgent legislative reforms, mandatory CCTV implementation, and the fast-tracking of national Working With Children Check (WWCC) reforms. 

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced an independent inquiry into the state’s early learning regulatory framework, appointing former South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill to lead the review. The decision has drawn some criticism, given past child protection failures under his leadership in South Australia.

As public trust is tested, the sector faces the challenge of balancing child safety, workforce inclusion, and parental confidence. With reforms underway and scrutiny intensifying, early learning services are being called to reaffirm their commitment to both safety and equity.