Emergency Action Notices issued to three South Australian ECEC services over mobile device management concerns

Three early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in South Australia have been issued Emergency Action Notices by the Education Standards Board (ESB) following findings of non-compliance related to mobile device use, child protection, and adherence to policies and procedures.

The services, Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre in Norwood, Wendy’s Nursery School and ELC in Norwood, and Morphett Vale Early Learning Centre, were each directed under Section 179 of the Education and Care Services National Law (South Australia) to take immediate and specified actions to address identified risks.

Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre – Norwood

The Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre, was found by a Delegate of the Education Standards Board (ESB) to have breached multiple provisions of the National Law and Regulations. These included:

• Section 167(2) – Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazards
• Regulation 168(1) – Policies and procedures
• Regulation 170(1) – Policies and procedures to be followed

In response, the ESB issued an Emergency Action Notice on 15 December 2025. The provider was required to immediately stop using all service-issued iPads and to:

• Perform factory resets on each device and provide evidence to the ESB
• Establish unique iCloud accounts and passcodes for each device

Additional directions included mandatory in-person training for all staff on the National Model Code – Taking images in early childhood education and care, and communication to all enrolled families outlining the compliance issues and corrective steps. Evidence of both actions is to be submitted to the ESB.

Wendy’s Nursery School and ELC – Norwood

At Wendy’s Nursery School and ELC, the ESB identified a breach of:

• Regulation 170(1) – Policies and procedures to be followed

An Emergency Action Notice was issued on 15 December 2025, directing the service to take the following immediate actions:

• Remove all service-issued iPads from bathroom and change areas
• Perform a factory reset of each device and provide verification to the ESB

Subsequent actions included in-person staff training on the National Model Code for Early Childhood Education and Care, notification to families about the breach and required steps, confirmation that all iPads are stored securely, and a full review of digital device use policies, specifically addressing use in sensitive areas.

Morphett Vale Early Learning Centre – Morphett Vale

Operated by G8 Education Limited was also found to be in breach of:

• Regulation 170(1) – Policies and procedures to be followed

Following this finding, the ESB issued an Emergency Action Notice on 12 December 2025. The notice directed that all service-issued iPads be immediately removed from bathroom and change areas and that factory resets be completed, with confirmation provided to the ESB.

In addition, staff were required to undertake face-to-face training on two key internal policies:

• Part 6 – Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Safety (Child Safe Environment Policy)
• Acceptable Usage Policy – Keeping Children, Families and Team Members Safe

The provider must also submit evidence of staff training, communication with families, and demonstrate that iPads are securely stored when not in use.

The ESB’s actions reinforce the critical importance of robust digital device management and policy adherence in safeguarding children’s wellbeing. Services are reminded to regularly review internal procedures and ensure that technology use aligns with current regulations and best practice standards.

For more information about regulatory compliance and emergency actions, visit the Education Standards Board SA.