Adelaide early learning centre under investigation for image handling practices

The Education Standards Board (ESB) of South Australia is investigating Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre in Klemzig following concerns about the inappropriate storage of images documenting children’s injuries and nappy rash.

The investigation, initially triggered by a parental complaint regarding discipline practices, has since expanded to include concerns around the centre’s procedures for photographing children to record minor injuries. As part of the inquiry, the ESB identified a small number of images stored on service devices, which have since been seized and referred to South Australia Police.

While police have determined there is no basis for criminal charges, the ESB has taken regulatory action, issuing emergency notices to five Little Shining Stars centres, including sites in Pooraka, Virginia, Wayville and Evanston.

Benn Gramola, chief executive of the ESB, said there was no indication of malicious intent, describing the image-taking practice as “a misguided arrangement or process” to document injuries within the service. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed the Board’s position that the practice was inappropriate and not aligned with sector expectations.

“The concern with that is obviously we don’t consider that appropriate,” Mr Gramola said in a statement to ABC News. “We believe this is a misguided arrangement. We don’t believe there is any malicious intent with this.”

The ESB directed the provider to notify all families whose children were enrolled during the relevant period, engage counselling services for affected families, permanently delete the images, and update its policies to ensure alignment with national regulatory requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

In response, Little Shining Stars issued a public statement confirming it had notified families and revised its internal procedures. The service has implemented a new Photograph Policy, including a commitment to refrain from taking photos of children’s injuries and deleting images after three months.

“We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and high-quality environment for children and families,” the provider said.

Separately, the ESB confirmed that three educators had their employment terminated following earlier allegations of inappropriate discipline specifically, tapping children on the head during rest periods. These matters were deemed unrelated to the photographic concerns.

Mr Gramola said the incidents appear isolated and reinforced the Board’s commitment to child safety across all education and care services in South Australia.

“I want to reassure families that children’s safety remains our highest priority,” he said. “I encourage staff, families, and members of the public to report any concerns or complaints.”

The ESB’s regulatory reach has expanded following a significant investment in 2023, which has enabled a 63 per cent increase in service visits and a doubling of staff.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Board has indicated further regulatory action including possible prosecution may be taken pending its outcome.

This article is based on original reporting by ABC News.