Critical oversight: Key data for WA early education providers on reportable conduct scheme

The safety and protection of children remain core responsibilities for all early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers. In Western Australia, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, administered by the Ombudsman, plays a pivotal role in overseeing how organisations respond to allegations of child-related harm.

The Ombudsman Western Australia Annual Report 2024–25 outlines key data and findings for the ECEC sector, revealing increased notifications, areas for system improvement, and the need for targeted cultural and procedural change.

In 2024–25, the Ombudsman received 877 notifications of reportable conduct, a 26 per cent increase from the previous year. While this increase places additional pressure on the system, it may also reflect a positive cultural shift. It is possible that children are speaking up more as a result of improved educational programs, and that staff are increasingly confident to report concerns due to strengthened policies and the formal introduction of the Ombudsman’s oversight.

Of these notifications, the early education and care sector accounted for the largest share, submitting 261 notifications, or 32 per cent of those within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction (809). The education sector followed closely with 235 notifications (29 per cent).

Reportable conduct refers to allegations involving child-related harm by employees. The most frequently reported allegations across all sectors included:

• Physical assault (483 allegations)
• Significant neglect (205 allegations)
• Sexual misconduct (74 allegations)

Despite higher reporting volumes, a systemic review titled Western Australia’s Reportable Conduct Scheme: A review of systems to protect children revealed that only 39.3 per cent of surveyed organisations had fully implemented the systems required to identify and respond to reportable conduct.

This indicates that awareness and understanding of the Scheme remain low across many sectors. Under the Scheme, organisations must have systems in place to prevent, detect and manage allegations. The Ombudsman has emphasised that these findings will inform targeted education and support, especially in high-risk sectors.

The Reportable Conduct Scheme is a critical mechanism for improving practice and promoting child safety. In 2024–25, organisations undertook 238 improvement actions following involvement from the Ombudsman. These actions commonly related to:

• Policy and procedural changes
• Staff training and capacity building
• Updates to systems and business processes

The Ombudsman’s Reportable Conduct team also responded to 497 enquiries through their dedicated Enquiry Line and delivered 53 education and outreach sessions, including 16 in regional WA.

A case study from a regional not-for-profit children’s service illustrated the Scheme’s positive impact. Engagement led to significant changes, including a revised child protection policy, upgraded CCTV infrastructure, and a shift in workplace culture that encouraged staff to report concerns. The service director noted that the process not only resolved the matter but contributed to lasting protections for children.

The Ombudsman’s office is also supporting the staged implementation of the Child Safe Standards (CSS) in Western Australia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to child safety.

In addition to administering the Reportable Conduct Scheme, the Ombudsman exercises other child-focused oversight functions relevant to the sector:

• Child Death Reviews: The office received 161 child death notifications in 2024–25, progressing 61 for further review. Reviews led to six formal recommendations to improve public authority systems. One review resulted in a recommendation for improved coordination between the Department of Communities and Department of Education around the Student Whose Whereabouts is Unknown (SWU) list to ensure at-risk students are supported sooner.
• Child-Focused Complaints: The office maintains a child-focused complaints mechanism, which was assessed in March 2025 as providing strong evidence of a child-safe approach. Anonymised data from these complaints continues to be shared with the Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP).

WA ECEC providers are encouraged to review the findings and recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Annual Report and assess their own organisational systems and culture against the expectations of the Reportable Conduct Scheme.