External investigator appointed after two children leave Canberra early learning centre

Two five-year-old children were returned safely to their families after leaving Majura Early Childhood Centre after they were found by police. The provider has appointed an independent investigator, while the ACT regulator assesses the incident.

It is alleged the children were seen in the surrounding area after reportedly using an upturned toy box to climb over a fence.

Members of the public alerted police, who located the children and contacted their parents. 

It remains unclear how long the children were away from the service or when educators became aware of their absence.

Provider apologises and appoints investigator

Northside Community Service, the centre's approved provider, has apologised and appointed an independent external investigator to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Northside chief executive Dan English acknowledged the distress caused to the children, their parents and other families.

“We sincerely apologise for the incident,” he said in a statement reported by the ABC.

The provider has not publicly detailed the full extent of these measures or released findings from its independent investigation.

ACT regulator assesses incident

CECA confirmed it had received information from Northside and was assessing whether further investigation or regulatory action was required.

ACT Child Development Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith described the incident as “extremely concerning”.

Adequate supervision is also a requirement under the National Regulations and is addressed through Element 2.2.1 of the National Quality Standard (NQS).

The circumstances of the Majura incident remain subject to examination, pending a regulatory outcome.

Service's regulatory history

Majura holds an overall rating of Exceeding NQS, issued in December 2023. Quality Area 2, Children's health and safety, and Quality Area 3, Physical environment, were both rated Meeting NQS.

The provider's independent investigation and CECA's regulatory assessment will determine what further information or action may be required following the latest incident.