'Children have ended up on main roads', SA childcare regulator says
South Australia's Education Standards Board has reported that about one in five childcare centres in the state do not meet national quality standards, with serious concerns including inadequate supervision leading to children accessing main roads and medical mismanagement. The board has issued 507 statutory compliance actions this financial year, a significant increase from previous years, due to heightened oversight and a funding boost following a royal commission. Chief executive Benn Gramola emphasized ongoing efforts to improve sector accountability while acknowledging the dedication of many childcare workers.
- ▪Children have ended up on main roads and been injured due to poor supervision at some South Australian childcare centres.
- ▪The Education Standards Board issued 507 statutory compliance actions this financial year, up from 112 the previous year.
- ▪About 20% of South Australian childcare centres do not meet national quality standards, often rated as 'working towards' compliance.
- ▪The board has increased visits to childcare services to over 1,100 this financial year compared to under 700 the prior year.
- ▪Following the 2023 Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the ESB received additional funding to improve oversight.
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'Children have ended up on main roads', SA childcare regulator saysBy Stephanie RichardsStatelineTopic:Child Care32m ago32 minutes agoThu 30 Apr 2026 at 8:20pmEducation Standards Board chief executive Benn Gramola says his office has issued more than 500 statutory compliance actions this financial year. (ABC News: Simon Goodes)In short:One in five South Australian childcare centres do not meet national quality standards.The state's Education Standards Board has issued 507 statutory compliance actions against education and care services so far this financial year, up from 112 in the previous financial year.What's next?Board chief executive Benn Gramola says the watchdog is increasing visits to services, but says he wants to credit to the many hardworking and passionate workers in the…
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