The 20 February 2025 incident occurred after the boy, who is neurodivergent and has additional needs, wandered from the out of school hours care service.
The child was returned to the service by a member of the public after 30 minutes outside the service.
The service was aware of the child’s additional needs, however, did not have any support plans in place to accommodate those needs at the time of the incident.
A Department of Communities (Communities) investigation found that the provider had breached the Education and Care Services National Law (Western Australia) by failing to adequately supervise a child in their care, failing to notify the Regulatory Authority of the incident within the correct timeframe and failing to keep prescribed documents available for inspection.
More information on the SAT order is available on the eCourts website.
Quotes from Angelo Barbaro, Executive Director, Regulation and Quality, Department of Communities:
"Services must ensure that their staff are prepared to actively supervise all children in their care, no matter their needs or circumstances."
"Inadequate supervision within the education and care services sector is a significant concern of Communities."
"Even a momentary lapse of supervision can significantly increase the risk of harm to children."
"It is incredibly fortunate that this child was located safely and unharmed."
"We urge approved providers to ensure constant, adequate supervision to keep children safe and to avoid being penalised."
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