Over the past few weeks, many families have been left feeling deeply distressed and shaken by revelations involving a former educator at childcare services in Victoria.
At Montessori Academy, we want to first acknowledge the weight of this moment for families, educators, and the entire early learning community. Our thoughts are with the children and families impacted, and with every parent now seeking reassurance that their child is safe.
We thank the many families who have reached out with kind words and support for our educators. It means the world to them. As the sector reflects and moves forward, we want to share with you the steps we already take to ensure children’s safety in our care, and how we continue to strengthen that commitment.
To learn more about our organisation-wide safety practices, please visit our Child Safety Commitment page.
Working Together to Keep Children Safe
While the educator involved in the investigation has never been employed by Montessori Academy, we understand the concern this has raised. We take the responsibility of safeguarding children incredibly seriously, and always have.
We strongly support measures that enhance safety across the sector, including:
- The proposed introduction of a national Working With Children Check
- Better information sharing between states and government agencies
- Increased support for sector regulators
- The creation of a National Early Childhood Education and Care Commission
How We Safeguard Children. Every Day.
Child safety is embedded in every aspect of our operations, from recruitment and training to the design of our learning environments. These are some of the ways we actively keep children safe:
Rigorous Recruitment & Screening
Every Montessori Academy staff member must:
- Hold a valid Working With Children Check (or state equivalent)
- Pass thorough reference checks, including at least one from a recent direct supervisor
- Complete child-safety-centred interviews
- For leadership roles, complete psychometric assessments to assess sound judgment and emotional intelligence
We also ensure casual staff are carefully vetted and, where possible, familiar to the centre.
Active Supervision & Clear Line of Sight
Our educators work as a team to maintain constant supervision and visibility:
- Children remain within designated learning areas (classrooms, playgrounds, sleep/rest spaces)
- No child is taken to isolated locations like offices or staff rooms
- We thoughtfully design environments to maintain visibility e.g., avoiding posters or furnishings that block sightlines
- Educator-to-child ratios are regularly checked to meet or exceed regulatory standards
24/7 CCTV Monitoring
CCTV is in operation at all centres across all indoor and outdoor areas (excluding bathrooms for privacy). Our Centre Managers and Area Managers review footage during audits and any time a concern is raised.
Personal Device Restrictions
Staff are not permitted to use personal mobile phones or smart watches while working with children. All documentation and digital tools are used on secure, centre-managed devices.
Ongoing Child Protection Training
Every Montessori Academy educator:
- Is trained as a Mandatory Reporter
- Completes annual refresher training on child safety
- Receives clear induction and regular updates through staff meetings
- Has a clear responsibility to speak up, act, and report concerns without hesitation
Daily Leadership Oversight
Centre Managers and Area Managers:
- Conduct daily compliance checks
- Lead weekly team reviews
- Complete monthly safety audits
This ensures policies are followed, risks are identified early, and issues are resolved immediately.
We know that families place extraordinary trust in us. Our goal is to honour that trust by providing not only quality education, but also a safe and transparent environment where children and their families feel secure.
How Montessori Promotes Children’s Safety
A culture of child safety is deeply embedded in Montessori principles, which emphasise child-centred learning, independence, and respect for the child. This foundational respect informs every aspect of Montessori practice, shaping the way educators interact with children and design learning environments. Montessori educators are trained to observe each child closely, respond to their needs with care, and identify any signs of distress or potential harm. They are also responsible for maintaining safe, predictable, and engaging environments, both indoors and outdoors. These practices align closely with the Child Safe Standards, particularly those relating to physical safety, active supervision, and prompt responses to safety concerns.
Montessori education also supports the Child Safe Standards through its focus on positive relationships, open communication, and empowering children to participate in decisions affecting them. Educators act as guides, fostering trust and supporting each child’s individual development while encouraging independence and self-expression. This approach helps children build confidence, develop their own opinions, and feel safe to speak up. In promoting a respectful and responsive culture, Montessori creates learning environments where children’s wellbeing is prioritised and their voices are genuinely valued.
Our Commitment Doesn’t End Here
We will continue to reflect, learn and listen as the sector strengthens its safeguarding frameworks. We know that trust must be earned and re-earned, and we are committed to doing that, every day.
To view our full policies and practices, please see our Child Safety Commitment Statement, available on our website, at reception, or via Kindyhub.
If you have questions or would like to speak with your Centre Manager, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you and your child.
For families whose children may have attended a Victorian centre where the educator in question worked, a dedicated support line is available:
- 1800 791 241
- vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation
Thank You
Thank you again for the trust you place in us. Our mission is to provide not only exceptional education, but a safe, respectful environment where your child can thrive.
Together, we stand committed to creating a stronger, safer future for every child.
Kellie Osborn
Head of Quality and Safety
Montessori Academy