Authorities launch probe after childcare centre mix-up alarms parents
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It’s every parent and grandparent’s worst nightmare: you arrive at a trusted childcare centre, only to discover your little one is missing.
For one family, this terrifying scenario became a reality after a shocking mix-up at a local childcare centre resulted in a toddler being handed over to the wrong grandparent—and missing for several hours.
The incident unfolded at First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, a centre that cares for up to 40 children aged 0-6 and prides itself on providing a 'safe, inclusive, welcoming, fun and nurturing environment.'
But on Monday afternoon, that sense of security was shattered when a mother arrived to collect her child, only to be told her toddler was nowhere to be found.
How did this happen? According to police sources, an educator mistakenly handed the wrong child to a grandparent, who then took the child home, completely unaware of the error.
It wasn’t until several hours later that the mistake was discovered and the child was safely returned to the centre and reunited with their frantic parents.
The centre immediately launched emergency procedures to track down the missing child, and thankfully, the story ended with the child safe and sound.
However, the incident has left many families shaken and has questioned the safety protocols in place at childcare facilities.
First Steps Learning Academy has since apologised to the families involved, with Trisha Hastie, the approved provider, calling the event 'deeply upsetting and isolated.'
She assured parents that this was the first time such an incident had occurred at any of their centres, and promised to strengthen pick-up procedures by rostering an extra staff member during key collection times to verify the identity of everyone entering the premises.
The educator involved has been stood down while a thorough investigation is conducted by the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority.
The investigation will not only look into the specifics of this incident but also review the centre’s compliance history to ensure all regulations are being met.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, Courtney Houssos, described the event as 'completely unacceptable,' acknowledging the distress it must have caused the parents.
'While it is a relief that the child is safe and well, for something like this to occur is completely unacceptable and clearly raises questions about the processes in place at the centre,' she said.
NSW Police were notified, but after reviewing the situation, determined that no criminal offences had occurred and will not be pursuing a criminal investigation.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety and accountability in early childhood education.
While most centres have strict protocols for pick-up and drop-off, this case highlights how even a single lapse can have serious consequences.
It’s a timely reminder for all childcare providers to review and reinforce their procedures, and for parents and grandparents to remain vigilant.
For many of our members, especially grandparents who regularly help with school or childcare pick-ups, this story is a sobering reminder of the importance of clear communication and robust safety measures.
Have you ever experienced a mix-up or close call at a childcare centre or school? Do you have tips for other grandparents and parents to help keep kids safe? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Read more: AEC investigates after missing ballot papers found at election worker's home
For one family, this terrifying scenario became a reality after a shocking mix-up at a local childcare centre resulted in a toddler being handed over to the wrong grandparent—and missing for several hours.
The incident unfolded at First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, a centre that cares for up to 40 children aged 0-6 and prides itself on providing a 'safe, inclusive, welcoming, fun and nurturing environment.'
But on Monday afternoon, that sense of security was shattered when a mother arrived to collect her child, only to be told her toddler was nowhere to be found.
How did this happen? According to police sources, an educator mistakenly handed the wrong child to a grandparent, who then took the child home, completely unaware of the error.
A childcare centre mistakenly released a toddler to the wrong person, leaving the child missing for hours. Credit: Facebook
It wasn’t until several hours later that the mistake was discovered and the child was safely returned to the centre and reunited with their frantic parents.
The centre immediately launched emergency procedures to track down the missing child, and thankfully, the story ended with the child safe and sound.
However, the incident has left many families shaken and has questioned the safety protocols in place at childcare facilities.
First Steps Learning Academy has since apologised to the families involved, with Trisha Hastie, the approved provider, calling the event 'deeply upsetting and isolated.'
She assured parents that this was the first time such an incident had occurred at any of their centres, and promised to strengthen pick-up procedures by rostering an extra staff member during key collection times to verify the identity of everyone entering the premises.
The educator involved has been stood down while a thorough investigation is conducted by the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority.
The investigation will not only look into the specifics of this incident but also review the centre’s compliance history to ensure all regulations are being met.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, Courtney Houssos, described the event as 'completely unacceptable,' acknowledging the distress it must have caused the parents.
'While it is a relief that the child is safe and well, for something like this to occur is completely unacceptable and clearly raises questions about the processes in place at the centre,' she said.
NSW Police were notified, but after reviewing the situation, determined that no criminal offences had occurred and will not be pursuing a criminal investigation.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety and accountability in early childhood education.
While most centres have strict protocols for pick-up and drop-off, this case highlights how even a single lapse can have serious consequences.
It’s a timely reminder for all childcare providers to review and reinforce their procedures, and for parents and grandparents to remain vigilant.
For many of our members, especially grandparents who regularly help with school or childcare pick-ups, this story is a sobering reminder of the importance of clear communication and robust safety measures.
Read more: AEC investigates after missing ballot papers found at election worker's home
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