Two female staff charged after allegedly assaulting a toddler at childcare centre
- Two women accused of assaulting a toddler
- They have been charged and sacked
- READ MORE: Childcare worker sexually abused four-year-old boy
Two female daycare staff have been sacked after they were charged by police for allegedly assaulting a toddler at their centre.
NSW Police received a report on Monday that two childcare workers had allegedly assaulted a toddler at Little Zak's Academy at Doonside, west Sydney.
Officers were told the workers – a 28-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman – had allegedly carried out the vile behaviour a number of times on October 13.
Both women were charged with five counts of common assault. The child has not been identified for legal reasons.
Little Zak's Academy said the staff members were let go immediately and a full review of the Doonside centre has been launched.
'We are deeply sorry about what is alleged to have happened to a child in our care,' a statement to the Daily Mail said on Friday.
'We can confirm that both educators were terminated as soon as the allegations came to light, following immediate notifications to NSW Police and the Department of Education.'
The women were new to the family-owned childcare provider, with one starting work on June 30 and the other on August 11.
Two childcare workers from Little Zak's Academy at Doonside, in west Sydney, have been charged after allegedly assaulting a toddler several times. They have yet to enter pleas
Little Zak's Academy released a statement apologising for the alleged incidents, adding that the staff members in question were sacked immediately
But the centre said the pair had valid Working With Children Checks and clear criminal history checks.
They had also completed Statutory Declarations signed by a Justice of the Peace attesting they were not subject to any findings of reportable conduct or misconduct involving children.
'Little Zak’s Academy has a zero-tolerance for any conduct that compromises the wellbeing of a child,' the statement said.
'We have been in contact with the parents throughout the week and expressed our profound apologies.'
All families at the centre were due to receive an update from the provider on Friday following the decision to charge by NSW Police.
Little Zak's Academy said the company believes the issue is isolated to the two women.
However it will also undertake a full review of the Doonside centre to ensure all policies and safeguards are followed.
'If there are learnings for us that apply more broadly, we will ensure we make any necessary changes,' it said.
Little Zak's Academy said the company believes the issue is isolated to the two women
'It is devastating that any child in our care would be handled in the way that is alleged.
'We pride ourselves on the quality of care provided by our team and where we identify an issue, we act quickly and with zero tolerance.'
The women have not yet entered pleas. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Both women have been issued court attendance notices to appear at Blacktown Local Court on December 4.
