Dear Families,
Like many of you, we have been watching the recent news with a heavy heart. The last two weeks have brought forward confronting headlines, specifically from the ABC Four Corners investigation “Hunting Ground” and subsequent commentary in the weekend editions of The Australian.
We know these stories can be deeply distressing. As parents ourselves, we understand the profound trust you place in us when you choose The Akidamy for your child’s early learning journey. That trust is something we cherish above all else.
We wanted to take a moment, not to add to the noise, but to calmly address the issues raised in the media. More importantly, we want to gently reassure you about how The Akidamy operates, ensuring your child’s world remains safe, secure, and full of joy.
The Issues Raised in the News: What We’ve Been Hearing
The recent media coverage has shone a crucial light on systemic failings within parts of the Australian childcare sector. For those who haven’t had a chance to read the articles or watch the show, the key concerns that resonate with us include:
- Workforce Instability: Reports highlighted the risks associated with a transient workforce, where high staff turnover and reliance on casuals mean a constant influx of unfamiliar faces. This can disrupt the vital sense of security and relationship-building children need.
- Regulatory Gaps: Commentaries pointed to systemic weaknesses, allowing individuals with concerning backgrounds to move between centres undetected.
- The “Faceless” Provider: Questions were raised about large, corporate structures where leadership is often removed, and profit pressures can inadvertently compromise daily supervision and care.
How The Akidamy Addresses These Issues: Our Foundational Commitments
At The Akidamy, we were built on a philosophy that intentionally sets us apart from the traditional “childcare” model. We describe ourselves as a School of Early Learning because we believe in something deeper: consistency, genuine connection, and an unwavering “nothing but the child” ethos.
Here is how we directly address the concerns raised, ensuring your peace of mind:
1. The WA Safety Advantage: Our Regulator is Child Protection
It is critically important to understand that Western Australia operates differently from other states. Here, our primary regulatory authority is the Department of Communities (Child Protection), specifically the Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU), rather than solely the Department of Education (which caters for schools).
What this means for your child: We embrace this unique rigour. While the Department of Education focuses on schools, ECRU is the authority that grants approvals, enforces compliance, and assesses safety. In WA, the regulator places paramount importance on safety above educational outcomes alone. This ensures that a secure, protective foundation is firmly established for every child before we even begin their inspiring learning journey.
2. Proactive Governance: Safety Measures are Our Standard, Not a Reaction
Many of the vital safety precautions now being recommended by experts and highlighted in the media are measures we thoughtfully implemented from day one. We didn’t wait for a crisis to prioritise robust safety protocols.
Our Approach: We invite you to review our comprehensive Governance Page. There you will see our commitment to proactive safety through CCTV monitoring in common areas, strictly restricted staff and visitor phone access (ensuring their full, undivided attention is on your children), electronic sign-in systems for precise attendance tracking, and rigorous staff background checks that go far beyond basic requirements. These are not new additions for us; they are fundamental to how we operate every single day, and we regularly review our operational policies and practices. These are transparent and visible to families on our website at all times.
3. We Are a WA Family-Owned Enterprise: Supportive, Present, and Invested
The news highlighted the risks that can arise when leadership is distant or disconnected from the everyday operations of a school.
How we show up: As a local, WA family-owned and operated school, our leadership is closely connected and readily available to support the team whenever needed. We are not part of a franchise or a removed corporate structure—you’ll find us engaged in the life of the school in meaningful ways, from being accessible to families to providing guidance and support to our educators.
Our involvement is grounded in genuine care and a commitment to the safety, quality, and well-being of every child. We are here when you need us, invested in helping the school thrive.
4. Consistency & Respect for Our Staff: Building a Stable, Trusted Team
One of the most concerning issues raised was the danger and instability created by a high turnover of unknown staff.
Our Commitment to Stability: We deeply value our team, recognising them as our most important asset. We foster a culture of respect, professional development, and stability. This means we do not rely on a revolving door of casual or agency staff. Your child is cared for by familiar, dedicated faces who are part of our extended professional family—educators we know, trust, and who build genuine, lasting connections with your children.
Our Commitment to You
We understand the anxiety that news like this creates, particularly because we are parents too. We share that heartfelt concern when reading those headlines.
That is precisely why our values are not just words, but the driving force behind everything we do.
Our mission is: “To provide an inspiring environment that sparks a life of learning and allows every child to flourish.”
For a child to truly flourish, they must first feel utterly safe and secure.
We are deeply honoured that you have chosen us to be part of your family’s village, and we will never take that trust for granted.
If you have any questions or wish to chat about your child’s care, please know that our door is always open, and we are here for you.
With our deepest care and dedication,
The Founders & The Akidamy Team
