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This week, more reports emerged of horrific abuse of children at childcare centres. An reported young children had suffered burns and been verbally abused. In another case, a baby was by an early childhood educator.

This follows of sexual abuse and neglect earlier this year.

On Tuesday, we also saw the appointment of Victorian senator as the . As a former head of the union responsible for the sector, Walsh comes to the role with a thorough understanding of early education issues. She will also sit in cabinet.

What does Walsh and the re-elected Albanese government need to do to better ensure children’s safety in early childhood education and care? Here are three ideas.

1. Design safer centres

One place to start is how centres are set up.

“Safety by design” is a concept used in other sectors (such as ) and has its origins in . It means planning spaces and systems to prevent harm before it happens. This could include changing the environment, routines or rules.

For example, clear lines of sight in a room help educators watch children, and each other, more easily. Secure entrances ensure only authorised people can come into a centre.

But safety isn’t just about buildings; it also depends on people. Educators need the right training to and signs of harm, and to act early.

This means building their capability: not just knowing what to do, but feeling confident to speak up and raise concerns. This confidence needs to be encouraged by managers and leaders in centres – staff should be supported to speak openly.

2. Conduct a thorough investigation

Australia has a system to monitor quality standards in early childhood services via the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority or . This body oversees a .

On Friday, National Children’s Commissioner Australia needs to “urgently strengthen” regulatory frameworks.

The recent reports of abuse and noncompliance certainly raise a series of questions: how could this happen? How could “trained professionals” think this treatment of children is OK?

Multiple systemic failures could be the answer – meaning the mechanisms or processes in place to stop situations going from unacceptable to unfathomable, failed.

A federally convened taskforce could investigate these breaches of child safety to identify risks and failures and prevent further cases of harm. Rather than yet another , a taskforce could help get to the root of the problems and recommend solutions that can be implemented quickly.

3. Boost the status of early childhood education

Governments can also invest in the ongoing professionalisation of early childhood educators. They insisting on higher qualifications, pay, professional development and a strong ethical framework.

In turn, this can enhance the ability of those in the sector to prevent and respond to abusive practices.

Admittedly, the federal government has taken steps to increase requirements around and . But early childhood professionals continue to in the community.

The people who work in early childhood services are – they are trained educators. Early childhood education is also , by enabling parents to work. It provides education and care to children at a crucial time in their development.

None of these perceptions help the sector or the service it provides. The whole community needs to understand the in our society – just like schools or hospitals.

If Australians , they can advocate for (or at least support) improvements and investments.

A final word to parents

It is understandable parents might find recent headlines about abuse and neglect in early childhood centres distressing. Keep in mind, have been assessed as at least meeting national quality standards.

If you have any concerns about your service, you can contact the in your state or territory.

, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, and , Professor & Director, Institute of Child Protection Studies,

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