Following allegations of sexual assault against children in long day care services in Melbourne, the Victorian Government announced an urgent review into child safety in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. The review identifies key actions for government to improve child safety, including actions Victoria can take to accelerate the child safety reforms being considered nationally. The Victorian Government accepts and will implement all 22 recommendations.

The overwhelming conclusion reached is that while the current market-driven model for ECEC remains, the risks to quality and safety in early childhood education and care will persist. 

The recommendations are directed at: 

• the steps necessary to ensure predators do not get into the ECEC system
• that if they do, they are quickly detected and excluded
• ensuring that they never work with children again.

The Victorian Government's response to the Rapid Child Safety Review accompanies the report.