Sydney Childcare Error Sees Toddler Taken by Wrong Grandparent
A frightening mix-up at a Sydney childcare centre has sparked an official investigation after a toddler was mistakenly handed over to the wrong grandparent and went missing for several hours.
The incident happened at First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, in the city’s south, on Monday afternoon. When the child’s mother arrived to pick up her one-year-old son, she was horrified to learn he wasn’t there. Staff soon realised that another grandparent, who had come to collect their own grandchild, had accidentally been given the wrong child. Believing it was his grandson, the man took the toddler home, completely unaware of the mistake.
Emergency procedures were triggered once the error came to light. CCTV was checked, phone calls were made, and staff tried to retrace the child’s movements. The missing boy was eventually returned safely to the centre several hours later, and reunited with his worried parents. Police were notified but confirmed no crime had been committed, describing it instead as a deeply concerning mistake.
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The centre has since apologised to the families involved, admitting it was an isolated but serious lapse. One educator has already been stood down while the investigation is carried out. Trisha Hastie, who oversees First Steps, said this had never happened before in any of their centres and promised changes to prevent a repeat. Plans include placing extra staff at the door during pick-up times, verifying all adults who collect children, and introducing new ID systems for parents and carers.
The child’s mother has spoken out, saying the ordeal left her traumatised. She stressed that the family does not blame the grandfather, who is said to be devastated and struggling with guilt. His wife explained that he arrived when children were napping in a dimly lit room and genuinely thought he was collecting his own grandchild. When he realised what had happened, he rushed the toddler back to the centre.
Authorities, however, are treating the matter seriously. The NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority has confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing not only the incident itself but also the centre’s compliance history. Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos called the situation “completely unacceptable,” pointing out how shocking it must have been for the parents and stressing that questions must be answered about the safety processes in place.
The event has also highlighted wider concerns in the childcare sector, where high staff turnover and reliance on casual workers have been linked to lapses in safety. Advocates have warned that under-resourced centres may struggle to maintain consistent standards.
Although this toddler was returned safe and sound, the mix-up has raised alarm about how easily such an error can occur. For the parents involved, it was a terrifying few hours, and for the sector as a whole, it serves as a sobering reminder that clear procedures and vigilant staff are essential when children’s safety is at stake.
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