UPDATE: A childcare worker has confessed to assaulting a three-year-old boy at a Bathurst daycare center, admitting her actions were driven by frustration after being ignored by colleagues. Hayley Kelleher, just 18 years old, pled guilty in Bathurst Local Court to one count of common assault stemming from the incident on July 11, 2023.
The incident unfolded at Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre when Kelleher was tasked with settling a group of young children for their midday nap. Reports indicate the boy repeatedly refused to lie down, prompting Kelleher to seek help from a senior colleague, who did not respond. Feeling increasingly flustered, Kelleher resorted to grabbing the boy by his right arm and dragging him approximately three meters to a different mattress.
According to court documents, the incident, which was captured on CCTV, caused the child pain and discomfort, resulting in damage to his clothing. The court noted that Kelleher’s actions were deemed excessive and beyond a reasonable amount of force for managing a child.
The boy’s mother reported the incident to the NSW Education Department, which led to an internal investigation by the daycare center. Following the review, Kelleher was terminated from her position. In a police interview, Kelleher expressed remorse, stating she never intended to harm the child.
The conduct of childcare workers is under heightened scrutiny following a long-running investigation by ABC’s Four Corners program, which has raised concerns about the treatment of children in early learning environments. The Bathurst center emphasized its commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of abuse or neglect.
Kelleher is scheduled for sentencing on December 10, 2023. As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about support systems for childcare workers and the safety of children in educational settings. Authorities urge parents to remain vigilant and report any concerning behavior in childcare facilities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
