ECD’s urged to meet standards to ensure safety of children
"The property must also meet hygienic standards and the crèche or ECD needs to be conducive to learning and stimulating for the children.”
A word of caution was issued to parents and guardians to be on the lookout for unregistered and non-accredited crèches and early childhood development centres.
Michelle dos Santos, Ward 18 committee member on the women and children’s portfolio, said last year she, together with social workers, investigated a crèche in Edenvale after receiving information that a child suffered from a fatal medical emergency in October.
It is unclear how the child died. The little body was taken to Edenvale Clinic.
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Dos Santos said a child reportedly died at another crèche, and the team went to investigate the circumstances.
She said at the property, the social workers found the perimeter gate unlocked and they could access the property.
She explained the outside area had no play equipment, but an abandoned vehicle and metal parts, while roughly 20 children were ‘at school’ in an average-sized dining room.
Since then, Dos Santos identified eight unregistered and non-accredited crèches and ECDs.
She said some of them are identified by accident, while others are identified with the assistance of the community.
After identifying the possible contravening business, Dos Santos said they notified social workers from Child Welfare SA- Edenvale and Bedfordview and the City of Ekurhuleni to conduct inspections.
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Dos Santos said many unregistered and non-accredited crèches and early childhood development centres do not have any records or attendance registers, while the kitchens are in poor condition and there is a lack of play or stimulation equipment.
She said all eight identified facilities will be followed up with inspections.
“Although we know of some, we are worried about the facilities we don’t know about,” said Dos Santos.
“We understand people are desperate and cheaper institutions can be appealing. However, the right paperwork must be in place.”
With this in mind, Ward 18 Alderman Heather Hart said child safety is imperative.
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“All the food needs to be vetted and cleared by the Department of Health.
“The property must also meet hygienic standards and the crèche or ECD needs to be conducive to learning and stimulating for the children.”
Hart said once a person starts caring for more than six children, they need to apply for permission at city planning to operate an ECD or crèche.
Failing to do so can result in a R500 fine per day, which accumulates to R15 500 in fines per month.
“With the continuing increase in population in urban areas, affordable daycare and crèches are needed. These facilities need to be accredited, compliant and make use of trained professionals,” said Hart.
Dos Santos highlighted residents have the right and responsibility to report unregistered and non-accredited crèches and ECDs.
Dos Santos said they rely on the community’s assistance to identify and inspect these businesses.
Contact dos Santos on 078 800 2830.
