Byford childcare centre fined after toddler suffers second-degree burns

A Byford childcare centre has been fined $14,000 after a toddler suffered second-degree burns on her foot.

The 18-month old was allowed into the outside play area at Cuddles Childcare Centre with no shoes or socks on in February 2022, when the temperature that day reached a maximum of 39 degrees.

She suffered second-degree burns to the ball of her foot, prompting an investigation by the Department of Communities.

The investigation found the centre had a sun safe policy but the educator who took the child outside did not follow it.

It was also revealed the educator had only been working at the centre for four months and never had an induction.

The matter was then referred to the State Administrative Tribunal which found the facility had breached the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act by failing to ensure that every reasonable precaution was taken to protect children.

The centre has since implemented a number of changes including installing signage regarding the sun safe policy and retraining all staff in relation to the centre's policies and procedures.