Brisbane family daycare under scrutiny over supervision after death of one-year-old child
How often a baby was checked on by staff before his death in a Brisbane family daycare has emerged as a key question in the investigation into the incident.
The one-year-old boy, identified as Riley Ma by the Courier Mail, was “purple” around his lips and had a fist clenched “so tight” when he was found unresponsive in the suburban Wakerley home that was being used as a childcare service on Monday, a family friend told the publication.
“Obviously, he was struggling before his last breath,” the woman said.
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Police were called to the home about 3.30pm on Monday.
“Investigations into the circumstances of the boy’s death are ongoing,” police said.
“There is no further information at this time.”
Investigators have, for the moment, not declared the baby’s death as suspicious and no crime scene has been set up.
However they are seeking to determine the circumstances leading up to his death.
Family daycare services must be approved to operate and are strictly regulated and monitored, as required by Queensland law.
Under the law, no more than seven children can attend a family daycare at any one time, while staff must be trained childcare providers and premises must be approved as being safe for childcare.
The Queensland Department of Education, which has oversight of childcare operations in the state, is “aware” of the incident but is yet to launch its own investigation.
“The Department of Education is aware of the tragic death of a child that occurred while in family day care at Wakerley and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this very sad time,” a spokesperson said.
“The department, as the Queensland regulatory authority, is responsible for regulating education and care services and enforcing compliance with the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations in Queensland.
“As the regulatory authority of early childhood education and care services, the department places the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children attending these services.
“As the matter is currently with Queensland Police Service, we are unable to make further comment at this time.”
