Recent national discussions about educator-to-child ratios and supervision in early childhood education have prompted questions from families across Australia. You may have seen articles or government announcements about practices sometimes referred to as “under the roof” ratios and the steps Education Ministers are taking to strengthen supervision rules.

At Mother Duck Childcare, we welcome these conversations. Transparency, reflection and continuous improvement are essential in a sector that cares for young children.

Most importantly, our approach has always been guided by a simple principle:

Children come first.

The Paramountcy Principle – Children’s Safety and Wellbeing Above All
In Australian law, the paramountcy principle means that the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children must be the primary consideration in any decision affecting them.

This principle has long been embedded in the Family Law Act 1975, and more recently it has been reinforced within the early childhood education and care regulatory framework.

In practice, this means that when decisions are made about children’s care, safety, learning environments or supervision, children’s wellbeing must always take priority over convenience, cost or operational efficiency.

While this principle is now being more clearly articulated across the sector, it is not new to Mother Duck.

A Longstanding Commitment to Children First
Mother Duck Childcare has operated in Brisbane for more than 35 years under the same local ownership. Throughout this time, one value has consistently guided every decision: Children First.

Our governance structure was designed with this principle at its centre.

Major operational decisions across the Mother Duck group are made through the Mother Duck Management Committee, a democratic decision-making forum that meets regularly to guide policy, practice and operational direction.

The Committee includes:

• Centre Franchisees and Nominated Supervisors, each with qualifications and experience in early childhood education
• The Managing Director, a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with more than 30 years’ experience in the sector
• The Founder and Chairperson, who has dedicated more than 35 years to building high-quality early learning environments for children

Each service has a vote, and decisions are made collectively. This structure ensures that those with direct experience working with children and families are at the centre of decision-making.

These meetings are where the paramountcy principle is put into practice — with children’s safety, wellbeing and development guiding every discussion.

What Does This Mean for Ratios and Supervision?
Australian regulations set minimum educator-to-child ratios for early childhood services. These ratios ensure that enough qualified educators are present to support children’s safety and learning.

Recent reviews by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) identified that a small number of providers have used loopholes in legislation to technically meet ratio requirements while reducing active supervision of children.

Education Ministers have announced their intention to close these loopholes so that the law more clearly reflects the expectation of adequate supervision at all times.

At Mother Duck, we support these reforms.

Our approach has always been to view ratios as the minimum legal requirement, not the goal.

Our services roster educators and organise environments in ways that maximise children’s daily experiences, relationships and long-term learning outcomes. Ensuring children are safely supervised, emotionally supported and actively engaged in learning is central to our philosophy.

Why Our Franchise Model Supports Quality
Mother Duck operates under a unique franchise model that places experienced early childhood professionals at the heart of each centre.

Each service is led by a Franchisee who is also deeply connected to the day-to-day operation of the centre. These leaders have a personal and professional commitment to quality outcomes for children and families.

This model is very different from large corporate childcare chains where decision-making may occur far removed from the children and educators within services.

Our locally led centres ensure that:

• Decisions are informed by educational knowledge and experience
• Leaders remain visible and engaged within their communities
• Quality practice remains the priority, not short-term financial outcomes

Across the Mother Duck group, the Support Office works alongside franchisees to provide the tools, show them how, and protect the brand, ensuring consistency, compliance and continuous improvement.

Our Commitment to Families
Families place enormous trust in early childhood services. We never take that trust for granted.

At Mother Duck Childcare, we remain committed to:

• Placing children’s safety and well-being at the centre of every decision
• Maintaining strong educator-to-child relationships
• Ensuring robust governance and professional oversight
• Supporting educators with the resources they need to provide exceptional care and learning

The recent national discussion around supervision is a positive step for the sector. Any reform that strengthens children’s safety and well-being is one we welcome.

For more than three decades, Mother Duck has been guided by a simple belief:

When decisions start with children, quality follows.

And that will always remain our approach.