Recent reports from Victorian childcare centres have understandably caused concern for many families. At Mother Duck, we stand with you in condemning any actions that harm children or undermine trust in our sector. We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of your children will always remain at the centre of everything we do.

Our unique franchise model means each Mother Duck centre is owned and operated by experienced early childhood professionals who chose this path because they genuinely care about children and families. Our Franchisees are qualified educators who work directly in their services each day, actively engaging with children, families, and educators to ensure safe, high-quality environments for every child.

We are proud of our rigorous, collaborative approach to policy development and implementation. Our Management Committee, made up of Franchisees and the Franchisor, meets monthly to discuss and review policies, ensuring decisions are informed by those who understand children’s needs best. We also hold monthly network meetings with our Nominated Supervisors and Pedagogical Coordinators to workshop policies, making sure updates are practical and meaningful in daily practice.

Over the past year, we have proactively reviewed and strengthened our policies, including adopting the ACECQA National Model Code Guidelines and the Blue Card Services Organisation Toolkit. While some of these guidelines are voluntary, we believe in adopting best practices early to provide the highest level of care, safety, and quality across all Mother Duck services.

To further strengthen our commitment to child safety, we have launched the Safe Futures Group, made up of educators from each Mother Duck centre and led by our Training and Development Officer, Heidi Denner. This group will review practices in line with the Child Safe Organisations Principles and provide recommendations to continue enhancing child safety and wellbeing across all services.

We have also adopted and displayed the Statement of Shared Commitment, developed with Queensland’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority, which reflects our dedication to fostering positive experiences and supporting a child-safe culture. We invite you to view this statement in your centre or on the Queensland Government Early Childhood website.

At Mother Duck, child safety is not just a policy; it is a lived commitment that guides every decision, every day. Our Franchisees and leadership teams work closely with educators to ensure policies translate into consistent, high-quality care for every child, with daily observation, feedback, and coaching to support best practice.

We deeply value the trust you place in us to care for your children. Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we continue to provide safe, nurturing, and responsive environments where every child can thrive.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Centre’s leadership team at any time.