Seconds From Dis-a-ster: CCTV Captures Young Children Outside Childcare Centre as One Missing Detail Sparks Outrage
An investigation has been launched into a Melbourne kindergarten after two young children escaped through a fence and went on an adventure for more than a kilometre.
The two unsupervised children, aged four and five, were spotted skipping down busy St Georges Road in Fitzroy North.
The two unsupervised children were spotted skipping down busy St George’s Road in Fitzroy North. 9News
Adults were bewildered by what they witnessed just after 11am on Monday.
The young boy and girl were all by themselves after escaping through a playground fence at Isabel Henderson Kindergarten, sparking a frantic search.
“A lady came up to us and asked us if we’ve seen two kids walking around the area,” one witness said.
“We were a bit confused, I said ‘do you want us to help you?’”
A good Samaritan called police after spotting the children, who eventually arrived at one of their homes more than a kilometre away.
They reportedly watched the animated musical KPop Demon Hunters while a confused parent rang the kindergarten.
Australian Childhood Foundation chief executive Janise Mitchell said the incident would be a shock for all parents whose children are enrolled at the kindergarten.
“I shudder to think how other parents in the centre are feeling sending their children there today and tomorrow and the day after,” she said.
Isabel Henderson Kindergarten director Anna Tibb described the incident as “really devastating for the families involved and for us”.
“We are a very transparent and open organisation, and we take these things very seriously,” Tibb told The Age.
The organisation declined to speak about the incident with 9News on Wednesday.
A Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority is investigating the incident.
“VECRA is investigating this incident and won’t hesitate to take strong action to protect the safety, rights and best interests of children,” a spokesperson said.
“Parents have every right to expect that their children are actively supervised at all times while in education and care services.
“Given the active investigation, we won’t be commenting further until we have finished this work.”
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/vic/cctv-children-escape-kindergarten-melbourne-20260729-p60jrw.html
