South Perth Early Learning School

My experience with South Perth Early Learning Millpoint raised serious concerns about their documentation practices, supervision standards, and overall capacity to support children with emerging developmental needs. My son, who was 3 years old, non-verbal, NDIS-funded, and awaiting a paediatric assessment, attended the centre for approximately six months. The centre was made fully aware of his circumstances from day one. Despite this, I received an unexpected phone call from the manager, Jampel, advising that my son would no longer be accepted from the following week due to a temporary behavioural issue (spitting). I was told he could maybe return in 3 months time only and only with a paediatrician’s letter. At no point was I provided with: • written notice of termination, • a behaviour support plan, • documentation outlining what policies or procedures were followed, or • any formal written explanation for the decision. The lack of documentation—particularly when excluding a child with additional needs—was highly concerning and, in my view, fell well below expected standards of transparency and procedural fairness under childcare guidelines. Throughout his enrolment, I also observed repeated instances where staff appeared overwhelmed when managing behaviour, raising questions about whether appropriate training, support, and ratios were in place for children requiring additional assistance. Additionally, I frequently found my son standing at the window for extended periods, simply watching cars. It often appeared this was used as a default strategy instead of supporting him to engage in activities. As a non-verbal child who relied heavily on connection and guided interaction, this lack of inclusion was deeply troubling. In the weeks leading up to the termination, he began refusing to enter the centre—lying down outside the door and resisting going in. In retrospect, this behaviour now aligns with the lack of support he was receiving. After moving to a new daycare, staff immediately recognised that his spitting was linked to boredom, unmet communication needs, or lack of connection. They supported him appropriately, included him in activities, and the behaviour ceased completely. He has not spat once in nearly a year at his new centre. Based on the abrupt termination, lack of documentation, limited inclusion, and the overall handling of concerns by management, I cannot recommend this service for families seeking accountable, inclusive, and professionally competent care—particularly for children with additional needs.