Police investigating alleged assault on young boy in Cairns childcare centre
Police said initial information suggested a child "sustained minor injuries" at the Mayfield Early Education centre on Fretwell Road in the Cairns suburb of White Rock last Thursday.
It is alleged the boy was struck with a mop.
A Mayfield Early Education spokesperson said a worker at the centre was stood down after the alleged incident on Thursday and the employee was fired on Friday.
"We ran our investigation and interviewed the educator on Friday which resulted in termination of their employment," they said in a statement.
The spokesperson said it was working with the Queensland Police Service and other authorities.
"On Monday morning we reached out to the family involved to offer support through this situation," they said.
"Given the need to protect the privacy of those involved we will not be making any further public comment on the matter."
The child's family has declined to comment.
A spokesman for the Queensland Department of Education said the Early Childhood Regulatory Authority was undertaking an investigation and had referred the allegation to Queensland police.
"The safety and protection of all children in Queensland early childhood education and care services is our number one priority," the spokesman said.
"Where steps are inadequate to ensure the health and safety of children, the Queensland Early Childhood Regulatory Authority does not hesitate to take robust and appropriate action, including prohibition and prosecution."
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