Preschool retains licence

The Dunedin preschool which 2-year-old Regan Preston left unnoticed by staff last month, has kept its licence.

It was decided Punavai o le Atamai Pre-School would keep its licence after the Ministry of Education completed an investigation into Regan's disappearance, ministry early learning, parents and whanau, deputy secretary Rawiri Brell said yesterday.

''We ... are satisfied that the [preschool] took swift action to address the issue of child safety and that it is undertaking a review of their systems and processes,'' Mr Brell said.

''Its licence will therefore not be downgraded.''

The ministry would continue to monitor and support the preschool ''to ensure that the action taken is appropriate, timely and responsive'', he said.

Multiple attempts to contact Punavai o le Atamai Pre-School chairman Posala Tioa yesterday were unsuccessful.

The ministry determined Regan was able to leave the preschool on August 18, undetected by the eight staff working, by exiting through a gate with a broken hinge.

Regan crossed Macandrew Rd and walked down the street to a Veggie Boys store, about 100m away, before he was found by a passing stranger.

Last month, the ministry said the broken gate was fixed and a second gate was being installed.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz

 

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