A childcare worker has been arrested and charged with indecent assault and sexual violation after allegedly acting inappropriately towards a pupil at an Auckland school, Newshub can reveal.
The father of the 11-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Newshub that the alleged offender - who was employed by supervised care provider sKids at the boy's school - asked his son to engage in a sexual act, which he refused.
The boy, who attends Mellons Bay School near the East Auckland suburb of Howick, told his father about the man's alleged behaviour and a police investigation was opened last month.
Speaking to Newshub prior to the arrest, the father complained that the wider school community had not been informed of the alleged misconduct.
"We're just in the lurch and I don't find it fair that the rest of the community doesn't know about it. There could be other kids out there that are too afraid to talk about it," he said.
Although he was able to obtain some information from his son, the father says the 11-year-old is now unwilling to discuss what happened - leaving a question mark over the specifics of the allegations.
"It's been horrific," he told Newshub. "I was on the brink of a meltdown.
"I've had a chat with my son but 11-year-olds aren't very forthcoming with information - he's closed off and doesn't want to talk about it anymore, which is understandable.
"It's turned my world upside down."
In a statement to Newshub on Wednesday, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey from Counties Manukau Police confirmed that a 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with indecent assault and sexual violation following a complaint involving a young person.
"Police have been investigating since a complaint was made on November 18, 2020," Det Snr Sgt Batey said.
"Enquiries are ongoing and Police cannot rule out further charges being laid."
The man is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday.
As the matter is now before the court, police are not in a position to provide further comment.
SKIDS (Safe Kids in Daily Supervision) CEO Dawn Engelbrecht confirmed to Newshub the allegation was made against a staff member previously employed at the care centre.
"We take any such allegation seriously, and the safety of the children in our care is our paramount consideration," she said in a statement.
The staff member was stood down "with immediate effect" and is no longer employed by sKids.
"Both the Police and Oranga Tamariki have been informed about the allegation and sKids are supporting these agencies in their investigation," Engelbrecht said.
"Our child safety protocols are clear, regularly reviewed by MSD and communicated to parents, caregivers and staff."
Newshub has contacted Mellons Bay School for comment.
