Strange reason grandparents were denied entry to Melbourne’s St Joseph’s Primary School classroom after special day invitation

A Melbourne school is coming under fire for refusing to allow a group of grandparents into the classroom for a special “Consult Afternoon” event because they did not have a Working with Children Check.

The grandparents were furious at the way they were treated at St Joseph’s Primary School in Yarra Junction when they were asked for their certificate after being invited to attend.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Grandparents are furious because they were denied entry to a classroom because they didn’t have a working with children check.

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The Herald Sun reported that the event was held for first- and second-year students to talk about “technology and the world has changed over time” and to showcase old technology.

Grandparents were asked for a work with children check on the back of the invitation, however some grandparents missed the requirement, causing uproar and confusion.

On Tuesday, Herald Sun education editor Susie O’Brien and National Grandparents Movement founder Ian Barnett appeared on Sunrise and criticized the school.

“The Working With Children Check is not designed for a one-time visit; that’s a step too far,” Barnett said.

“I understand we live in a time where we want more checks and balances, but it’s unrealistic to think that grandparents who attend a day like this would actually have to go and provide a check for work with children.”

O’Brien agreed, calling it an overreach.

“I’m sure they had very good intentions; no one set out for this to happen,” O’Brien said.

“But imagine that you arrive, organize your entire week, your day to attend your grandson’s event… and the child’s school denies you entry.”

The school forced grandparents without a paycheck for working with children to sit in the headteacher’s office and do show and tell via video link.

O’Brien said schools had some discretion over such requirements.

“When you have a group of people invited to the school for a sports day, for grandparents’ day, for a parent-teacher interview, it’s usually not necessary,” O’Brien said.

Barnett noted that most states did not require the check.

“This is the first time I’ve heard (about this). I think in New South Wales, even in Washington, where I think you’re from, Nat, they actually mention the fact that for these types of visits you don’t need a working with children check,” she said.

“I haven’t heard of this in New South Wales. I must admit I am from New South Wales. So it’s really getting a little extreme. Schools have the right to decide who comes on site. But it seems that it is not necessary.

“Taking the child out of the classroom to sit with grandma or grandpa is a step too far and, in my opinion, embarrassing for the school as well.”

A spokesperson for St Joseph’s Primary School acknowledged there was some confusion, speaking to the Herald Sun.

“Our schools must meet child safety standards.

“There was prior notice to all St Joseph families of this requirement, and 29 grandparents registered on Friday with authorization to work with children.

“We recognize the disappointing experience of the four grandparents who were unable to attend Grandparents Day and are attempting to call these families this morning.”