Personal Injury

A former childcare and after-school care worker, David William James, has been charged with multiple serious child sexual abuse offences. He is accused of producing child abuse material involving 10 boys aged between five and six over a period spanning from 2021 to 2024.

The charges follow a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Police under Operation Tenterfield.

What Has Been Alleged?

James, 26, is accused of committing the abuse while working across several out-of-school hours care (OOSH) facilities in Sydney. He was employed via an agency and worked casual shifts at 58 different centres between 2018 and 2024.

As of now, charges have been laid in relation to six centres. Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence of offending at the other 52, but they have been named to assist families in identifying potential connections.

Centres Where Abuse Allegedly Occurred (April 2021 – May 2024)

1. Willoughby Kids House – Willoughby
2. Helping Hands – St Ives Public School – St Ives
3. Helping Hands – Lane Cove West Public School – Lane Cove West
4. Pyrmont OSHC – Pyrmont (City of Sydney Council-run)
5. OSHClub – Barker College – Hornsby
6. St Ives OSHC – KIDZONE – St Ives

Other Centres Where the Accused Is Known To Have Worked

No allegations have been made in relation to the following centres.

Eastern Suburbs & Inner Sydney

• Ultimo Public School OSHC – Ultimo
• Erskineville Public School OSHC – Erskineville
• Alexandria Park Community School OSHC – Alexandria
• Paddington Public School OSHC – Paddington
• Randwick Public School OSHC – Randwick
• Waverley Public School OSHC – Waverley

Lower North Shore

• Artarmon Public School OSHC – Artarmon
• Neutral Bay Public School OSHC – Neutral Bay
• Cammeray Public School OSHC – Cammeray
• Greenwich Public School OSHC – Greenwich
• Willoughby Public School OSHC – Willoughby

Upper North Shore

• Gordon West Public School OSHC – Gordon
• Warrawee Public School OSHC – Warrawee
• Wahroonga Public School OSHC – Wahroonga
• Normanhurst Public School OSHC – Normanhurst
• Hornsby Heights Public School OSHC – Hornsby Heights
• Turramurra North Public School OSHC – Turramurra
• Mount Colah Public School OSHC – Mount Colah

Western Sydney

• Winston Hills Public School OSHC – Winston Hills
• North Rocks Public School OSHC – North Rocks
• Parramatta Public School OSHC – Parramatta
• Greystanes Public School OSHC – Greystanes
• Blacktown South Public School OSHC – Blacktown
• Lalor Park Public School OSHC – Lalor Park

Inner West

• Stanmore Public School OSHC – Stanmore
• Leichhardt Public School OSHC – Leichhardt
• Annandale North Public School OSHC – Annandale
• Haberfield Public School OSHC – Haberfield

Southern Sydney

• Sans Souci Public School OSHC – Sans Souci
• Ramsgate Public School OSHC – Ramsgate
• Caringbah Public School OSHC – Caringbah
• Miranda Public School OSHC – Miranda

North West Sydney

• Beecroft Public School OSHC – Beecroft
• Cherrybrook Public School OSHC – Cherrybrook
• Castle Hill Public School OSHC – Castle Hill
• Kellyville Ridge Public School OSHC – Kellyville Ridge
• The Ponds School OSHC – The Ponds
• Riverbank Public School OSHC – The Ponds

Northern Beaches

• Manly Vale Public School OSHC – Manly Vale
• Curl Curl North Public School OSHC – Curl Curl
• Balgowlah Heights Public School OSHC – Balgowlah Heights
• Cromer Public School OSHC – Cromer
• Collaroy Plateau Public School OSHC – Collaroy Plateau
• Dee Why Public School OSHC – Dee Why

Other Notable Sites

• Knox Grammar School – Wahroonga
• YMCA Bankstown – Bankstown
• Fort Street Public School – Millers Point
• Petersham Public School – Petersham
• Summer Hill Public School – Summer Hill
• Five Dock Public School – Five Dock
• Gladesville Public School – Gladesville
• Burwood Public School – Burwood

What Families Can Do

The Australian Federal Police has contacted families of more than 1,200 children who attended the six centres where charges have been laid. However, if your child attended any of the listed locations and you have concerns, it’s important to understand your legal rights.

Koffels Solicitors & Barristers Can Help

At Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, we represent Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, including in childcare and education settings. We assist clients in:

• Filing civil claims against responsible institutions
• Pursuing Common Law damages
• Assessing the viability of National Redress Scheme applications
• Receiving confidential, trauma-informed legal advice

Call us on +612 9283 5599 or complete our free and confidential call-back form below to speak with a solicitor about your situation.