A childcare worker accused of using offensive language during an under-12 girls’ netball match was praised by parents in a string of glowing reviews for the childcare centre where she worked.

It contrasts starkly with negative headlines that engulfed her last week, when footage of her being confronted by a Jewish community leader went viral across social media.

Jody Scarcella, from Chifley in Sydney’s south-east, allegedly used harmful language last Saturday while watching an under-12s netball game between Maccabi, a Jewish team, and the Saints at Heffron Park Netball Centre.

Unearthed reviews posted by current and former parents at the childcare centre paint a strikingly positive picture of the mother-of-two, describing her as ‘incredibly warm and supportive’.

‘Of course, teachers and supporters like Jodie [sic] and the rest of the team are also incredibly warm and supportive, and we appreciate them so much,’ one review read.

‘Thank you – we honestly hope to have [name redacted] and Jodie there forever.’

In a handwritten note, penned during Teacher Appreciation Day in 2025, Scarcella described her work in childcare in her own words as offering ‘opportunities [that] are varied, complex, fun and rewarding’.

She added: ‘Coming to work is easy when you work with good children and families.’

Jody Scarcella, a married mother-of-two from Chifley, in Sydney’s south-east, has been identified as the woman charged with using offensive language at a children’s netball game

Jody Scarcella (pictured left) has taken leave from her job in childcare

There was no sign of movement at the family’s home on Monday. Days later, the blinds remained firmly shut, while a tarp draped over the side gate blocked any view into the property

Now facing serious allegations, Scarcella has stepped away from her role.

Her defence lawyer, former NSW Police officer and prosecutor Paul McGirr, told the Daily Mail that his client intends to fight the charge.

He said she had taken leave from work because it was in ‘everybody’s best interest’, and to ensure that her employer did not receive ‘unwanted attention’.

Scarcella still holds accreditation to work as an early childhood educator in New South Wales, meaning she is legally permitted to continue teaching while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

In the days following the alleged incident, neighbours said the Scarcella family had not been seen on their suburban street since the story broke last weekend.

On Thursday, residents told the Mail that they recognised their neighbour after her image was splashed across television news bulletins.

‘Yes, we recognised her face on the TV,’ one neighbour said, as she was spotted shopping in Maroubra that day.

‘I haven’t seen her since the story came out. Can you blame her? But I bet the whole street will be talking about it.’

In a handwritten note, penned during Teacher Appreciation Day in 2025, Scarcella described her work in childcare in her own words as offering ‘opportunities [that] are varied, complex, fun and rewarding’

The mum of two intends to fight the charge when she faces court next month, her lawyer says

Despite Monday marking her 43rd birthday, there was no sign of celebration at the family’s split-level home.

Days later, the blinds remained firmly shut, while a tarp draped over the side gate blocked any view into the property.

The Mail understands that Scarcella was wary of the media presence outside her home on Monday, with several television crews arriving shortly after we attended the property just before 7am.

Scarcella and her husband, Brent, deactivated their social media accounts on Sunday, including their business-related profiles.

Footage widely circulated online showed her being confronted by parents following the alleged verbal incident.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin also attended the scene, asking her ‘Did you actually say what’s been alleged?’

NSW Police were called to Heffron Park shortly after 10am on Saturday following reports that a woman had allegedly made offensive comments during a match between Maccabi Netball Club – a club for Jewish girls aged seven and older – and Saints Netball Club.

Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command confirmed they spoke to a 42-year-old woman at the scene and issued her with a move-on direction before charging her the following day with one count of using offensive language.

‘She will face Waverley Local Court on June 17,’ police said in a statement.

Mr Ryvchin confronted Scarcella following the alleged incident in a now-viral video

Scarcella has been banned from attending future matches

Netball NSW has also banned her from attending any courts or games pending further investigation.

A photograph obtained by the Mail showed her speaking with a female police officer while other officers and onlookers watched nearby.

Footage of the confrontation has since been viewed thousands of times online.

In a statement, Saints Netball Club said the alleged comments did not reflect the organisation’s values.

Randwick Netball Association has launched its own investigation alongside Netball NSW.

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