Childcare Center Closure
A Sydney childcare center, Fun2Learn in Rosehill, has been shut down by the NSW Early Learning Commission. This marks the first instance of the new regulator forcibly closing a center. The closure follows a 12-year period during which the center reportedly failed to meet standards, accumulating 41 identified breaches since 2023 alone.
Identified Breaches and Regulatory Action
Breaches at Fun2Learn included employing staff without required working with children checks, padlocking fire escapes, and failing to inspect fire extinguishers since 2011.
The NSW Early Learning Commission was established in 2023 as part of state government reforms, granting it powers for unannounced inspections and immediate intervention. Acting Commissioner Daryl Currie stated that the closure serves as a message that action will be taken against providers who consistently endanger children by failing to address safety and quality concerns.
Official Statements
Courtney Houssos, the Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, indicated that while 93 percent of centers meet standards, consistent failures necessitate consequences. She noted that the department and commission had engaged with Fun2Learn over 12 years, including 18 visits, prior to the closure decision. Ms. Houssos clarified that the center's owner could reapply for operation by demonstrating new practices and processes to ensure child safety.
Industry Perspective
Chiang Lim, CEO of the Australian Childcare Alliance, raised questions regarding why authorities had not utilized existing powers to close substandard centers earlier, as national laws allowing such actions have been in place since 2012. He also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of regulators, noting instances where centers with serious issues had previously met or exceeded national standards.
Impact and Broader Context
The closure impacted 37 children and their families, who were informed in December. The government is assisting these families in securing alternative care. Since its establishment in late November, the commission has inspected over 550 of the 6,100 early learning services in New South Wales.