The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority has suspended the service approval of Milestones Early Learning Werribee, operated by Affinity Education Group PTY LTD, for 90 days following serious compliance concerns.
Regulatory officers identified a series of significant breaches, including several children under 12 months old being left unsupervised in a room, limited access to educational and play resources, and restricted access to outdoor play areas.
Inspectors also found multiple failures to report incidents as required by law, alongside unsafe conditions involving furniture and equipment in disrepair.
The issues documented included exposed and broken grates, ripped and torn furniture, peeling paint, exposed electrical cords and hazardous power cord arrangements, as well as raised door handles, broken door latches and damaged guards.
Authorities said the decision to suspend the service was based on a reasonable belief that it would not be in the best interests of children to allow the service to continue operating.
The service was also found to be in breach of a condition of its approval, which requires that education and care services operate in a way that ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of children, along with their educational and developmental needs.
During a compliance inspection, a number of issues remained unresolved, and the service was not being managed in accordance with the National Law.
Inspectors also identified additional concerns, including unsafe premises, failure to follow established policies and procedures, and unsafe sleep practices for infants.
While Affinity Education Group had addressed some concerns raised by the regulator, significant compliance issues remained.
VECRA says it was not satisfied that the provider had adequate management and oversight systems in place to prevent further breaches.
The 90-day suspension is intended to give the provider time to implement necessary improvements to its systems, programs and facilities to ensure compliance with the law and the safety of children in care.
Failure to comply with the notice could result in cancellation of the service approval or prosecution under the National Law, with penalties of up to $1,034,100 applying if the service operates without approval.
The suspension will take effect 14 days after the notice is issued, and Affinity Education Group is required to notify affected families.
“Parents deserve to have peace of mind that their children are safe and well cared for in their early childhood service,” said Adam Fennessy PSM, Interim Early Childhood Regulator.
“This service was put on notice due to its child safety practices, yet it failed to address these concerns around the health, wellbeing and safety of children in its care.”
“We will not hesitate to take strong action against any service that puts children’s safety at risk. This includes suspending them until we are satisfied that they can provide the safe and high-quality level of care that they are legally required to do.” he said.
In January, VECRA also charged G8 Education Limited in relation to multiple alleged breaches by Community Kids Hoppers Crossing Early Education Centre service.
It charged G8 Education Limited with a total of 5 offences in relation to an alleged incident where a child with diagnosed disabilities exited the service and was unaccounted for a period of time, and was allegedly found a distance from the service by two members of the public in the middle of a busy road.
