Major childcare provider Edge Early Learning in voluntary administration, separate centre in Melbourne shut

Thousands of Aussie kids and their parents have been left in the lurch after a major childcare provider collapsed into voluntary administration, while a separate centre in Melbourne suddenly shut its doors.

Parents with children at Edge Early Learning centres in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT were advised administrators KordaMentha had been appointed while the childcare provider undergoes an urgent assessment of its operations.

Edge Early Learning chief executive Chris Chambers advised parents the voluntary administrators were working with management to maintain normal operations while the review was undertaken.

“At this stage, all centres are expected to continue operating as usual and families should continue to attend their centres,” he said.

“We understand that this news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that our immediate priority is to

ensure the ongoing operation of all centres with as little disruption as possible to children, families and educators.

“The Voluntary Administrators’ intention is to provide a stable environment for children while we work through this process.”

KordaMentha Voluntary Administrator David Johnstone said families should continue to attend their centres as usual while an urgent assessment of operations was undertaken.

“The care, safety and wellbeing of children remain the highest priority throughout the administration process,” he said.

Separately, another daycare centre in Melbourne was suddenly shut - with parents being given about 12 hours notice that the centre would no longer be operating.

Liquidators SSB Advisory advised parents with children at Avondale Heights Childcare and Early Learning Centre that it ceased operating on Tuesday after the sale of the business fell through.

“As you are aware, a contract of sale for the business of the company had been entered into,” the liquidator said.

“However, the intended purchaser was unable to settle the transaction.

“The directors have been personally funding the operation of the business for an extended period and can no longer continue to personally fund the operation of the business.