Embattled childcare provider closes regional centre
Another Edge Early Learning Centre has been told to close its doors, two weeks after calling in administrators.
The Port Augusta branch of an embattled childcare provider has been shuttered for a fortnight following an “emergency action notice” from the state’s education watchdog over safety concerns after a child at the centre was hospitalised last week.
SA’s Education Standards Board issued the notice to Edge Early Learning Port Augusta to “cease providing education and care for a period of 14 days from 8 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, while required actions are undertaken”.
The board’s Regulation and Quality Executive Director Sean Heffernan said the temporary closure followed “a serious food allergen incident at the service on 3 September 2026 that resulted in the hospitalisation of a child”.
“The provider has been directed to undertake an investigation into the handling of food service arrangements and ensure all service staff complete independent training in emergency response management and the identification of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis,” Heffernan said in a statement today.
“Child safety is our highest priority. We encourage staff, families and members of the public to report any concerns or complaints about early childhood education and care services.”
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The Port Augusta Centre is the most recent to close, following Edge’s Elizabeth Park, Gawler East and Munno Para West centres, which also closed after breaches were found by the Education Standards Board.
Education Minister Lucy Hood today said there were “just over 100 enrolments at the centre” that would be affected by the closure.
“I encourage them to go on the starting blocks website to look at alternative options in the community,” Hood said.
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“I have met myself with Edge and spoken to them about their challenges and also indicated how I do have concerns for their long-going operation.
“I think through the voluntary administration process, we will likely see some of those centres sold off or the current centres secured but that is something that the Education Standards Board is working very, very closely with Edge because we know that quality and safety is absolutely paramount when it comes to our kids.”
Liberal Education spokesperson Heidi Girolamo said nine of Edge’s Early Learning Centres were either closed or facing issues – with Strathalbyn, Virginia, Flagstaff Hill, Plympton and Royal Park services also having conditions imposed by the watchdog – and “enough is enough”.
“We now have a situation where another centre is closing in regional South Australia where we know there is an absolute desert when it comes to child care,” Girolamo said.
“What we want to see is the government to step up to make sure the centres are up to standard and if additional supports are needed, that they are provided to the centres at their cost so they can lift the standard.
“We want to make sure that these centres are fit for purpose and are keeping children safe. When it comes to allergies, there can be absolute dire consequences if compliance doesn’t occur.
“This is a pattern of events that keeps happening and we cannot wait until a tragedy eventuates.”
Edge Early Learning was contacted for comment.
The provider lists 68 centres on its website, including 24 in South Australia, 42 in Queensland and two in the ACT.
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