Stronger child safety measures and increased efforts to improve quality in the sector has seen the South Australian independent regulator take action against two childcare services in Adelaide's north.
The Education Standards Board (ESB) has issued tough sanctions for repeated non-compliance at Edge Early Learning Munno Para West and Edge Early Learning Gawler East, resulting in a period of closure at both sites.
The ESB has identified multiple breaches involving supervision and allergen-management, with Edge Early Learning directed to:
- Suspend its Munno Para West service for 90 days due to supervision and staffing issues.
- Close its Gawler East service for 14 days for failing to conduct real time oversight of allergen sensitive meal provision.
The services must address risks identified and comply with conditions imposed – such as improved educator-to-child ratios, re-training in food safety and increased reporting requirements for staff – to reopen, or face further regulatory action.
These actions are part of a significant uplift in early years regulation since the Malinauskas Government came into office, providing the ESB with the resources it needs to ensure the highest quality early learning across South Australia.
A $29 million investment in the regulator has led to a massive boost in unannounced service visits, compliance action and service assessments, as well as a more than doubling of staff to crack down on breaches and ensure changes are enforced.
In 2025-26 – supported by more regulatory officers and increased monitoring – the ESB has issued over 450 compliance actions, up from 112 in the last financial year.
South Australia led the nation in banning the use of personal mobile devices in early years services, further strengthening efforts to better protect young people.
Edge Early Learning operates 24 services across the state, with the regulator only permitting the two services to resume operations once they are safe and compliant.
Families at the Munno Para West and Gawler East services have been notified of the ESB's actions. Information on alternative services is available at the Australian Government's StartingBlocks website.
As put by Lucy Hood
Since coming to Government we have stepped up to support the independent regulator to significantly increase compliance action and service assessment.
Child safety is paramount and these latest actions can give South Australian families confidence the quality of early childhood providers is non-negotiable.
Decisions made by the regulator are carefully considered, recognising the impact on families – but risks to children won't be tolerated.
We will continue to take strong measures and support the ESB to lift standards across the sector, using their powers to ensure issues are addressed and changes implemented.
As put by Education Standards Board Chief Executive, Benn Gramola
The Education Standards Board will not shy away from taking strong action against services that are failing to meet national standards or are in breach of National Law and Regulations.
The Education Standards Board has worked closely with Edge Early Learning to improve quality and safety, however, these issues have not been adequately resolved.
While we recognise the inconvenience this decision may cause families, the safety and wellbeing of children must always come first. The Education Standards Board will not hesitate to take decisive action where there is any risk to child safety.
I encourage staff, families, and members of the public to report any concerns or complaints about early childhood education and care services to the Education Standards Board.
