Victorian regulator shuts down 65 day care centres, suspends educators
Ignite Minds is ordered to close scores of centres and four educators are suspended following an inspection blitz in Victoria.
The Victorian government has ordered the closure of 65 day care centres and suspended four educators following a regulatory authority inspection blitz. The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) found numerous safety breaches at Ignite Minds Pty Ltd, which runs centres in Melbourne, Bendigo, and Shepparton. Allegations include unsafe sleep practices, inadequate supervision, inadequate fencing, and hazardous environments containing poisons, chemicals, and beehives.
The regulator also discovered inadequate care for children with medical conditions, such as missing medications and lack of health plans. The closures will take effect immediately. VECRA's CEO, Wendy Steendam, emphasized that the decision to close the centres was not taken lightly, as the provider had repeatedly failed to meet safety standards.
She warned that non-compliant providers will face consequences if they fail to rectify the issues. Family daycare providers are now on notice to ensure their operations are compliant and to provide proper governance and leadership to their staff.
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