Embattled childcare chain shuts another Canberra centre

Childcare company Edge Early Learning has permanently closed its Charnwood centre in Canberra, instead of continuing service during a three-month suspension ordered by the ACT's childcare regulator. The decision followed Edge's voluntary administration earlier this week. Edge had attempted to keep its Australian centres open, but the Charnwood centre's closure was deemed unviable once the suspension ended.

The regulator, Children's Education and Care Assurance (CECA), cited concerns over staff turnover and inexperienced staff as major risks to child supervision and safety. Edge had attempted to address these issues over the past year, including changing leadership and increasing training. Families expressed relief at securing alternative care, but acknowledged the difficulty of finding suitable options, particularly with only a week's notice.