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Edge Early Learning marks end of substantial expansion with settlement of Paisley Park centres
Jason Roberts
May 31, 2022
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Edge Early Learning (EEL) has confirmed the completion of a substantial expansion drive which has seen twenty additions to the group over the course of the last five months with a parcel of twelve Paisley Park Early Learning sites the most recent to settle. Of the twenty centres added, seventeen are located in South Australia, with the remaining in South East Queensland where EEL’s existing network of twenty nine centres are located.
EEL now has close to fifty centres across the two states with more scheduled to join.
“We have built a reputable educational practice in the early learning space on the East Coast and have been looking to take EEL to areas that are seeking quality childcare and education,” Chief Executive Officer Annie Bryce said.
“The acquisition of this large number of South Australian centres is aligned with our growth plans and provides an opportunity to establish ourselves immediately as a leader in the market.”
Ms Bryce added that EEL’s recognised brand of early learning services will enhance the current offering, while meeting the growing demand for access to quality child care in SA.
Latest acquisitions include Paisley Park, Where We Grow and Treasured Tots centres
The acquired centres were sourced from three ECEC operators namely Paisley Park Early Learning, Where We Grow Early Learning and Treasured Tots, with a further two opened as greenfields by the EEL team.
The Paisley Park sites were the largest component of the recent expansion drive with twelve transitioning over to EEL.
“We were delighted to have our centres purchased by Edge Early Learning, as we were comfortable in the knowledge that their philosophy and ours were very much aligned,” Paisley Park Co-Founder Peter Raue said.
“The alignment is important to Paisley Park as we wanted to ensure the utmost consistency for families and staff, whilst minimising any disruption to all stakeholders. We are confident that our families and staff will be well looked after by Edge Early Learning now and into the future.”
The sale, Mr Raue continued, will allow Paisley Park to continue its growth, and to focus on the development of high quality centres in highly desirable locations across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Edge Early Learning now fourth largest private operator in South Australia
With the Paisley Park centres now settled EEL’s network in SA stands at seventeen across a broad range of locations including Aldinga Beach, Angle Vale, Brahma Lodge, Gawler East, Mount Barker, Munno Para West, Strathalbyn, Virginia, Plympton, Oaklands Park, Royal Park, Port Adelaide, Hallett Cove, Port Pirie and Port Augusta West.
The transaction also elevates EEL into the state’s third largest for profit provider behind G8 Education and Stepping Stone Childcare and Early Development who own and operate twenty six and twenty five centres respectively, just ahead of Busy Bees Australia's fifteen.
Goodstart Early Learning remains South Australia’s largest long day care provider with fifty one.
Looking ahead Ms Bryce notes that all acquisitions will be rebranded over the coming months, with EEL rolling out its education curriculum and investing in new resources, equipment, and books as required.
To learn more about Edge Early Learning please click here.
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