REED to take on management of early learning settings in the Shire of Ravensthorpe

Regional Early Education and Development Inc. (REED) will take on responsibility for the management of long day care services in the West Australian Shire of Ravensthorpe.

Little Barrens Early Learning Centre in Hopetoun and The Cub House Childcare Centre in Ravensthorpe, both in the Goldfields-Esperance region, were previously managed by community groups before they folded in 2018 and 2019.

At that time the Shire of Ravensthorpe stepped in to keep the essential services operating as a temporary measure until a more suitable solution was established.

Shire Chief Executive Matthew Bird said the agreement with REED will ensure children receive high quality care and that staff are provided with ongoing professional development opportunities.

“REED are specialists at providing childcare in regional communities,” he shared with local news source Kalgoorlie Miner. 

“They will provide high level specialist childcare and there will also be professional development, mentoring and career pathways for all of our employees.”

REED was created in 2018 to manage early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in regional WA, and operates as a not-for-profit organisation. 

“Under the REED banner, these services will receive upgrades that align with REED’s high standards of quality, and the existing staff will be invited to join the REED team,” General Manager Kylie Helgesen said.

“We look forward to meeting the children and families of Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe.”

Employees at both services were informed of the merger and have been offered ongoing employment with REED. Both services are expected to reopen once approved by the Regulatory Authority. 

Access the original coverage of this story here.