ANU defers tender process for provision of ECEC

The Australian National University (ANU) has confirmed that it will defer any tender process for the provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services pending further discussion with University Preschool Child Care Centre (UPCCC) and Heritage Early Childhood Centre (Heritage). 

ANU has received proposals from the UPCCC and Heritage to deliver ECEC in two brand-new facilities on the University’s campus from January 2025. Both proposals have also received letters of support from Acton Early Childhood Centre (AECC) and Cubby House on Campus.

The announcement has been made in the wake of concern and subsequent advocacy by parents utilising both services following last month’s announcement by the University that it would not renew the licences of four early learning centres connected with the university. 

UPCCC, Heritage, AECC, and Cubby House on Campus (all located in the Acton Conservation Precinct) were included in the decision, which has been widely reported in local media. 

The heritage-listed cottages housing the current ECEC centres contain potentially unsafe materials including lead paint and asbestos, and it has become unsustainable to continue using them for childcare.

“Due to the age of these buildings and the ongoing work required to remediate hail damage and ensure the buildings meet our high standards, the University has explored options to help us provide the best, uninterrupted childcare services for ANU families in the future,” ANU Chief Operating Officer Christopher Price said at the time. 

Both Cubby House and AECC submitted proposals to the University to remain in their current facilities, however these proposals were not feasible from the University’s perspective. As a result, AECC and Cubby have supported the proposals from UPCCC and Heritage.

ANU will inform families in the four current centres on its campus, as well as the University community, as soon as the final terms of the agreements with UPCCC and Heritage are reached, including agreements regarding continuity of care.