Several Bambini family day care services still closed after infant death review

Several family day care services operating under the Bambini Child Care banner remain closed as Victoria’s early childhood regulator continues to investigate safe sleep compliance, following the death of a child earlier this year.

More than three months on from emergency action taken by the Department of Education, the closure of several Bambini-affiliated services highlights the significance of compliance with national safety standards.

The Department of Education confirmed that while most of the 56 Bambini-affiliated family day care services have been cleared to resume operations, several locations remain closed as assessments continue.

The closures followed a tragic incident at Irani’s family day care residence in Skye, southeast Melbourne, where an infant died in care. Emergency responders attended the site, located on Balinga Drive, in February 2025, and the child was declared deceased at the scene.

Victoria Police confirmed the death was non-suspicious and the matter has been referred to the Coroners Court. WorkSafe has also been notified.

Regulator issued statewide emergency notice

In the days following the incident, the Department’s Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) issued an Emergency Action Notice to Bambini Child Care. The notice required the provider to suspend operations across all affiliated family day care locations until thorough assessments of sleep and rest practices could be completed.

“The death of any child is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and community during this time,” a Department spokesperson said.

“As a precaution, Victoria’s early childhood regulator issued an Emergency Action Notice to Bambini Child Care requiring the service to complete sleep and rest risk assessments, check compliance with sleeping arrangements, and stop providing family day care until deemed compliant.”

Most sites have since passed the required checks and reopened to families. However, a small number of services remain closed with no confirmed reopening dates.

Compliance checks continue as the early learning sector focuses on safe sleep

The incident and resulting regulatory action have prompted renewed sector-wide focus on the importance of safe sleep practices and regulatory compliance in all early childhood settings.

Under national law, all approved providers are required to ensure that sleep and rest practices are safe, developmentally appropriate and aligned with recognised guidelines. Key elements of compliance include supervision, environmental design, educator capability and risk minimisation strategies, especially during rest periods.

The Department continues to work with Bambini Child Care to complete outstanding assessments and confirm that services meet regulatory expectations before reopening.

This article draws on publicly reported information and departmental statements related to regulatory action in Victoria. Original reporting by the Herald Sun can be viewed here.