Orchard Early Learning Centre staff terminations prompt parent concern, regulatory reassurances

A Bradbury-based early learning service has drawn attention after several team members were dismissed and a peaceful staff protest was held outside the premises on 16 May 2025.

According to a statement released by Orchard Learning Centres, the incident followed the refusal of some staff to attend a mandatory rescheduled governance meeting focused on child protection protocols.

A group of the former educators gathered outside the centre in protest. NSW Police attended the site to prevent a breach of the peace. No further action was required, and the group dispersed without incident.

Educator terminations followed missed governance meetings

In a statement, Orchard Learning Centres confirmed that the meeting had been rescheduled twice to allow for staff attendance and emphasised that the matter did not relate to any allegations of misconduct.

“The topic of child protection was communicated clearly to the team,” the statement said. “The meeting was rescheduled twice to accommodate educators, but attendance and communication were declined on both occasions. We were left with no choice but to terminate employment due to non-engagement in a critical governance process.”

The meeting followed the discovery that the centre’s former manager had previously worked at Milestones Early Learning Elderslie, where CCTV footage captured an incident involving a child in 2023. That centre is unaffiliated with Orchard Learning Centres, and there have been no allegations made against Bradbury staff.

Orchard stated that the service remains fully staffed, with 19 team members on site, and is currently exceeding the minimum required ratios under the National Quality Framework.

Department confirms compliance, parents divided

The NSW Department of Education has confirmed that the service is compliant with regulations and that it is aware of the situation. Educators from Orchard’s Austral and Kirrawee services have been deployed to Bradbury to provide additional support.

Some families expressed concern about how the situation was handled. Nicole Lea, whose child attends the centre, said she returned to the service after seeing police and staff outside.

“I looped back to check everything was okay. No one was contacting parents at that point,” she said.

Other families said they remain confident in the centre’s approach. Siya, whose 15-month-old son attends Bradbury, said she continues to feel comfortable with the service.

“I work with vulnerable people. If anything like that had happened here, there’s no way I’d keep my child there,” she said. “But I can tell you that has not happened here.”

Another family member acknowledged the day felt tense and noted that several senior staff appeared to be missing, which had impacted the usual rhythm of the afternoon routine.

“It felt like those who left were more senior. Emotions are high in there,” she said.

This article draws on publicly available reporting and statements provided to media following events at Orchard Early Learning Centre, Bradbury on 16 May 2025. The original reporting by The Daily Telegraph can be viewed here.