Second suspicious fire strikes Play to Learn early learning centre in Castle Hill

A second Play to Learn early-learning centre has been struck by a suspicious fire, just four days after its Turramurra site was deliberately firebombed. Both events are now under active police investigation, triggering widespread concern across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

In the early hours of Monday, 14 July, emergency services responded to an automatic fire alarm at Play to Learn’s newly opened Castle Hill centre on Excelsior Avenue. Fire crews arrived to find a small interior blaze, quickly suppressed by the facility’s sprinkler system. No one was injured, and only minor damage was recorded.

NSW Fire & Rescue confirmed the site was ventilated and handed over to police, who have classified the incident as “suspicious” and established a crime scene. Investigators are exploring possible links with the earlier Turramurra incident, where an unknown individual reportedly used an accelerant in the foyer before lighting the fire around 1 am on Friday, 11 July.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Play to Learn head of operations Jemma Quinlan described the recurrence as “horrific”. Speaking after the Turramurra attack, she said, “We’re here to serve the community, we have an amazing reputation.” The provider has operated in Sydney’s North Shore area for nearly 19 years without incident and is now scrambling to understand the motive behind two consecutive attacks.

Although both fires occurred outside operating hours, the psychological impact on educators, parents, and children is significant. 

For background on the initial incident, see our previous coverage: Suspected arson attack damages Play to Learn Turramurra service.

This article includes information originally published by ABC News.