NSW suspends two early learning services following significant child safety concerns

The NSW Early Learning Commission has immediately suspended the service approvals of two early childhood education and care (ECEC) services after identifying significant concerns relating to children’s safety and compliance with the National Law.

The regulatory action, announced on 10 August 2026, applies to Crookwell Neighbourhood Centre - Combined OOSH at Collector Public School, which has been suspended for two months, and Bright Future Childcare Centre Baulkham Hills, which has been suspended for three months.

Both suspensions took immediate effect, meaning the services cannot operate during their respective suspension periods. Enrolled families have been notified and offered assistance to find alternative education and care.

The suspension of Crookwell Neighbourhood Centre - Combined OOSH follows concerns identified by the Commission relating to inadequate supervision, child protection awareness, notification systems and record keeping.

The service has been rated Working Towards the National Quality Standard (NQS) over the past five years, receiving the rating following assessments undertaken in 2021, 2024 and 2025.

According to the Commission, an unannounced follow-up visit identified ongoing non-compliance, including children being present without appropriate educator supervision and a failure to address a previously identified child protection issue.

The service has subsequently had its approval suspended for two months.

Bright Future Childcare Centre Baulkham Hills has been suspended for three months following visits by the Commission on 6 and 7 August 2026.

The Commission identified a range of concerns, including child safety risks associated with the service continuing to operate while unapproved building works were underway.

Other concerns identified included a lack of verified Working With Children Check records and required documentation, insufficient evidence of required first aid and CPR qualifications on site, poor governance and record keeping practices, and inadequate risk assessments and documentation.

Concerns were also raised regarding cleanliness, food safety and hygiene, expired medications on site, and understanding of child protection awareness and responsibilities.

The Commission said there is currently no evidence to suggest that any child at either service was involved in a specific incident that caused them direct harm.

However, the regulator determined that the identified issues must be rectified before either service will be permitted to reopen, to ensure there is no risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of children.

Investigations into both services remain ongoing, with the Commission indicating that further compliance action may be taken.

NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie said the decision to suspend a service was not taken lightly.

“Where we identify serious risks to children, we will act decisively to ensure children are safe while providers address identified concerns,” Mr Currie said.

“Families trust early childhood education and care services to provide safe, nurturing environments for their children.

“Providers must meet their obligations under the National Law at all times.”

Families affected by the suspensions who require assistance finding alternative education and care can contact the Commission’s Information and Enquiries team on 1800 619 113 or [email protected], Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Read the full announcement from the NSW Department of Education and NSW Early Learning Commission here.