Werribee early learning service suspended for 90 days following serious safety breaches

Victoria’s early childhood regulator has suspended a Werribee service after identifying multiple breaches of the National Law, raising significant concerns about children’s safety and wellbeing.

The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has suspended the service approval of Milestones Early Learning Werribee, operated by Affinity Education Group Pty Ltd, for 90 days.

The decision, announced on 31 March 2026, followed findings that the service was not operating in a way that ensured children’s health, safety and wellbeing. The action was taken under the Education and Care Services National Law.

As reported by the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) media release, authorised officers identified a pattern of serious non-compliance during inspections.

 

VECRA reported multiple failures across supervision, safety, reporting and the physical environment, including:

• children under 12 months left unsupervised
• limited access to educational materials and outdoor play
• failure to notify the regulator of reportable incidents
• unsafe and poorly maintained equipment, including:
  • exposed broken grates
  • torn furniture
  • peeling paint
  • exposed electrical cords
  • broken door latches, guards and raised door handles

The regulator also identified unsafe sleep practices. Some previously raised issues remained unresolved at the time of inspection.

VECRA stated it held a “reasonable belief” that allowing the service to continue operating would not be in children’s best interests.

Under the National Law, approved providers must ensure services protect children’s safety, health, wellbeing and developmental needs. VECRA found the service was not being managed in accordance with these obligations.

Although Affinity Education Group had taken some remedial steps, the regulator determined that significant risks remained. It also identified gaps in governance and oversight that increased the likelihood of repeated breaches.

The suspension will take effect 14 days after notice is issued, allowing time for families to make alternative arrangements and for the provider to begin rectification.

If the provider does not comply with the suspension, VECRA may:

• cancel the service approval
• pursue prosecution under the National Law

A maximum penalty of $1,034,100 applies for operating without approval.

Interim Early Childhood Regulator Adam Fennessy PSM said strong enforcement action would be taken where children’s safety is compromised.

“Parents deserve to have peace of mind that their children are safe and well cared for in their early childhood service,” Mr Fennessy said.

“We will not hesitate to take strong action against any service that puts children’s safety at risk.”

VECRA commenced operations on 1 January 2026 as Victoria’s independent early childhood regulator, following recommendations from the 2025 Rapid Child Safety Review.

Its expanded mandate includes strengthened monitoring, compliance and enforcement powers across early childhood education and care services.

This suspension represents one of the most significant enforcement actions since VECRA’s establishment and reinforces expectations that approved providers maintain:

• effective governance
• safe physical environments
• consistent compliance with legislative requirements

Source: Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA)