Report Summaries LATEST STORIES
Economics
Quality
Policy
Practice
Provider
South Australia freehold early learning centre sale: What the Blair Athol deal highlights for ECEC in 2026
A South Australian freehold early learning centre at 381–387 Prospect Road, Blair Athol has been reported as sold and settled through XCommercial Melbourne in conjunction with CBRE. Separate property reporting states the site was sold to Sydney operator Bright Steps for $7.843 million. For ECEC leaders, the story highlights a 2026 reality: premises transactions sit alongside child safety and governance obligations, approved providers need documented due diligence on physical environment upkeep (Regulation 103), historical compliance actions, and readiness-to-operate systems.
2026-01-20 07:00:03
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
The Australian Government’s release of the 2025 Population Statement provides a timely snapshot of demographic change, one with significant implications for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country. The latest projections confirm slowing population growth, declining birth rates, and a shift toward an ageing population, reinforcing the need for strategic planning, policy alignment and investment in the early years.
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Early childhood education assets continue to attract strong investor interest in record-breaking $151m Burgess Rawson from CBRE auction
Investment in early childhood education and care (ECEC) infrastructure continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term value, with a standout childcare transaction featuring Burgess Rawson from CBRE’s final portfolio auction for 2025.
2025-12-16 08:00:10
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Policy
Practice
Provider
Economics
Research
Workforce
NQF Annual Report 2025: Quality gains continue, but sector faces compliance pressures and persistent equity gaps
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released its ninth Annual Performance Report on the National Quality Framework (NQF), confirming the sector’s steady upward trajectory in quality while highlighting rising compliance pressures, persistent equity gaps, and a renewed national focus on safety and workforce development.
2025-12-10 07:21:19
by Fiona Alston
Provider
Economics
Embark Early Education revises takeover timeline for Mayfield Childcare
Embark Early Education Limited (ASX: EVO) has updated the market on the progress of its proposed conditional off-market takeover bid for Mayfield Childcare Limited (ASX: MFD), confirming a revised timeline for key regulatory milestones.
2025-11-27 09:14:56
by Fiona Alston
Load More
Popular
Economics
Quality
Policy
Practice
Provider
South Australia freehold early learning centre sale: What the Blair Athol deal highlights for ECEC in 2026
2026-01-20 07:00:03
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
