Edge Early Learning at Plympton has closed and will not reopen for 90 days. As a result of these grave concerns regarding the supervision of children at the JDC, this decision is being made by the ESB. During this closure, the focus should be on guaranteeing that children will not be endangered while changes are being implemented.
The Plympton centre, which is in Adelaide’s inner south-west, had been closed for two weeks in late September. The ESB determined that a longer closure was necessary after investigating “a number of incidences” related to inadequate supervision. Benn Gramola, chief executive of the Education Standards Board, said there was an urgent imperative to safeguard children. As he said, we need to remove all the dangers to their safety possible.
The closure comes on the heels of an enforceable agreement signed by the operator of Edge Early Learning at Plympton. It’s through this compact that we’ve achieved strong, bold action. In August, they announced to make changes at each of the state’s 24 centres. So is their end goal — to improve safety procedures so that children are never left unattended again.
Investigation and Findings
The Education Standards Board opened a complaint. They had gotten several reports alleging that Edge Early Learning at Plympton had seriously neglected supervision of children. These findings were alarming and they could no longer have children in their care unsafe and unprotected from serious harm.
Benn Gramola elaborated on the situation, stating, “This is a result of a number of incidences relating to inadequate supervision.” He reiterated that the key right now is to focus on creating sustainable plans to fix these problems long-term.
Edge Early Learning had already sent a letter of reassurance to families. It further claims that “not a single child has come to harm” throughout the investigation. The Plympton centre was determined by the ESB to be “unsuitable to open” until these critical changes are made.
Required Improvements and Future Steps
Interestingly, the ESB has listed concrete improvements that need to take place during the 90-day closure. Perhaps the most important change is the reduction in the staff-to-child ratio. Now, that will be one educator for every nine children aged 36 months to preschool age. This change is intended to improve safety of supervision and therefore a safer learning environment.
If these improvements are not met within the stipulated time frame, the Education Standards Board may extend the closure or consider permanently closing the Plympton centre. Gramola stated, “There are a number of items that Edge has been advised of, particularly around inadequate supervision, so for us, it’s making sure that they have long-term strategies to address the concerns.”
Edge Early Learning demonstrated a willingness to work through these challenges. In a statement, they said, “The safety, wellbeing and education of the children in our care is our number one priority, and we will continue to work closely with the ESB to address any outstanding concerns to support the safe re-opening of the centre.”
Support for Affected Families
This sudden closure now leaves families who were using Edge Early Learning at Plympton with no alternative childcare options. The ESB is taking steps to support displaced families. Their goal is to bring families to a list of local centres with open spaces located within a 5-kilometre radius.
Kyam Maher acknowledged the impact of this decision on families and educators, stating, “We do understand and appreciate that this will be a significant inconvenience for many parents, but the priority has got to be on children’s safety.” The focus continues to be on getting children back into safe environments, all while meeting the needs of families during this transition.
