The families of 29 children have been sent into a tail spin, with the Deniliquin Early Learning Centre closing temporarily amidst a long-running childcare shortage crisis.

The centre closed Thursday last week following a visit from the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority the previous day.

It has since been confirmed the regulator “identified several areas of non-compliance, which we are investigating”.

Specific areas of non-compliance have not been revealed, but a spokesperson from the authority said the team from Deniliquin Early Learning Centre is attempting to have them rectified in time to facilitate the centre’s re-opening later this month.

The re-opening may be dependent on the results of a follow up visit from the authority.

The authority spokesperson said the regulator initially visited the childcare service on Hardinge St last Wednesday for the purposes of regularly scheduled assessment and rating.

“The approved provider of Deniliquin Early Learning Centre voluntarily suspended the service’s approval while they work with us to address concerns relating to children’s health and safety,” the spokesperson said.

“This means the service has decided to close until August 22.

“We understand the impact service closures have on families, but children’s safety must come first.”

In a letter sent to families using the centre, Deniliquin Early Learning Centre approved provider Marianne Girgis said she was “required to comply with their (the regulator’s) request for immediate suspension of operations in order to address and rectify key areas of documentation and compliance”.

“Please know that this decision was not made lightly,” she said in the letter.

“The wellbeing, safety, and quality of education for your children remain our highest priorities.

“While we understand the sudden nature of this closure has caused significant disruption to your family, please be assured that we are fully committed to restoring service operations as soon as it is safe and compliant to do so.”

Edward River Council has said while it was not involved in the decision to close the centre, it is taking proactive steps to support affected families and address the broader childcare challenges facing the region.

It recognises that the facility has left 29 children without regular care, exacerbating an already strained system, which Mayor Ashley Hall said highlights the urgent need for action.

“This is a devastating blow for families in our community,” he said.

“We know how critical access to early childhood education is - not just for children’s development, but for working families and our local economy.

“Council is committed to working with industry partners and all levels of government to find solutions, both in the shorter and longer term.

“We know how difficult this has been for parents and children alike, and the huge disruption this is causing to families’ everyday routines.”

Edward River Council is actively:

• Working closely with industry to explore interim solutions to support affected families.

• Investigating opportunities for local investment in childcare infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Advocating strongly to state and federal governments to highlight the urgent needs of the community and secure support for meaningful change.

Edward River Council CEO Jack Bond reinforced the importance of accessible childcare.

“Having accessible childcare is about giving children the best start in life and supporting parents when they need it most,” he said.

“It also plays a vital role in enabling parents to stay in the workforce, helping local businesses find staff, and strengthening our regional economy.”

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Thursday, 29th June 2023

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