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The New South Wales Early Learning Commission has mandated the shutdown of Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre in Bathurst due to repeated safety breaches, citing ongoing non‑compliance and risks to children. Families affected will receive support to secure alternative care as the centre closes on 13 October.
The New South Wales Early Learning Commission has directed the closure of Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre, a childcare provider located in Bathurst, after more than a decade of repeated non‑compliance.
The regulator gave the centre a two‑week notice, with operations scheduled to cease on 13 October. Families who have relied on the service will receive assistance in locating alternative childcare arrangements. The decision follows a sustained audit of the facility since it opened in 2014. Regulatory inspectors visited the centre 14 times and identified 41 compliance actions and 126 confirmed breaches over a 12‑year period.
Safety Violations And Fines
The breaches ranged from unsafe furniture and exposed electrical cords to failure to protect children from sharp objects in garden beds and staff using personal devices on premises. In August, the centre was fined $9,240 for a series of safety violations that included unsanitary conditions and inadequate supervision. The regulator's statement stressed that, despite continuous support and opportunities for improvement, the persistent failures placed children at risk and left the Commission with no alternative but to cancel the licence.
One notable incident involved the escape of three children from the centre. They were found near a road by a passer‑by, but no harm was reported. The regulator noted that while no concrete injury had resulted, the elevated risk posed by the ongoing non‑compliance warranted decisive action. Commissioner Daryl Currie emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of children is paramount.
He added that the Commission would continue conducting unannounced visits and compliance checks over the next fortnight, ensuring a smooth transition as the centre closes. The closure reflects the Commission's broader commitment to enforce strict regulatory standards across New South Wales. Families affected by the shutdown are being guided to alternative providers that meet safety requirements. The regulator encourages any concerns or inquiries to be directed to the Early Learning Commission's support lines.
Support For Local Families
Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre's parent and community groups have been notified, and the Commission plans to hold an information session for local families to discuss available childcare options and address questions about the transition process. The Commission's decision serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols in early childhood settings in New South Wales. The ABC has reached out to the centre for comment, but no statement has yet been received.
The Commission remains available for further dialogue with stakeholders as the closure date approaches. In summary, the closure of Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre arises from a history of safety violations, failure to meet regulatory standards, and a specific incident involving the escape of children. The New South Wales Early Learning Commission has taken decisive action to protect children's safety, and it is reviewing further unannounced inspections until the centre's final operation date.
Childcare Regulation Safety Bathurst New South Wales
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