On March 31, 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) announced a 90-day suspension of Milestones Early Learning Werribee, operated by Affinity Education Group. The suspension, effective April 13, follows findings of serious breaches of the Education and Care Services National Law, specifically around children’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
What Happened
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Service Approval Suspended: VECRA determined the centre was not operating in a way that safeguarded children.
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Duration: 90 days, with Affinity required to arrange alternative care for families.
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Compliance Failures: Breaches included inadequate safety measures and wellbeing protections.
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Affinity’s Response: In a statement, Affinity apologised to families, acknowledging the outcome “falls short of both regulatory expectations and the standards we set for our centres.” The group pledged to work closely with families to secure alternative care and committed to reopening only once VECRA is satisfied all requirements are met.
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Historical Context: The Werribee centre was also a site where an accused abuser worked briefly in 2024, intensifying scrutiny and concern around safeguarding practices.
Why It Matters for Educators
This case underscores the non-negotiable nature of compliance in early childhood education. Regulatory bodies are increasingly vigilant, and lapses can result in service-wide suspensions that disrupt families, staff, and community trust.
Key Compliance Lessons
- Health & Safety First: Daily practices must consistently align with National Law requirements.
- Documentation as Evidence: Regulators rely on clear, accurate records to verify compliance.
- Culture of Accountability: Compliance is not a checklist—it’s embedded in team culture and reflective practice.
- Rapid Response Systems: Services must have protocols for identifying and addressing risks before they escalate.
Sector Implications
- For Providers: This suspension is a reminder that reputational damage can be swift and sector-wide.
- For Educators: It highlights the importance of reflective practice and vigilance in everyday routines.
- For Families: It reinforces the role of regulators in safeguarding children, even when disruptions occur.
The Werribee suspension is not an isolated incident—it’s a sector signal. Compliance is both a legal requirement and a professional responsibility. Educators and leaders must embed safety and wellbeing into every decision, ensuring that children remain at the centre of practice.
Reference:
Melbourne Childcare Centre Where Accused Abuser Worked Shut Down For Three Months