A group of companies operating childcare centres under the HEI Schools brand across Victoria and New South Wales has plunged into liquidation, leaving behind $21 million in debts and triggering widespread disruption for families, educators, and communities.
The Unraveling of a Global Brand
HEI Schools, originally founded in Finland and celebrated for its play-based, research-driven pedagogy, expanded into Australia with ambitious plans. But behind the glossy branding and pedagogical promise, the local operating companies struggled to stay afloat.
Recent reports reveal that three Geelong centers—Lara, Norlane, and Armstrong Creek—accumulated $2.4 million in debt over five years. Parents have begun withdrawing children amid fears of sudden closures, and staff face job insecurity with little clarity from administrators.
As with other recent collapses in the sector, educators are again bearing the brunt. Many have continued working despite missed wages and mounting uncertainty, driven by their commitment to children and families. Yet their dedication is met with silence from ownership and slow-moving investigations.
This echoes the broader crisis seen in the Genius Childcare collapse, where unpaid superannuation, wage theft, and opaque financial dealings left hundreds of educators stranded.
The HEI Schools liquidation is not an isolated incident—it’s part of a troubling pattern:
- Franchised models with limited oversight
- Rapid expansion without financial safeguards
- Weak enforcement of educator protections
- Minimal transparency for families and staff during insolvency
This collapse must serve as a catalyst for systemic change. Sector advocates, policymakers, and community leaders must demand:
- Mandatory financial audits for large providers
- Director accountability and asset tracing
- Emergency educator relief funds
- Transparent insolvency protocols that prioritize child safety and staff well-being
- Alignment with ILO Early Learning Guidelines, ensuring decent work and professional dignity for ECE personnel
Early childhood education is not a commodity—it’s a public good. When providers collapse, it’s not just a business failure; it’s a breach of trust with families, educators, and the children we serve.
Reference:
Companies Behind Childcare Chain HEI Schools Plunge Into Liquidation Amid $21m Debts
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