Families and educators across several Edge Early Learning centres will soon transition to new providers after administrators confirmed the sale of most services affected by the organisation's voluntary administration. Montessori Academy has entered into an agreement to acquire nine Edge centres across Queensland and South Australia, while 11 centres will permanently close after buyers could not be secured.
Edge Early Learning Administration Update
Edge Early Learning entered voluntary administration in August, prompting a sale process for its network of services. Administrators from KordaMentha have since secured proposed sales for 53 centres across Queensland and South Australia, with several early childhood education providers stepping in to continue operations. [thesector.com.au], [abc.net.au]
As part of the process, Goodstart Early Learning has agreed to acquire 31 centres, while other providers, including Montessori Academy, will take over additional services.
Montessori Academy Expands Network
Montessori Academy, which operates more than 70 early learning services nationally and has over 25 years of experience in the sector, will acquire six Queensland centres and three South Australian centres, subject to regulatory approvals and transition requirements. The centres proposed for acquisition include:
Queensland
- Bilinga
- Crestmead
- North Harbour
- North Pimpama
- Nundah
- Pimpama
South Australia
- Port Adelaide
- Seaford Heights
- Strathalbyn (Braemar Drive)
Montessori Academy Co-Founder and Director, Colette Assaf, said the organisation's focus is on providing stability and continuity for families and educators during the transition. The provider has indicated it will introduce its child safeguarding and quality assurance systems while investing in leadership development, educator training and professional learning opportunities.
Eleven Centres to Close
While the majority of Edge services have secured new operators, administrators were unable to find suitable buyers for 11 centres, which will cease operations.
The affected centres include:
Queensland
- Cannon Hill
- Kelvin Grove
- Milton
- Morayfield East
- South Brisbane
- Strathpine (Railway Avenue)
- West End (Jane Street)
South Australia
- Oaklands Park
- Plympton
- Royal Park
ACT
- Ngunnawal
Reports indicate some families received approximately 48 hours' notice of the closures, with administrators advising affected families of nearby services that may have enrolment vacancies.
Impact on Families and Educators
The closures highlight ongoing challenges within the early childhood education and care sector, including service viability and financial pressures facing providers. For families, the sudden need to find alternative care arrangements can be disruptive, while educators may face uncertainty regarding employment and workplace transitions.
Despite the closures, the successful sale of 53 services means many children will be able to continue their early learning journey with minimal disruption as new operators take over management of the centres.
The acquisition of nine Edge services by Montessori Academy represents a significant expansion for the provider and offers continuity for many families and educators affected by Edge Early Learning's administration. However, the closure of 11 centres serves as a reminder of the ongoing pressures within Australia's early childhood education sector and the importance of maintaining sustainable, high-quality services for children and families.