In short:
Milestones Early Learning Werribee has been suspended for 90 days after serious safety breaches were identified, including unsupervised babies and unsafe conditions. Authorities say the action is necessary to protect children while compliance issues are addressed.
Wyndham Advertiser
Safety Failures Exposed
A Werribee childcare centre has been suspended for 90 days after regulators uncovered serious safety and compliance failures.
The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has confirmed it has suspended the service approval of Milestones Early Learning Werribee, which is operated by Affinity Education Group Pty Ltd.
The suspension follows an investigation that identified multiple serious breaches impacting the safety, health and wellbeing of children.
Regulators allege several children under 12 months old were left unsupervised in a room, alongside broader concerns including limited access to educational resources and restricted outdoor play.
Inspectors also identified multiple failures to report incidents that are legally required to be disclosed.
Further safety risks were identified across the facility, including damaged and hazardous infrastructure such as exposed broken grates, torn furniture, peeling paint, exposed electrical cords, unsafe power arrangements, and broken door latches and guards.
Authorities state the enforcement action was taken after determining it would not be in the best interests of children for the service to continue operating in its current state.
It was also found the service was not being managed in accordance with national laws governing early childhood education and care.
During a follow-up inspection, a number of compliance issues remained unresolved, with additional new concerns identified, including unsafe sleep practices for babies and failures to follow required policies and procedures.
While the provider had addressed some issues, regulators state there are still significant risks.
“Parents deserve to have peace of mind that their children are safe and well cared for in their early childhood service,” said Interim Early Childhood Regulator Adam Fennessy PSM.
“This service was put on notice due to its child safety practices, yet it failed to address these concerns around the health, wellbeing and safety of children in its care.”
“We will not hesitate to take strong action against any service that puts children’s safety at risk. This includes suspending them until we are satisfied that they can provide the safe and high-quality level of care that they are legally required to do.”
The 90-day suspension is intended to allow time for the provider to address the issues and bring the service into compliance.
If the provider fails to comply, further action may be taken, including cancellation of approval or prosecution.
Authorities state penalties of up to $1,034,100 may apply if the service continues operating without approval.
The suspension will take effect 14 days after the notice is issued, with the provider required to notify affected families.
VECRA commenced operations on 1 January 2026 as Victoria’s independent early childhood regulator, following recommendations from the 2025 Rapid Child Safety Review.
