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NSW Regulator Permanently Shuts Rosehill Childcare Centre in First Use of Tougher Powers

The action showcases the NSW Early Learning Commission's strengthened authority after sector reforms.

Overview

  • Fun2Learn in Rosehill was ordered to close on Friday after more than a decade of failing to meet national standards, with 41 breaches recorded since 2023 and 18 departmental visits over 12 years.
  • Regulatory findings cited padlocked emergency exits, unlabelled chemicals in children’s bathrooms, inadequate allergy and asthma plans, missing working‑with‑children checks, poor hygiene and supervision, and an unenrolled child left for hours.
  • Thirty‑seven families were notified in December and the government says it is helping them find alternative care, though placements may not be in the immediate area.
  • Acting commissioner Daryl Currie said the service posed an unacceptable risk despite no serious incident, reflecting a crackdown enabled by new enforcement measures including unannounced checks.
  • Owner Lisa Thai disputes the decision and says past issues were rectified, while experts and inquiry figures fault years of infrequent assessments and urge contingency plans for failing services.