Edge Early Learning centre ordered to close after child hospitalised

The Education Standards Board has ordered the Edge Early Learning centre in Port Augusta, South Australia, to close for 14 days following the hospitalisation of a child due to an allergic reaction. The closure, which lasts until September 21, follows an incident where a child was allegedly served incorrect food. Education Minister Lucy Hood described the event as an “allergen management issue” and noted that managing such risks has been a challenge for the provider.

The childcare provider, which operates across South Australia, Queensland, and the ACT, is currently under voluntary administration with KordaMentha appointed as the administrator. This incident follows a previous allergen-related closure at the provider’s Gawler centre.

During the shutdown, the Port Augusta centre is required to conduct an internal investigation and ensure all staff undergo independent emergency-response training, specifically covering allergy management and anaphylaxis. The regulator has also demanded written details of the incident and subsequent directions for all enrolled families.