Childcare centre shut down after child hospitalised in allergy scare
A child has been hospitalised after a food allergy incident at an early learning centre, which has now been ordered to close for two weeks.
Edge Early Learning Port Augusta will shut after South Australia’s education regulator issued an emergency action notice on Tuesday.
A child has been hospitalised after a food allergy incident at an early learning centre, which has now been ordered to close for 14 days. 9News
The incident happened on September 3, when a child was taken to hospital after being exposed to a food allergen at the centre.
The Education Standards Board (ESB) has ordered Edge to investigate how food was handled and ensure staff undergo proper training in emergency response management, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
“The ESB has issued an emergency action notice to Edge Early Learning Port Augusta after identifying concerns relating to child safety,” ESB executive director Sean Heffernan said.
“The service has been directed to cease providing education and care for a period of 14 days, from 8 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, while required actions are undertaken.”
The emergency closure comes less than two weeks after Edge Early Learning collapsed into voluntary administration.
It cast doubt on the future of its 70 centres in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, leaving thousands of families in limbo.
Craig Shepard, David Johnstone and Stacey Clisby from KordaMentha were appointed voluntary administrators on August 26, with families initially told centres would continue operating as normal.
“We understand that this may be a confusing and stressful development for families who rely upon Edge Early Learning to provide care for their children,” Edge said at the time.
“We are continuing to operate all centres on a business-as-usual basis.”
Administrators also said there would be no immediate changes to opening hours or staffing arrangements and that maintaining care for children and stability for families would remain a priority.
Edge had faced scrutiny over safety and supervision at some of its South Australian centres well before folding.
Last October, a former employee told 9News she had witnessed a series of alleged failures, including an incident in which she claimed a child wandered onto a main road without a report being filed or the parents being told.
“I dreaded going to work every day,” the childcare worker told 9News.
Edge Early learning operates 70 centres across the country. 9News
“The educators would voice out that they needed help, and help never came, which was very disturbing.”
Several Edge Early Learning centres in South Australia have previously been subject to directions from the Education Standards Board over child supervision.
“Child safety is our highest priority. We encourage staff, families and members of the public to report any concerns or complaints about early childhood education and care services,” Heffernan said.
Nine.com.au has reached out to KordaMentha for comment.
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