The suspension followed several breaches of the National Law, including a failure to maintain a safe environment, with unclean and hazardous areas presenting significant risks such as inadequate soft-fall surfacing beneath equipment and unstable or unsecured furniture.

Other key concerns include failure to report incidents, inadequate child protection practices, and non-compliance with record-keeping and restriction of personal devices.

This suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place for six months. We have contacted all enrolled families and are offering assistance to find alternative care.   

While we acknowledge the impact of the suspension on families, Little Kindy Tamworth must close and address the issues to ensure there is no further risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of children before it is permitted to reopen.

An investigation is ongoing and the Commission may take further compliance action against the provider where appropriate.

Families that need support to find an alternative service can visit the Starting Blocks website or contact the Commission’s Information and Enquiries team on 1800 619 113 or information@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au.

Please attribute to NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie:

“Our decision to suspend Little Kindy Tamworth was not taken lightly and is the result of significant concerns about immediate risks to children that were identified by our Authorised Officers.

“I understand the impact service closures have on families, especially in regional areas like Tamworth, however the safety of children must come above all else.”

MEDIA: Cassandra Bain | 0477 404 823 | media@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au