A Morayfield East childcare centre closed during Edge Early Learning’s restructuring could resume operations in early November, with Little Locals Early Learning announcing plans to take over the former service.
Little Locals outlined its intentions on 15 October 2026, a day after the centre was due to close under the Edge administration process. The operator said it was working through regulatory and property arrangements, including the transfer of the childcare service licence, and hoped to reopen within approximately three weeks.
The prospective reopening could restore childcare at the premises and provide employment opportunities for former educators. Little Locals has expressed an intention to rehire as many former team members as possible, although staffing arrangements and an opening date remain unconfirmed. According to the operator, discussions involving the Department of Education and the landlord are continuing.
Short notice leaves families searching for care
The closures followed Edge Early Learning’s entry into voluntary administration on 25 August 2026. Craig Shepard, David Johnstone and Stacey Clisby of KordaMentha were appointed to review the business and assess its future.
At the beginning of the process, families were advised that centres would continue operating as usual while the review was underway, with no immediate changes to childcare arrangements, staffing or opening hours.
However, administrators subsequently identified 11 centres without viable offers to continue operating. Seven were in Queensland, three in South Australia and one in the ACT.
Some parents learnt of the closures with less than 48 hours’ notice, while others were reportedly informed when dropping off their children. KordaMentha said affected families were being directed towards nearby childcare services that had indicated some availability for new enrolments at the time.
Administrator David Johnstone acknowledged the impact on staff and families required to make alternative arrangements at short notice.
Proposed sales offer continuity for 53 centres
While the 11 centres closed, administrators announced proposed sale arrangements covering 53 other Edge Early Learning services across Queensland and South Australia.
Goodstart Early Learning agreed to acquire 31 centres, while another 22 were covered by agreements or term sheets involving six other operators. Montessori Academy’s agreement to acquire nine services, comprising six in Queensland and three in South Australia, formed part of the latter group.
The transactions were announced as part of efforts to preserve childcare services and employment across the network. Outstanding conditions and completion requirements meant the proposed agreements did not necessarily represent finalised ownership transfers.
Operating costs put pressure on childcare providers
The closures come amid wider concerns about operating costs and enrolment levels across Australia’s childcare sector.
Australian Childcare Alliance national vice-president Nesha Hutchinson said industry reports indicated average childcare occupancy of approximately 73 per cent. Operators still face rent and staffing expenses when centres have unfilled places, creating financial pressure on some services.
The industry-wide occupancy figure does not establish the enrolment levels or financial position of any individual Edge centre. Administrators said the 11 facilities were closing after viable offers to continue their operations could not be secured.
Published 15-Oct-2026
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