The NSW Early Learning Commission has ordered the permanent closure of Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre in Bathurst, with the centre to shut on October 13 after recording 126 breaches over a 12-year period.
The independent regulator said it had given the provider, C & J Corporation Pty Ltd, two weeks' notice of its decision to cancel its approval to operate. Commissioner Daryl Currie said the safety and wellbeing of children was the regulator's highest priority.
"Despite ongoing support and opportunities for improvement, the persistent non-compliance of this provider left us with no choice but to take decisive action to protect the children in our care," he said.
The centre, open since 2014, has received 14 visits from regulatory officers, 41 compliance actions and 126 confirmed breaches. An investigation was launched in March 2025 after three children escaped from the centre and were spotted near a road by a passer-by.
The regulator said there was no current evidence any child had been involved in a specific incident causing direct harm, but remained concerned about the level of risk due to ongoing non-compliance.
The provider was fined $9,240 in August for breaches including unsafe furniture and equipment and exposed electrical cords. Other concerns included failure to protect children from sharp and pointed objects in garden beds and staff in possession of a personal device.
Mr Currie said families would be supported to find alternative care. The regulator will continue unannounced visits and compliance checks until the centre closes. The centre was advertising for additional staff in early September. The ABC has contacted the centre for comment.