11 Jul News alert: Victorian family day care provider suspended over child safety concerns
A Victorian family day care provider has been ordered to close 44 home-based services immediately after regulators identified a series of compliance breaches that posed risks to children’s safety.
The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) has suspended the approval of Gabow Family Day Care Pty Ltd for 90 days while the provider works to address the problems.
Gabow operates across 15 outer Melbourne suburbs, including Hoppers Crossing, Epping, Lalor, Craigieburn, Mooroolbark and Werribee.
Inspections carried out in May found concerns relating to educator qualifications, the safety of homes and equipment, fencing, hazardous materials, staff training, transport authorisations and checks on other people living at family day care residences.
Four educators were ordered to stop caring for children after VECRA found they did not hold the required qualifications. Regulators later identified a further 23 alleged breaches of national childcare laws and regulations.
VECRA determined the provider could not continue operating while the issues remained unresolved.
Families whose children attend a Gabow Family Day Care service should contact the provider and their local childcare support services for information about alternative care arrangements.
This is the first time VECRA has used its power to immediately suspend a family day care provider since the authority began operating on 1 January 2026.
If families require assistance in finding alternative education and care, the following resources are available.
- The Starting Blocks website: Early Childhood Education & Care | StartingBlocks.gov.au
- Care For Kids website: Care for Kids | Compare & Review Child Care Near You | CareforKids.com.au
