New Owners for ABC LearningA GoodStart for parents children and staff
In a happy ending to the ex ABC Learning Centre story, non-profit company GoodStart has been announced as the new owner of the remaining 678 centres.
GoodStart was established by Social Ventures Australia, Mission Australia, the Benevolent Society and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
GoodStart has also offered to manage the remaining 26 centres while receiver McGrathNicol finalises arrangements for these centres.
The venture is supported by the Australian Government and has the financial backing of NAB.
Accrued employee entitlements will be carried over to the new owner and the company will continue to operate under the ABC Learning brand.
GoodStart spokesperson Maree Walk said the company will operate the centres to the highest standards of education and care, with financial surpluses reinvested back into programs that improve child care access andquality.
"Today marks a new start for parents, children and staff at ABC Learning centres around the country," she said.
According to information provided by GoodStart the company's aims are to:
- Provide high quality, accessible and stable early childhood education and care
- Work with families to support them providing the best possible foundations for their children
- Be an integral part of the local communities in which the centres operate
- Retain, attract and develop high quality staff at each level of qualification; and
The LHMU, the child care union, said the move would be good for ex-ABC Learning staff and for the Australian families who use child care.
Sue Lines, LHMU Assistant National Secretary also said the GoodStart deal is a great victory for the staff who stayed with the company since it's collapse in November 2006.
"The past months have been a difficult time for ABC Learning staff. Their hard work in keeping the centres going and in providing stability for the children they care for and educate has finally paid off' she said.
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