Goodstart Early Learning purchases Mission Australia Early Learning services

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Goodstart Early Learning has purchased 19 Long Day Care services nationally and four Queensland Kindergarten services currently operated by Mission Australia Early Learning (MAEL). The transition to Goodstart is expected to be finalised by mid-September 2019.

Mission Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Toomey said the transition of MAEL to Goodstart will ensure high quality services will continue for children, educators and families.

“We have made the carefully considered decision to transition out of the Long Day Care and QLD Kindergarten Programs as we continue to focus on Mission Australia’s goal of reducing homelessness and strengthening communities across Australia. We will continue to operate our Family Day Care services and our two NSW Preschools.

“Since opening in 2009, our early learning services have developed positive and respectful relationships within the communities we work and championed for early learning as an important contributor toward a more prosperous Australia. We’ve had so many professional and compassionate educators and staff members involved in MAEL and we are very grateful for their dedication to providing quality childcare over the years.

“Mission Australia contributed to the start-up of Goodstart as a founding member of the original Goodstart consortium and we share the same commitment to giving children the best possible start in life through access to quality education and care. We know that Goodstart is the best organisation to ensure the long term sustainability of these services into the future, with a strong focus on improving the lives of Australia’s children and their families, particularly the most vulnerable.”

Goodstart Chief Executive Officer, Julia Davison, said a key focus of discussions with Mission Australia was to ensure continuity of care for children and families and a smooth transition for the MAEL team.

“We have a long history with Mission Australia. They are one of our founding members and we share the same commitment to supporting children to build solid foundations for life,” Ms Davison said.

“Upon settlement, most importantly all enrolments for children will continue uninterrupted and staff will continue to be employed in their current positions in their existing centres with Goodstart and we look forward to ensuring MAEL’s commitment to children’s learning, development and wellbeing is carried forward with us.”

Goodstart operates 644 early learning services throughout Australia. It is a not-for-profit social enterprise, founded in 2009 by a consortium of four Australian not-for-profit community sector organisations – Mission Australia, The Benevolent Society, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia.

“The ongoing support of our founding member organisations has been an important contributor to Goodstart’s success over the last decade. The addition of the MAEL services and team to the Goodstart family is another example of how that innovative partnership between Goodstart and Mission Australia continues to deliver value for Australia’s children, families and communities.”

Goodstart Early Learning is Australia’s largest provider of early learning and care. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, it exists to improve the lives of Australia’s children and their families, particularly the most vulnerable. More info: https://goodstart.org.au/About-us