CESA to expand Early Learning Centre network
Schools
A new Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Xavier College Two Wells will be the first to be built as part of a major agreement between Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and delivery partner Accord to expand ELCs across diocesan schools.
Under the plan, Accord will be responsible for construction of the centre, while childcare provider Eden Academy has been appointed as the operator. The co-located ELCs will be known as Eden Grove.
The first ELC will be co-located at Xavier College Two Wells and will include pre-school and long day care services. Expected to open in Term 3 next year, the centre will cater for 141 children from six weeks of age until five years old.
An ELC has also been announced for Xavier College Riverlea Park, which is due to open in 2027 with planning progressing on additional sites.
“Our ELC expansion will meet the increasing demand for Catholic education across South Australia. Most importantly, it will enable us to engage with families sooner, and support children’s faith formation and social, cognitive and emotional development, which will prepare them for future learning,” said CESA executive director Dr Neil McGoran.
“The centres will cater for early learning services and provide both three-year-old and four-year-old preschool programs in line with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.
“We aim to open at least two new ELC’s in the next 18 months, with planning progressing on additional sites.
“This is part of a commitment to develop stronger educational pathways from the early years through to Year 12.
“The early years play a vital role in every child’s development, and we believe that together we can provide exceptional early learning centres for the growing needs of South Australians.”
The purpose-built $4 million centre at Xavier College Two Wells will offer expressions of Catholic identity and include contemporary indoor and outdoor learning and play spaces.
Accord managing director Lachy Hogarth said they were pleased to partner with CESA to deliver the first ELC under the agreement.
“We are excited to be working with Catholic Education South Australia on this significant initiative. High-quality early learning environments set the foundation for lifelong education, and we are committed to delivering exceptional facilities that foster growth and development,” said Mr Hogarth.
“These centres will be designed to provide an engaging and nurturing space for young learners, integrating innovative learning environments with high-quality construction standards. We are proud to contribute to the future of Catholic education in South Australia.”
CESA already provides education to families across 101 Catholic schools, including 18 preschools and early learning centres.
“Families increasingly value a strong foundation for learning from the early years through to primary school, and co-located ELCs can support this by offering aligned educational approaches,” said Dr McGoran.
Construction of the ELC at Xavier College Two Wells will commence next month (July) and it is expected to open in Term 3 2026.
For more information or to complete an Expression of Interest form, please visit www.edengroveelc.com.au.
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