The Lilyfield Early Learning Centre in Sydney has been reinvented over the past two years through innovation and active family engagement.
The centre attracted some negative public comments from families in 2023 during a change of ownership.
One of Australia’s leading early learning providers, Guardian Childcare and Education, now operates the centre and has implemented a major change program over the past two years.
The centre has achieved the coveted “Exceeding” rating under the National Quality Standards for childcare and early learning.
“It is common to get some disruption when changes are happening, but we really took the comments on board and the team has worked hard to make Lilyfield one of our standout centres,” Guardian Childcare Chief Network Officer Sharon Whiteman said.
“This included a complete overhaul with new furniture, lighting, paint, resources and a redesign of the learning spaces.
“Spaces were decluttered to create calm, inviting environments that inspire exploration and learning. The courtyard was completely revamped, becoming an amazing family gathering area.”
Ms Whiteman said the team had worked to build trust and partnerships with families through open communication, transparency, and genuine care.
This included initiatives such as “Get to Know the Team” afternoons to give families opportunities to meet educators and hear about their child’s learning journey.
Another focus was the creation of a positive and collaborative team culture.
The centre introduced a series of initiatives to extend children’s learning and family engagement.
These included:
· A Cooking Program with a new chef, integrating healthy eating and life skills into the learning program
· A café area for families, offering convenient on-the-go meals and drinks, fostering community connection at drop-off and pick-up times
· A Bush Kinder Program, connecting children with nature and encouraging curiosity, resilience, and sustainability awareness
· A Carpentry Program, supporting hands-on learning, problem-solving, and fine motor development
· Speech Therapy Program – Toddler Rooms and Preschool
· A Dance Program
· A Preschool Information Evening
· A Newsletter
“Following feedback from families, the centre moved to an in-house menu designed by its new chef,” Ms Whiteman said.
“To strengthen community involvement and ensure transparency, a menu tasting evening was held where families, children, and educators could sample the new meals and provide feedback.”
Ms Whiteman said this collaborative approach was a way to reinforce a sense of ownership and trust between families and the centre.
“The whole Lilyfield experience highlights the importance of listening to and partnering with families, and ensuring children have the best possible childcare and early learning experience,” Ms Whiteman said.
“The transformation is ongoing but an amazing amount has been achieved over the past two years.”
The Lilyfield Early Learning Centre (link here) is one of two childcare and early learning centres operated by Guardian in the suburb. The second is Guardian Lilyfield (link here) which has 5 star reviews from more than 30 online parent reviews.
