Buggles Early Learning and Kindy - Atwell

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi my name is Tess, and I am the Centre Manager here at Buggles Atwell. I began my career in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector in 2016. I joined the team at Buggles Atwell in 2024. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) with a major in Professional Education. Over the past 8 years, I have held various roles within the early learning sector, including Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader, and Assistant Centre Manager, gaining valuable knowledge and skills along the way.

Being a part of children’s learning is incredibly rewarding for me. Witnessing the magic that happens when a child learns something new, seeing their big smiles, and sharing in the excitement of their newfound knowledge is deeply fulfilling. I believe that children are confident and capable learners, each on a unique journey. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an early childhood curriculum that empowers each child to learn and grow.

I encourage authentic child-led, play-based learning, utilising open-ended resources and scaffolding children to reach their highest potential. My approach to early childhood education and care is holistic, ensuring that all children’s needs are met to support their overall learning and development. I am a strong advocate for all children, ensuring they are seen as individuals and that their voices are heard.

At Buggles Atwell, our purpose-built learning environments provide numerous opportunities for children to play, use their imagination, invent, and experiment alongside their peers as they begin to make connections with their wider world. We have an amazing team of hard-working, diverse, and passionate educators who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our educators provide a safe, secure, and loving learning environment for all children. We prioritise creating meaningful bonds with children, their families, and the wider community, valuing each educator’s individual strengths and recognising the integral part they play in supporting children’s learning and development.

For me, building strong relationships with families begins from the very first tour. As a mother myself, I understand the significance of enrolling a child into care. I support our families by maintaining open communication, actively listening to their ideas, providing guidance where required, and being approachable at all times to ensure our families feel a strong sense of belonging within our centre.

I believe in building trusting reciprocal relationships with all children, their families, our team members, and our wider community, guided by the philosophy that “it takes a village to raise a child.”