Birches has a commitment to “raising the bar” in early education and we work tirelessly to deliver exceptional quality care and education for every child, every day. Our educational philosophies are under-pinned by the widely respected Reggio Emilia approach to learning which supports enquiry and play-based learning experiences in natural and responsive environments. Our learning programs are designed to be emergent in nature and, through reflective practices, are guided by the children’s interests and needs.

You won't believe what your child will eat at Birches. We have watched children polish off three bowls of fish curry at the centre, something their parents swear they would never touch at home. You truly won't believe it until you see it! 
Nutrition matters for growing minds and bodies, and mealtimes at Birches are one of the highlights of every child's day. Our fully equipped kitchen allows our talented chef to prepare all meals fresh on site every day, filling the centre with the delicious aroma of home cooking. From chicken pasta bake and tuna mornay to our famous muesli slice, our carefully curated four-week rotating menu offers variety that tempts even the fussiest of eaters, with generous servings to keep little tummies full and satisfied. Milk and water are offered with every meal to support growing bones, and we have a strict no junk food policy so children fuel their bodies with the wholesome nutrition they need to learn, play and thrive. 
Every allergy and dietary requirement is catered for with care, and our menus are designed to support children's concentration, development and overall wellbeing throughout the day. Nutrition matters for growing minds and bodies. Our fully equipped kitchen allows our talented chef to prepare all meals fresh on site every day, from chicken pasta bake to our famous muesli slice. Meals follow a four-week rotating menu with generous servings, and milk and water are offered with every meal. We have a strict no junk food policy and cater for all allergies and dietary requirements.

Child safety underpins everything we do. We maintain educator to child ratios that meet or exceed National Regulations, all team members hold current first aid training, and secure entry keeps our centre safe throughout the day. Our policies and practices align with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, and our team completes regular professional development to stay at the forefront of safe practice. Thorough referee checks and onboarding processes ensure every educator is fully vetted before they start at Birches. And as a family owned business, our own children attend Birches too, so we understand firsthand what parents want in a safe environment for the most precious people in their lives.

We welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years, with rooms grouped to suit every stage of development from nursery through to our funded kindergarten program. Our programs are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which means children are seen as capable, curious learners who lead their own discovery. Rather than following a rigid schedule, our educators observe each child's interests and build rich, play based learning experiences around them, with our natural indoor and outdoor environments acting as the third teacher.
Every month children enjoy a different incursion at no extra cost to families, bringing new experiences, performers and hands-on discovery straight into the centre. On top of this, our children take part in weekly sport and music programs, regular cooking classes where they prepare and taste their own creations, and an extensive STEM program that nurtures early skills in science, technology, engineering and maths through experimentation and play. Our school readiness program ensures every child transitions to primary school with confidence, and families stay connected through daily updates and photos on our parent communication app.

Our philosophy centres on belonging within a safe, warm and caring environment, built on secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships between children, families and educators. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we see every child as capable, curious and full of potential, with our educators nurturing each child's interests through play based, enquiry led learning in thoughtfully designed natural environments. We believe childhood is a journey to be treasured, not rushed, and we partner closely with families to guide children into becoming confident, creative and compassionate members of their community. Birches Clayton is family owned and operated, and that means something different here. Our owners are hands on and involved in the centre every day, and our own children attend Birches, so every decision we make is one we would make for our own families.

Our Croydon educators are warm, caring and genuinely invested in every child. Families often tell us the team is what makes Birches Croydon feel like a second home, and the reason their children are excited to come each day.

Our long-standing team and low staff turnover mean your child sees the same familiar faces year after year. Many families still see the educators who welcomed them on their very first day. That consistency helps children feel safe and settled, and lets our educators really get to know each child’s personality, routines and needs.

We know leaving your child for the first time is hard, especially for first-time parents. Our educators take settling in at your child’s pace, whether they’re a new baby in the nursery or a toddler starting something new. They work closely with you to make the transition as smooth as possible, and they’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Every educator holds, or is working towards, an early childhood qualification, and our kindergarten program is led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. 

Our team also holds:
A current Working With Children Check
First aid and CPR
Emergency anaphylaxis management, including EpiPen use
Emergency asthma management
Food handling certification

Learning doesn’t stop for our educators either. Our team takes part in regular professional development, mentoring and first aid refreshers, so their skills stay current and our program keeps improving. Our weekly sport sessions are also run by a dedicated sports coach, giving children expert guidance as they build coordination and confidence.