Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury
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Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury Centre overview
Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury , a spacious and inviting centre, with childhood education programs focused on play-based learning. Our Thornbury day care and child care centre provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years of age, supporting them to discover the world in a safe and secure way.
Our Thornbury childcare centre offers:
- Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
- Engaging indoor learning spaces full of quality educational resources
- Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit and veggie garden
- On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
- Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
- Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and bed linen provided
- Extended hours of care each weekday from 7:00am to 6:00pm
The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families up to 15 hours of Free Kindergarten a week, in addition to the Childcare Subsidy. The funding offsets the fees for three and four-year-old children that are part of the centre’s long day care Kindergarten program. Families will save up to $2,101 a year for children aged three-years-old and above in eligible long day cares in 2025.
Guardian Thornbury also features a beautiful old tree, high ceilings, a wooden cubby house, herb and vegetable gardens, worm farms, pet chickens, and a range of age-specific play areas where our exciting programs come to life and children are encouraged to play, explore and learn.
Begin the adventure at Guardian Thornbury today by booking a tour.
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Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury Service features
See more (5)Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury service include:
Location
200 Smith StreetThornbury, VIC, 3071
Centre Reviews

We recently withdrew our child from this centre after two years due to serious concerns about decline in quality. Over the past 12... We recently withdrew our child from this centre after two years due to serious concerns about decline in quality. Over the past 12 months, a large number of educators, many of them senior and highly experienced, resigned. It felt like every few weeks another familiar face was gone, and turnover became the norm rather than the exception. Despite families raising concerns directly with management on several occasions, little meaningful action was taken. While centre management appeared to listen, it often felt performative, with no real commitment to addressing the issues raised. Although we were fortunate that our child had some truly wonderful educators, the instability caused by constant staff changes and our concerns with centre management made us increasingly uneasy. The centre appears to prioritise cost-cutting measures above the wellbeing of children and staff. The advertised educator-to-child ratio 1:4 (the legal minimum requirement) was rarely seen to be met during morning drop-offs before 9am. It was common to see very few staff struggling to care for large groups of children, making drop-offs particularly stressful. Fees are high, with additional charges still applying for public holidays and centre closures, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The swap day policy is so restrictive it is almost impossible to use, yet opportunities to pay for extra days are heavily promoted. Sick day discounts are available but only if you know to ask, nothing is automatically offered. In our view, the centre now operates with a clear focus on maximising revenue, often at the expense of quality care. The vibe is corporate and profit-driven. The mass resignation of experienced educators should be a major red flag for any prospective parent. When staff leave en masse, it raises serious questions about the internal environment. While the centre has brought in new staff, many are very young and inexperienced, and unfortunately, we felt that the overall quality of care has suffered as a result. We no longer felt confident that our child was receiving the care and attention they deserved, and we ultimately made the decision to leave for their safety and wellbeing. I would encourage prospective families to look very carefully before enrolling here. Read more
I have had the absolute pleasure of working at Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury, and I can confidently say it is an incredible... I have had the absolute pleasure of working at Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury, and I can confidently say it is an incredible place for children to learn, grow, and thrive. The educators are passionate, nurturing, and truly dedicated to creating a warm and engaging environment for every child. The learning programs are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s development, and the centre itself is beautifully set up with inviting spaces and high-quality resources. As both an educator and an expectant parent, I can’t wait to enrol my own child here, knowing they will be in the best hands. The care, attention, and love that go into every part of the day make Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury feel like a second home. Highly recommend this wonderful centre to any families looking for a safe and enriching place for their little ones! Read more
The staff at Smith Street Guardian are incredibly professional, enthusiastic, and invested. The centre also exudes warmth and friendliness, which has a truly... The staff at Smith Street Guardian are incredibly professional, enthusiastic, and invested. The centre also exudes warmth and friendliness, which has a truly positive impact on all the children. A huge thanks to Sara and the A team. Keep it up! Read more