I love everything about the centre. The children always seem so happy and calm in the rooms. There is so much for the kids to do.

Parent

The centre is inclusive and friendly and they teach the children about a variety of subjects and cultures.

Parent

Sparkways see themselves as more than an early learning and care provider. This not-for-profit company works with children and young people facing adversity or isolation to give them a brighter future.

They support young people through youth mentoring, social enterprise employment programs, and supporting families to be able to access early learning.

For families that enrol with a Sparkways early learning and care centre, their children will be given a great start in life while also helping to improve the lives of other Victorian children.

The centre seeks to be an involved, positive, dedicated, can-do partner that makes ideas happen.

At the Sparkways Early Learning Showgrounds diversity is celebrated. Educator speak 12 different languages including Cantonese, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi, Telugu, Hindi, Korean, Italian, Kannada, Sinhala and Turkish!

• Regular excursions: to the local park, schools, showgrounds and tram rides.

• Incursions at the centre: visits from the firefighters, police officers, road safety and water safety.

• Honesty library: books for families to take home and borrow, to encourage a love of reading.

• Yoga program: weekly yoga classes led by the educators, to physically enhance children’s flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness, while also practising mindfulness, concentration and calmness. 

• Cooking experiences: the chef teaches cooking as a form of tradition and celebration, such as damper, ANZAC biscuits or gingerbread.

6 weeks - 12 months

The babies room is a safe and happy home away from home. The focus is on children’s wellbeing and development. Children enjoy a range of age-appropriate activities including tummy time and sensory play to support the development of fine and gross motor skills, along with singing and story time for language development. Mirror and facial expression games are a favourite activity, to support social/emotional development.

Children have a voice, I ask to enter their space, I treat the children with dignity and truly listen to them.  Success is when they flourish in an environment where they feel safe and have a sense of true belonging.  Families can trust that I will do the very best for their family. 

Showgrounds is a unique and beautiful combination of bonds among families, educators and children that contributes to a happy learning environment for holistic growth. 

Toni McHenry, Centre Director, Sparkways Early Learning Showgrounds 

I have enjoyed working at Sparkways Early Learning Showgrounds for more than 12 years. I enjoy a strong bond with our local families and children.

It is a joy to share the special moments of early childhood together like a family.

Evie - Educator

At Sparkways Early Learning Showgrounds, the children are offered nutritious and healthy seasonal meals, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. All food is freshly prepared by the in-house chef, who is also a qualified nutritionist.

All children’s dietary requirements are accounted for, including allergies and intolerances. The centre’s menus are based on the Department of Health’s Nutrition Australia guidelines.

The children take part in weekly cooking lessons, and also learn about the value of growing your own produce in the centre’s vegetable garden. Some of the children’s favourite meals include lasagne, chicken fried rice, tuna pasta bake, and lentil soup.