amazing staff, fantastic preschool program and the most beautiful centre!

Bambini is a warm, welcoming place where children are genuinely cared for and supported to be themselves. The educators truly care about the children and put a lot of thought into creating meaningful, inquiry and play-based learning experiences that reflect the Reggio Emilia philosophy. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and respect, and families are always made to feel welcome and included. You can see how much effort goes into building relationships and creating a safe, happy and beautiful environment where children feel confident to learn, wonder and grow. Under the new management, the centre continues to show a strong commitment to children’s learning and wellbeing, as well as to families and the community. It’s a lovely community to be part of!

No one does it better: The family and new owners of Bambini House are wonderful and I can confidently share - from extensive first hand experience - that they are experts when it comes to leading a connected, inspiring, warm, community-minded care and learning centre. We’ve had the good fortune of working with them for almost eight years as our three children have been through (and are still going through!) their centre in Mosman, Shadforth Cottage (each from ages 6-months to completion of preschool, at 5-years). Including through the COVID years, where Sylvia’s unwavering leadership was a stabilising force during very unstable times for so many of us. This team knows how to hire and nurture the very best talent as it relates to carers and educators. We’ve had unheard-of consistency and continuity of carers with our children, they welcome older siblings back always (my older kids still love to visit!) and take the time to know the children completely as they change and grow - in order to accommodate their various and evolving needs. As a parent, I’ve always been welcomed in, engaged enthusiastically, my children have all thrived at Shadforth and prepared beautiful for the big step to primary school. We feel grateful to Sylvia and the team for their leadership, care and the connected culture between families and the team - which they foster so intentionally. I’m delighted to see they have spread their wings and will provide the same to the Chatswood community and families through Bambini. Congratulations and best wishes to Sylvia, Emma, Bethany and the whole team. No one does it better.

Since the change in ownership, our family have experienced a noticeable decline in the quality and consistency of the service at Bambini House. Educator departures were communicated to families with only a week’s notice, and the educators who contributed to the sense of stability and continuity at the centre are no longer there. New educators would appear with no introduction to families. Communication has also been challenging. Several emails went unanswered until a copy of the grievances policy was requested, and responses to parent concerns often felt defensive or did not address our concerns. We have also observed occasions where only one educator was supervising the outdoor area during pick-up, which was concerning from a safety and supervision perspective. While ratios may meet the minimum legal requirements, what was previously delivered, and what many families expected, was a higher standard of care and supervision.

Bambini used to be amazing — it truly felt like a family environment where both children and staff thrived. Unfortunately, since the change in ownership, the standard seems to have gone down. The staff no longer appear as engaged or happy, which may be a reflection of the new management and or the style of childcare they wish to provide. What once felt like a warm, nurturing place now feels more transactional, as though staff are treated as hired help rather than being valued extensions of family caring for our kids. It’s disappointing, as we’ve always valued Bambini for that sense of comfort and genuine care. I sincerely hope the new owners are able to restore the old Bambini spirit, because our kids deserve the best care — especially at the premium rates they charge. For now, though, it sadly falls short of its former standard, many parents we know via bambini have already changed to another centre and I simply would not recommend them at this time and suggest to research other options before deciding.

I have had two daughters both attend Bambini House, and I can't speak highly enough of the centre. It's one of a kind, and they truly make each child feel so special. The educators are second to none, extremely knowledgable and very caring of each child. They also make a big effort in communicating the Childs progress to each family, with daily updates and pictures, as well as monthly reports. The centre itself is a lovely space, indoors and outdoors. The resources available to each child are also wonderful. As a family, we are so grateful for the care and support we received for each child over the past few years from Bambini House.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bambini House has been more than a preschool for us; it's become an extension of our home. Our journey here has been extraordinary, and though my children have already graduated, the impact remains profound. Bambini isn't just a place of learning; it's a space where our little ones grew into authentic individuals, embracing kindness, respect, and emotional intelligence. The educators at Bambini are not just teachers; they are listeners, conversationalists, and believers in every child. The support from the entire Bambini community has been incredible. Being part of this ecosystem was our privilege. Thank you, Bambini House, for contributing to the strong foundations of our little ones. This magical place will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Simply the best! My son felt safe and grew confidence in his two years at Bambini. All the staff are amazing and have such high level of care. We feel grateful to have been able to experience this special place.