We had a very unpleasant experience with Journey Early Learning Gumdale (Jr Toddler room). After months on the waitlist we were excited to get a place, but it quickly went downhill. No one contacted us to arrange orientation—I had to chase it myself, and when I called the staff were rude and uninterested. During orientation there was no effort to get to know us or our child, which made us feel uneasy about leaving her there. We just sat there for 1 hour and walked out. We also noticed the educator board wasn’t updated, raising concerns about staff turnover. When we decided not to proceed, the only quick response we got was an exit form from the center manager, we had no other communication with her whatsoever as she never responded to any other e mails. Even our bond refund, promised within a month, took almost 2 months and repeated follow-ups. Our advice? don’t be swayed by the glossy tours, always do a few stay & play sessions to see the real picture.

This centre is amazing! Lisa and Fiona are always so warm welcoming to all families and children at Journey Gumdale. They have a large team of educators who goes above and beyond for the children. There yards and foods for the children are just fantastic.

Toddler room staff are constantly changing and are inconsistent with thier procedures. No incident reports, staph infection from wound at the centre, late to change nappy resulting in a massive rash & missing clothes. When asking staff about these issues we were always told ' i wasnt here when that happened' or ' I only work here 3 days a week sorry'. No accountablity from staff at all. This and other issues mounted and caused us to change centres. Poor management of toddler room, did not trust the staff with my boy. Head office were informed, and there was no follow up 07.08.25 - no one has contacted me. Your reply is a lie.

In January 2025, this centre neglected to change my child’s nappy for the entire day - approximately 6 hours. She was wearing the same nappy I put on her that morning when I picked her up - saturated and soiled. I emailed them regarding this and never received any correspondence or acknowledgement. About a month later, my nephew who was also enrolled at the centre was picked up wearing the same nappy he had been dropped off wearing that morning, approximately 8 hours in the same nappy. Also saturated, soiled, and disintegrating. Edit 18/2 - No one has contacted me, despite the reply below. I have also contacted “Journey HQ” who have also neglected to respond to my complaint. Edit 15/3 - Still nothing from the centre or their “HQ”. Edit 7/7 - Still no correspondence from the centre or their head office.

Journey isn't just a childcare centre it is "The Village". Journey have supported my son and I every step of the way through 3 different classes with warmth, kindness and dedication. They have truly gone above and beyond when I was sick after the birth of my second child. Ensuring my son was well looked after but also providing support to me and my family. We will be forever grateful to the staff and Kate! My son has only flourished and grown since attending and I can honestly say I always feel he is in safe hands.

My daughter (who has a mild disability) and I had a series of scary and disheartening experiences at another daycare and honestly, I wondered if I needed to lower my expectations around child care…. I changed to Journey Gumdale and my whole outlook changed! The quality of the team here is incredible to say the least and they go above and beyond in caring for my daughter every day. Many of the staff here are mothers themselves, so their genuine care, intuition and common sense shines :) They treat my daughter like they would their own children, and I have complete confidence in their decisions and processes. Their communication on a daily basis is excellent, both face to face, when needed on the phone and through Storypark. I feel my daughter is safe, cherished and well cared for by the team here. Thanks to all the team here for taking such amazing care of my daughter x

I enrolled my child at Journey Gumdale after having a negative experience elsewhere in the community. I was so pleased with the care and attention that the team have shown myself and my child. My child is really happy here and loves his educators in Prekindy.

Fantastic staff and resources. Highly recommend. :)

We are very happy with the centre and all the staff interactions we have had however one specific staff member I can not rave about enough. Miss Lauren in the Nursery room at the Gumdale centre is incredible. We trust her like she is family and it is so nice not having any anxiety about leaving our 1 year old in her care. The other ladies are also great but Miss Lauren not only shows so much genuine care for Theo but she is super vigilant in keeping to his schedule and routine. Would absolutely recommend this centre!

Fantastic staff environment. Children are well cared for and educators are very knowledgeable and go above and beyond for the children.