To celebrate a new group of babies joining the nursery this year, the team at Guardian Childcare & Education Caulfield North invited all of the nursery families to the Centre for a welcome morning tea.

“As we have many new families joining the Centre this year, with many separating from their children for the first time, we wanted to provide some comfort in their decision to join Caulfield North,” shares Philippa, Centre Manager.

“We also thought a morning tea would be a lovely way for them to build relationships with our Educators and other families.”

The event was promoted on Guardian’s communication app, Storypark, which is used to share news with families. The app provided an opportunity to start conversations with families who had already joined the Centre. 

With the help of their kitchen staff, the Caulfield North team put on a spread of pastries and fruit for the families and children to enjoy during the morning.

“We really lucked out with the weather, and were able to host the morning tea in our outdoor space because it was a beautiful Melbourne day,” says Philippa. 

“The morning was spent in the sunshine engaging and creating new friendships. It was great to see the children so settled and enjoying the safe space we had created.”

“A big focus for our team is building genuine and lasting relationships with our children and families. Some of the ways we do that include events, such as this one, offering opportunities for family input and feedback, and supporting them with our weekly newsletter.”

“The response we received from the families was amazing. I felt a real sense of pride as they became comfortable in their new environment and appreciated the opportunity we gave them,” says Philippa.

“One of the mothers loved the event so much that she recommended the Centre to her Mother’s Group, and we already have a booking thanks to her kind words.”

Another family shared the following feedback: “So lovely! Thank you for putting it on, Philippa. It was great to spend some time and relax at the Centre, outside of pickups/drop-offs.”

Philippa and the team plan to continue the nursery welcome morning tea as an annual event, and look forward to the Centre’s all ages meet and greet, which is happening on February 27.