Guardian Childcare & Education Forde

  • Proud winner of the GOLD Family Choice Award 2025. As determined by our existing families rating their experience of our Centre via Family Satisfaction Survey and independent Google Reviews. Click here for more detail
  • Newly renovated centre with stunning indoor and outdoor spaces that feel like a home away from home. Your child won’t want to leave!
  • Come and see why our families are our raving fans where belonging to our community and strong communication is a key part of a child’s development. You will feel part of their day, every day.
  • From the moment you step inside, you’ll be part of a community where children feel safe, happy, and you will feel connected every day.

Book a tour today to see what makes our Centre special & have all your questions answered

Forde Map Image

HOURS

Mon to Fri 7:00 to 18:00

ADDRESS

1 Lomax Street Forde, ACT, 2914

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

Check out our fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will enjoy

Welcome to our Centre

Guardian Childcare and Education Forde long day care centre offers leading programs where children aged six-weeks to six years learn and discover through play. Our Canberra child care centre boasts with a range of exciting, resource-rich environments; including a community library, community pantry, and upcycled furniture and loose parts which the children are encouraged to explore in their own unique way. 

Our long day care in Forde is ideally located for families in surrounding suburbs near Amaroo, Bonner, Jacka, Gungahlin, Throsby and Harrison. Our Forde childcare centre offers: 

  • Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability 
  • Extensive outdoor space for children to explore 
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily 
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers 
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen provided 
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 7am to 6pm 

The light-filled and spacious Centre also has pet guinea pigs, chickens, a vegetable garden, a worm farm, water play area, stay and play pods, an Indigenous mural, and a range of age-specific play areas. Guardian Forde is bursting with inspiring spaces where your child can explore and learn each day. 

The Teachers and Educators at Guardian Forde provide wonderful learning programs for the children, including a leading preschool program for those preparing for the transition to primary school. In addition, we are proud to have a culturally diverse team who celebrate a variety of cultures and holidays throughout the year, organise a range of fundraising events for the children to be involved in. 

The ACT Government offers funding to provide families at our Centre fee relief of up to $2575 for children who turn 3 on or before 30 April 2025. This provides families up to 300 hours of free preschool in 2025. This support is in addition to the CCS and can help to lower your out-of-pocket fees.

At Guardian Forde long day care centre the children get out and about on regular excursions which promotes a great connection with the local Canberra community. We are fortunate to have a range of exciting places to visit, including the local lake, parks and shops. 

As part of our care programs, our on-site cook prepares four nutritionally balanced meals using seasonal ingredients every day in our Centre kitchen, where we also host regular cooking classes for the children to extend their knowledge of good nutrition. 

Through our distinctive Visible Learning Program, you will get a comprehensive understanding of their child’s learning journey. Our Learning Exchange Display is easily accessible, allowing Teachers and Educators to provide daily updates on student progress. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to share your personal goals and visions, enabling you to have a direct impact on your child’s educational experience! 

Families will also be given access to our family communication app Storypark, where we will share with you any significant updates in your child’s day, as well as any other important updates that happen in the centre – ensuring that you’re always connected, even when you’re not here. 

Begin the adventure at Guardian Forde today by booking a tour or speaking with one of our team. 

Read More
Forde Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Sarah

"I believe Early Learning is the foundation and stepping stone to a strong and successful future and I love nothing more then being a part of that."

Our Flying Start to School program provides a specialised 2-year curriculum for children aged 3 to 5. Our unique program has two stages - Becoming Me for 3 year olds and Being Me for 4 year olds. Using developmental milestones and continuous monitoring of your child’s progress, this program is designed to make sure your child gets a flying start to school. Read more HERE

Flying start to school

Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.

Reviews from Google

4.8
(26)
Melam R D.
Melam R D.
10:40 06 Apr 25
Junhyoung K.
Junhyoung K.
00:02 21 Mar 25
We can’t thank the team at Guardian Forde enough! As we were moving to Canberra with so many new things to adjust to, our child initially had a really hard time settling in. But thanks to the amazing support and kindness from all the managers and teachers, she’s now happily settled in and truly enjoying her time at the center.The encouragement and care from the staff have made a world of difference. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done to help our child feel comfortable and happy. We highly recommend Guardian Forde for their warmth, patience, and genuine dedication to the children.
Kate W
Kate W
02:05 18 Mar 25
We have been so thankful to have had such a great experience the last few years at Guardian Forde. I have had one child work his way through the years at Guardian until moving on to Kindergarten and my other child who has started in nursery this year. My oldest has flourished with the caring Educators that helped support him with his learning and development. My other child has also thrived since the first day coming into nursery, and I can tell because he is always so happy at drop off and pickup - The changes I have seen in him since he started have been fantastic.Sarah the Centre Manager is all over any details and I have complete confidence in how she runs her Centre. The team create a warm welcoming experience for parents and their kiddies. I would definitely recommend Guardian Forde to anyone looking at putting their child in daycare.
Srijana R.
Srijana R.
01:14 22 Oct 24
Joanne W.
Joanne W.
07:54 16 Oct 24
Absolutely love everything about at Guardian at Forde, from my first enquiry with Yerlee and Sarah they couldn't do enough to accommodate my needs for my granddaughter.The educators in my granddaughters room are highly motivated, caring and lovely people.We are totally comfortable leaving our granddaughter in there care.Joanne and Len Wright
Leaha D.
Leaha D.
22:39 15 Oct 24
My 2 children love this centre we have been going for 3 years now and I love how every educator knows my girls names no matter what room they look after. One of my girls was very socially withdrawn and this centre has brought her out of her shell and has instilled confidence with her social skills. I can not thank them enough of the handwork the educators have put in to help with my children's growth. Thank you Gurdian Forde
Rachael H.
Rachael H.
02:40 27 Jun 24
Very happy with the quality of care and education my child receives at Guardian in Forde! We have been through Nursery 1 & 2 now, and are getting ready for the next phase which has been supported and guided by the centre. A lovely and helpful team all round!
matthew B.
matthew B.
10:36 01 Feb 24
My wife and I are have been extremely happy with Guardian Forde for our daughter who is now 4. She has been attending for almost a year now and we have been consistently impressed. It is evident how well Sarah (manager) runs the centre. She’s done a great job at finding wonderful educators that connect well with the children and vice versa. We would happily recommend Guardian Forde to anyone looking for a childcare centre that’s welcoming, clean, educational and fun. Thank you Sarah and the team for taking such wonderful care of all the kids!
Taylor M.
Taylor M.
05:54 10 Nov 23
My daughter Elena has gone to Forde since she was 6 months old, Elena is now 17 months old! Every morning Elena has a big smile as we walk into her room, she loves attending everyday! I love the structure of the centre, they always provide regular updates and this helps give me a piece of mind knowing my daughter being looked after.Elena loves her educators as they are family and loves her daily check in with Sarah in the afternoon, Elena is just about to transition into Nursey 2 and is having attachment issues to the carers but the support Sarah and her team are giving her and helping her through transition is amazing and comforting. Highly recommend Forde Guardian, keep up the good work team!
L
L
02:23 03 Nov 23
I’m highly impressed with this daycare, might be a first time mum but so far the carers are very caring, they are constantly doing different activities even in nursery one. My son is always happy and seems to really enjoy attending.
Abby C
Abby C
09:41 26 Oct 23
Sarah (centre manager) in particular has been one of the best directors I have met. The staff at Guardian have been fantastic for my kids. I appreciate the thoughtful activities they plan and the patience they give to my kids. I would recommend this centre to anyone looking in the area!
Wera M.
Wera M.
20:57 26 Apr 23
Elysha P.
Elysha P.
00:39 31 Aug 22
Great daycare, my daughter was immediately comfortable here and always happy when I picked her up! Great range of learning environments and outdoor play. The educators here are fantastic and management team is very professional. Can't recommend Guardian Forde enough! Fantastic experience, wish I could give more stars!!!
aarju S.
aarju S.
03:52 22 Feb 22
Nick S.
Nick S.
02:59 23 Nov 21
Kahri
Kahri
21:55 22 Feb 21
My daughter has been going to this centre for almost 5 months now and she loves it. The educators are professional and kind and were really good with settling her in, finding her particular interests and welcoming her every morning. They provide healthy and diverse meals which my daughter always loves. The outdoor space is what drew me to the centre originally - lots of opportunity for messy muddy play when it’s wet which I absolutely love, but on dry days there is so much for them to do outside with a tunnel to climb in, logs to walk/sit on, a sandpit to dig in and plenty of space to wander around and explore. The inside spaces are always tidy and clean and my daughter adores the centre’s pet guinea pigs. I am really happy with the centre overall.
Angela T.
Angela T.
11:59 25 Jan 21
My son attended Guardian Childcare & Education Forde for a number of years ending in Dec 2020. I absolutely adore the staff here. They were always professional and so, so friendly. Tayla is an absolute angel and a huge asset to this centre.
Damien G.
Damien G.
09:02 05 Dec 19
Both our children have attended Guardian Early Learning at Forde and have loved the friends they have made and the wonderful educators who make the place feel a little like family. From when you walk through the front door to settling your child in everyone is cheerful and engaging. Eager to keep you updated with the day to day adventures and willing to incorporate different experiences and backgrounds into the early development of the kids. We are so glad that we found this centre!
Jac K
Jac K
08:34 28 Nov 19
My child has been attending this centre for 12 months now. The management team are really responsive in working with families to make sure they are meeting the needs of each and every child. They listen to any concerns you have may have and act on them as necessary. Whilst the playground is a little bit of a dust bowl, my child loves the versatility of features such as the hill for imaginative play. I’m so glad we moved here from another centre not too far away.
Melita C.
Melita C.
08:55 09 Aug 19
We loved our time at Guardian Forde. Every single educator is passionate about early learning, dedicated, professional and genuinely caring. The management team were responsive, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure we felt comfortable. The learning and play opportunities are dynamic, engaging and well-considered. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
Iris L.
Iris L.
03:24 12 Mar 19
Both my children have been so happy at the Forde Guardian Early Learning Centre. It makes a massive difference when the staff are dedicated and are of high-quality. They strive to provide the best level of care and have high standards when it comes to their staffing, facilities and programs.
Sam V.
Sam V.
07:43 18 Feb 19
We've had a great experience at this centre. The educators provided excellent support during orientation and our first few weeks and went out of their way to settle my little one into daycare.
Mónica M.
Mónica M.
21:00 15 Feb 19
Danielle W.
Danielle W.
10:12 14 Feb 19
The care my son receives at Guardian Early Learning Forde is excellent. His transition to childcare was a challenge for him as he had never been in care before, but the staff at the centre did everything possible to make his transition easier - he now loves his time there! The educators are gentle, caring and professional, and have worked closely with our family to give my son the most positive start to his early learning journey at the centre. The centre is warm and inviting and my son adores playing and learning in the outdoor space, which is designed to cater to all ages of children at the centre. Our family couldn’t be happier with the learning experiences our child is having during his time at Guardian Early Learning Forde.
Jasmeet N.
Jasmeet N.
22:49 19 Feb 19
My daughter has been visiting the Guardian Forde Centre since she was 8 months old and is in now in the pre-school room. The carers of all the rooms are really loving caring. The management seems to be on top of their game and are always happy to assist when required. My child is super happy when I drop her off and pick her up and that makes me quite satisfied with the way the centre is.
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Rhythm of the Day

We know children (and families) like routine. Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.

Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.

Handover time with children, families and our friendly Educators. There's a chance for conversation to share what's important for the day/what's happened the night before at home.

Breakfast time where families are welcome to stay and enjoy breakfast with the children.

As children are arriving and families are coming and going, there's an opportunity for play as well as family grouping, open-plan play and multi-age grouping.

There's an opportunity for children to come together and enjoy morning tea.

Following morning tea, the planned experiences continue. This includes both indoor and outdoor programs.

There's an opportunity for children to come together for lunch. With an open-door policy, families are able to join the centre for meals and excursion if they wish.

For children who want to, or need to, there's an opportunity to sleep, rest or relax. For children who don't need to rest, there are planned experiences, which are more likely to be outdoors.

Children come together for afternoon tea in small groups or with siblings (they can also rest and play together, too). This time also presents an opportunity to reflect on the day.

As families arrive to pick up children, there's an opportunity to speak to Educators and share information about the day.

Some centres offer early tea or light snack at the end of the day, which they can grab as they leave the centre. We’re mindful of how routines vary at home, so if throughout the day, we notice children look tired, food will be provided.

What's included in the Guardian Experience

From nutritious meals and engaging learning programs —it’s all covered in your daily rate. No hidden extras, just peace of mind for you and a great day for your child.

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

5 meals per day

5 meals per day

All incursions and excursions

All incursions and excursions

Nappies, wipes and formula

Nappies and wipes

Storypark parenting app

Storypark parenting app

Long day care hours year around

Long day care hours year around

Frequently asked questions

Daily Fee Information

Daily Rates

Our daily rates are all inclusive and have no additional charges for incursions / excursions or any of our learning programs. The rates shown are an estimate based on using Childcare Subsidy (CCS) subsidised hours. The CCS helps lower your out-of-pocket costs, with subsidy rates dependant on your individual family eligibility levels.

What You Might Pay After CCS
Age of Room Daily Rate 60% Subsidy 80% Subsidy
Nursery (0–2) $180.96 $91.36 $61.50
Toddler (2–3) $180.38 $90.78 $60.92
Preschool (3–5) $179.22 $89.62 $59.76

The ACT Government offers funding to provide families fee relief of up to $2575 for children who turn 3 on or before 30 April 2025. This provides families up to 300 hours of free preschool in 2025. This support is in addition to the CCS and can help to lower your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.

What should I bring, and what do you provide?

What we Provide

  • Nappies and wipes
  • Bed linen
  • Guardian hat
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • All nutritious meals and snacks

What to Bring

  • Water bottle
  • Spare change of clothing, labelled
  • Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
  • Baby's bottles for formula or breastmilk

Who are the team that will be looking after my child?

Forde Centre Manager Image

Sarah

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Sarah, prides themselves on creating a great sense of community for all families.

Each role in the Centre is designed to work together to help create a nurturing environment for every child in each of our learning spaces.

In our Nursery Room, the dedicated team has a special role in creating secure attachments, routines, and strong relationships. Unique to Guardian nurseries is our Baby Ambassador, who is your go-to person for you and your baby’s first 12 months with us. They will know every detail about your baby: how breast or bottle milk is managed, how they like to eat, their sleeping routines, the nappies they wear, and more. With babies as young as six weeks in the Centre, it’s the Baby Ambassador’s job to work with families and Educators to help make our Nursery feel just like home.

Our Educators across the age groups work together to create fun, stimulating, and age-appropriate experiences for every child in their care. They are dedicated, experienced professionals who are allocated to a specific room so they can get to know each child individually and support their learning and development.

As part of our 2-year Flying Start to School program, we have degree-qualified Teachers who use the latest teaching practices to help your child build essential practical and social skills, ensuring they’re ready for their next big adventure—school!

Each room has a Lead Educator or Teacher who is responsible for planning and implementing an effective ongoing cycle of planning, documentation, and evaluation of the room’s learning program.

At the core of the Centre is our Cook—make sure you check out their daily menu when you visit. They help make food part of the learning journey and love seeing how children respond to new and exciting flavours.

The team is supported by a strong Leadership Team, including an Assistant Centre Manager and an Educational Leader.

Every role at the Centre is as important as the next.

How will you share updates about my child’s day?

Great communication is vital in our collaborative partnerships with families at the Centre. We have a variety of different ways we communicate with you about your child’s learning and progress:


  1. Storypark app - Stay connected to your child's day with regular updates, including photos and learning insights

  2. Pick-up and drop-off updates – Our Educators will share highlights from their day, including experiences they enjoyed, mealtimes, and naps to support your evening routine.

  3. In-room learning exchange displays make our weekly learning plans easy to see so you know what your child will be learning.

  4. Centre Newsletters – Great for community connection and wider Centre and team updates.

  5. Development documentation and meetings for your individual child’s progress.


But remember our door is always open.

What are the main features of this Centre

Our Forde childcare centre offers:

  • Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
  • The children love the exciting outdoor areas! Including a vegetable garden, bike track, a worm farm, water play area, stay and play pods and an Indigenous mural
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, high-quality formula and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 7am to 6pm

Our Learning Programs

Learning should be fun! Learning through play encourages children to explore and understand their world at their own pace. It helps build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

Learning should be fun! Learning through play allows children to build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

Preschool Program
Flying start to school

Our Flying Start to School preschool program is lead by degree qualified Teachers in a long day care setting. Our specialist two-year program is committed to supporting your child as they prepare for big school. We focus on nurturing their confidence, making friends and social emotional growth while also supporting their abilities in reading, writing, counting, and thinking skills. Whether it’s building with blocks, practicing their first letters, or learning to share with friends, every experience is carefully designed to support your child’s development.

Our Centre is a recipient of funding as part of the ACT Government’s Three-Year-Old Preschool Program. Eligible children who turn three years old on or before 30 April 2025 will receive up to $2545 in additional subsidies to reduce your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.

Out and about

Through excursions, children are supported to expand their world, to get to know their community, and have a sense of belonging. Their learning thrives when they feel safe, welcome, and that they belong.

STEM

Children discover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through age-appropriate activities that are designed to foster curiosity and develop foundational skills like problem-solving and creativity.

Cooking

Cooking experiences teach numeracy by counting ingredients, and weighing and measuring quantities and volume, while managing these tasks supports independence and confidence.

Ella Language

Learning languages through Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) supports brain development and social skills and creates opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity.

Joy of Reading

Reading aloud to children each day inspires imagination and supports thinking. Books with rhythm, rhyme and word patterns make stories more playful and memorable.

Sustainability

From growing veggies and foraging in the garden for that day’s meal ingredients to learning about recycling, children learn about being part of a community, connecting to their environment and understanding their impact on the world.

What our families say about the centre

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