Open 8:00am to 6:00pm
Monday to Friday
Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest
Singh D.
02:24 19 Sep 23
Kiara
22:43 28 Mar 23
This daycare is absolutely amazing, and I wouldn't have any hesitations recommending to other parents. My 5-month-old is absolutely spoiled by the Nursery staff every day. Guardian Childcare Forrest makes going back to work full-time so much easier. Knowing that my son is so well cared for gives me peace of mind and that's priceless. A huge thank you to all the staff in the Nursery and front desk; you have made the transition so seamless. It's been a wonderful experience to date!
Shannon S.
00:46 17 Mar 23
Luke and I not only have the privilege to work within a wonderful and supportive workplace but we also get to experience the parenting side of it all! Our two children have attended Forrest since 2021 and it’s been a massive journey here and we are so so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive Early Childhood & Education service that provides such quality and care to our children’s early learning journey. Forrest is our home away from home and we can not highly recommend them enough!They provide a preschool program that sets our children up for success within the primary school setting, they are supportive, understanding and nurturing. We love that Forrest has a Reggio approach, offers open-ended play based learning experiences and sustainability and loose parts exploration. We love that we are a valued family and our voices and needs are always heard and met.We are not only a family of Forrest’s but Forrest is our family too! 110% recommend Forrest, what are you waiting for come and check it out👍🏻😃
Immie M.
23:48 16 Feb 23
My son is thriving under the care of Taylor and the whole team. They work hard to keep on top of his complex medical needs, he feels loved and welcomed and I have no doubt every kid in the centre feels the same. Could not recommend this place highly enough.
Leah C.
22:11 16 Feb 23
Guardian is a fantastic centre and I wouldn't hesitate to send my child here. The centre is clean and well-maintained, which put me at ease knowing that my children are in a safe and healthy environment.What I appreciate most about this daycare is the holistic approach they take to their curriculum. They not only focus on the academic development of the children but also on their social and emotional growth. The activities and games they play are not only fun but also help build important life skills like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.Tayla and the team are also just wonderful people. They have a genuine passion for what they do, and it shows in the way they interact with the children. They are patient, kind, and always willing to answer any questions or concerns that I have.Overall, I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for a fantastic childcare experience. Tayla and the team go above and beyond to create a warm, nurturing, and enriching environment for the children in their care.
Joanne O.
22:58 15 Feb 23
I have nothing but praise for Guardian Forrest. We have been coming to the centre for a couple of years after relocating from another city. Tayla and her team have helped settle my baby girl into the centre beautifully. She has grown into such a smart, confident and caring child with a love of learning, all fostered by the love, comfort and incredible learning experiences provided by the exceptional teachers at Guardian. Every activity has a purpose, though my child is just having fun. The communication from the centre is incredible, I always know what my child has been up to each day so it’s great for us to talk about at home. Tayla and her team always make time to chat to us, and if there are any concerns we might have Tayla and the team always move quickly to help out support into place. It makes me sad that this is our last year here, I feel like the centre is another home and the educators are part of our family. Thank you to the entire team at Guardian, and Tayla for her incredible leadership for making the centre into what it is today. My little girl has had the best fun with you all. I highly recommend Guardian Forrest to anyone considering exceptional care for their children.
Farah T.
01:33 21 Nov 22
fan T.
22:50 23 Aug 22
Kids very enjoyed
Jit P.
08:14 07 Aug 22
My wife work’s at guardian and she comes home with a positive vibe from workplace.I thank the supportive team of Forrest.Good place to work.
April dela C.
21:39 12 Jul 22
Supportive Centre manager and assistant centre manager.Working Culture is positive, thoughtful and professional.
casey M.
03:06 28 Jun 22
Simon S.
10:39 04 Apr 22
Julia L.
22:44 09 Dec 19
Highly recommend this daycare for so many reasons: it's clean, the great quality of activities/toys and most importantly the educators and staff which are all so wonderful and incredibly committed to the children. Our daughter feels very comfortable here and is always excited when Monday comes around :)
Warren M.
08:13 08 Dec 19
The benchmark for childcare in Canberra. The focus here is the children and this is evident. Staff do an outstanding job in keeping up with modern philosophies and truly love their job. You can tell that all the equipment is well thought out and caters for each child individually. For a large centre it definitely doesn't feel like it due to the open layout. If you want the best for your children you can't do better than Forrest. Oh and the food is amazing, healthy and fresh.
Bec J.
10:26 05 Dec 19
We have been really happy with Guardian Forrest. All the educators are such genuinely caring, lovely people. They really go out of their way to help the little ones feel at home and many of them have been around the whole time we have been there. They always have really engaging, creative and imaginative activities for the children and have created an environment which fosters adventure, fun and inquiry. It has a really nice community feel and even though we have moved further away we still send our girls there as we don't think we would find somewhere else as lovely.
- Leading programs where children aged six-weeks to six years learn and discover through play.
- Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers support children to grow and thrive.
- Safe, secure environments that support children’s social and emotional development.
- A specialist two-year kindergarten program that prepares children for school, with the benefits of long day care.
Come and see the Centre for yourself, meet the team and have all your questions answered. Book a tour today.
Hours
Mon to Fri 8:00 to 18:00
Address
25 National Circuit
Forrest,
ACT,
2603
Take a Look Around
Welcome to our Centre
Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest is one of six incredible Guardian centres in the ACT that provide high-quality education and care for Canberra families. A true home-away-from-home, the child care Centre boasts exciting, resource-rich environments for children to explore and learn about the world around them through play-based experiences.
Read MoreMeet our Centre Manager
Tayla Sharpe
"We aspire to provide the best opportunities to our children for a future of lifelong learning, each day I strive to empower my team to provide meaningful interactions with all the children at our centre".
Rhythm of The Day
With endless possibilities, there’s never a dull moment at Guardian and no two days are the same. Here’s what a day at Guardian might look like. Please note, this will vary depending on centre opening hours.
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Morning
Handover time with children, families and our friendly Educators. There’s a chance to share what’s important for the day and any news from home.
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Morning
Breakfast time where families stay and enjoy breakfast with the children.
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Morning
An opportunity to play and discover with open-plan play in family groups and multi-age groupings.
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Morning
Planned experiences. This is where the Guardian difference comes to life. Alongside our Educators your child’s exploration leads to learnings in numeracy, literacy, language, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, social skills, technology, creative arts and much more.
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Morning tea
An opportunity for children to come together for a healthy snack, often they help prepare their food alongside our carers and cook.
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Mid-morning
Individually tailored to your child’s needs and curiosity the planned experiences continue, this includes both indoor and outdoor programs.
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Lunch
Another nutritious meal expertly prepared by our cook. Families are invited to join the children for meals and excursions if they wish.
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Afternoon
If your child wants to, or needs to sleep, it’s time to rest and recharge. For children who don’t need to rest the planned experiences continue, in most cases outdoors.
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Afternoon tea
Another chance for the children to come together and re-fuel in small groups or with siblings. There is also an opportunity to rest or play together and reflect on the day.
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Pick-up
As you arrive to pick up your child, there’s a chance to speak with our Educators and share news about the day. Our Storypark App also allows you to stay in touch 24/7 wherever you are.
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End of day
Your child is encouraged to grab a light snack before they leave the centre. We’re mindful of how routines vary, throughout the day if we notice your child looking tired food will be provided.
Helpful Information
Opening Hoursexpand_more
Good to Know - What to Bring expand_more
What we Provide
- Hats
- Sunscreen
- Four nutritionally balanced meals including: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning and Afternoon tea
- Nappies
- Bibs
- Bedding
- Formula - S26
What to Bring
- Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
- Spare change of clothing
- Water bottle
Our Educators expand_more
Our team of Educators are committed and passionate about ensuring your child will be safe, nurtured and cared for every day. At Guardian, children are encouraged to engage in interest-led play that creates learning and meaningful experiences.
Our Educators seek to optimise diverse learning opportunities and implement the Curriculum as framed by the Early Years Learning Framework.
You and Your Child expand_more
All Guardian Centres provide a Centre-to-Family communication platform so families can maintain contact with their children’s experiences through photos, stories and learning outcomes.
Our Centres use Storypark and each family is provided with a secure login to access on their computers, mobiles or apps.
Learn More About Our Centre expand_more
Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest is a welcoming environment for Canberra families in and around Forrest. The location is great for families in the surrounding suburbs of Deakin, Ainslie, Barton, Manuka, Griffith, O’Connor and Turner.
We are passionate about creating a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and grow. Our dedicated team of university-qualified Teachers and Educators will work together with you to create the best learning experiences possible for your child.
At Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest we strive to provide the highest quality of education and care for your children. Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help our young learners develop their skills in a safe, fun and stimulating environment. We believe that early years learning should be creative and fun.
Our Educators and Teachers are warm and welcoming and are experienced in providing children with a safe, secure environment to grow and develop freely in their first few years. Our Centre features multiple spacious rooms filled with beautiful colours and natural lights. There are plenty of fun and stimulating materials around the Centre to keep the children engaged and to inspire them to explore their childcare environment.
We are dedicated to providing proper nutrition to children, and our on-site cook prepares fresh meals daily to ensure each child has the opportunity to develop positive healthy eating habits. Our Educators empower each child to become active in the food preparation process, and many of the children help select ingredients, ask our cook questions and learn about the various nutrients in each meal.
Our family communication app, Storypark, provides our Educators and families with an opportunity to develop genuine reciprocal relationships. We regularly share images, videos, and messages about your child’s progress throughout the day, keeping you informed about your child’s growth, development and learning. We encourage families to use the Storypark app to develop ideas for continuing the learning at home.
For children aged three and four years, we have an amazing kindergarten program that runs with our long day care to help prepare them for their upcoming transitions into formal schooling. Our three-year-old program emphasises developing some of the social and communication skills that the children will use as they gain more independence. We encourage development in these areas through group play and some slightly more structured activities.
In four-year-old kindergarten, children further develop their communication, social and emotional skills, and they also begin exploring some numbers, shapes and phonics. We encourage children to practice reading simple sounds and words on their own, and we empower them through the learning process that comes with this. Through developing skills in these areas, children can feel more ready and confident as they begin their first year of primary school.
Guardian Forrest aims to provide children with a wide variety of experiences and learning opportunities, so we offer many different teaching programs throughout the week to help foster growth and development. Children are encouraged to interact with our on-site chef and engage in the cooking process themselves. They may choose to select some fresh ingredients to include in their meal, or they might like to practice serving up their food on their own.
Sustainability is another focus at our Centre, and we empower children to develop an understanding of recycling and other sustainable practices while developing a genuine passion and care for looking after our planet. Our Out & About program encourages children to spend more time playing outdoors in the fresh air and natural sunlight. We have a beautiful, spacious outdoor environment for the children to explore and practice engaging their imaginations and creativity.
We develop each child’s literacy and numeracy skills to help them feel confident and prepared during the challenging leap into primary school. Our program supports the needs and routines of each of our families, and we ensure each child’s cultural background is supported and encouraged.
As part of our unique Visible Learning Program, families will be able to gain an understanding of their child’s education. Our Learning Exchange Display will provide the opportunity for our Teachers and Educators to share updates on your child’s progress. It will also be a chance for you to have direct input into your child’s learning!
Why not come and meet the team and have a look around our childcare Centre today? We’d love to show you why Guardian Forrest is the perfect learning environment for your child. At Guardian, we believe that together, we can create life-long learners.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Singh D.
02:24 19 Sep 23
Kiara
22:43 28 Mar 23
This daycare is absolutely amazing, and I wouldn't have any hesitations recommending to other parents. My 5-month-old is absolutely spoiled by the Nursery staff every day. Guardian Childcare Forrest makes going back to work full-time so much easier. Knowing that my son is so well cared for gives me peace of mind and that's priceless. A huge thank you to all the staff in the Nursery and front desk; you have made the transition so seamless. It's been a wonderful experience to date!
Shannon S.
00:46 17 Mar 23
Luke and I not only have the privilege to work within a wonderful and supportive workplace but we also get to experience the parenting side of it all! Our two children have attended Forrest since 2021 and it’s been a massive journey here and we are so so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive Early Childhood & Education service that provides such quality and care to our children’s early learning journey. Forrest is our home away from home and we can not highly recommend them enough!They provide a preschool program that sets our children up for success within the primary school setting, they are supportive, understanding and nurturing. We love that Forrest has a Reggio approach, offers open-ended play based learning experiences and sustainability and loose parts exploration. We love that we are a valued family and our voices and needs are always heard and met.We are not only a family of Forrest’s but Forrest is our family too! 110% recommend Forrest, what are you waiting for come and check it out👍🏻😃
Immie M.
23:48 16 Feb 23
My son is thriving under the care of Taylor and the whole team. They work hard to keep on top of his complex medical needs, he feels loved and welcomed and I have no doubt every kid in the centre feels the same. Could not recommend this place highly enough.
Leah C.
22:11 16 Feb 23
Guardian is a fantastic centre and I wouldn't hesitate to send my child here. The centre is clean and well-maintained, which put me at ease knowing that my children are in a safe and healthy environment.What I appreciate most about this daycare is the holistic approach they take to their curriculum. They not only focus on the academic development of the children but also on their social and emotional growth. The activities and games they play are not only fun but also help build important life skills like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.Tayla and the team are also just wonderful people. They have a genuine passion for what they do, and it shows in the way they interact with the children. They are patient, kind, and always willing to answer any questions or concerns that I have.Overall, I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for a fantastic childcare experience. Tayla and the team go above and beyond to create a warm, nurturing, and enriching environment for the children in their care.
Joanne O.
22:58 15 Feb 23
I have nothing but praise for Guardian Forrest. We have been coming to the centre for a couple of years after relocating from another city. Tayla and her team have helped settle my baby girl into the centre beautifully. She has grown into such a smart, confident and caring child with a love of learning, all fostered by the love, comfort and incredible learning experiences provided by the exceptional teachers at Guardian. Every activity has a purpose, though my child is just having fun. The communication from the centre is incredible, I always know what my child has been up to each day so it’s great for us to talk about at home. Tayla and her team always make time to chat to us, and if there are any concerns we might have Tayla and the team always move quickly to help out support into place. It makes me sad that this is our last year here, I feel like the centre is another home and the educators are part of our family. Thank you to the entire team at Guardian, and Tayla for her incredible leadership for making the centre into what it is today. My little girl has had the best fun with you all. I highly recommend Guardian Forrest to anyone considering exceptional care for their children.
Farah T.
01:33 21 Nov 22
fan T.
22:50 23 Aug 22
Kids very enjoyed
Jit P.
08:14 07 Aug 22
My wife work’s at guardian and she comes home with a positive vibe from workplace.I thank the supportive team of Forrest.Good place to work.
April dela C.
21:39 12 Jul 22
Supportive Centre manager and assistant centre manager.Working Culture is positive, thoughtful and professional.
casey M.
03:06 28 Jun 22
Simon S.
10:39 04 Apr 22
Julia L.
22:44 09 Dec 19
Highly recommend this daycare for so many reasons: it's clean, the great quality of activities/toys and most importantly the educators and staff which are all so wonderful and incredibly committed to the children. Our daughter feels very comfortable here and is always excited when Monday comes around :)
Warren M.
08:13 08 Dec 19
The benchmark for childcare in Canberra. The focus here is the children and this is evident. Staff do an outstanding job in keeping up with modern philosophies and truly love their job. You can tell that all the equipment is well thought out and caters for each child individually. For a large centre it definitely doesn't feel like it due to the open layout. If you want the best for your children you can't do better than Forrest. Oh and the food is amazing, healthy and fresh.
Bec J.
10:26 05 Dec 19
We have been really happy with Guardian Forrest. All the educators are such genuinely caring, lovely people. They really go out of their way to help the little ones feel at home and many of them have been around the whole time we have been there. They always have really engaging, creative and imaginative activities for the children and have created an environment which fosters adventure, fun and inquiry. It has a really nice community feel and even though we have moved further away we still send our girls there as we don't think we would find somewhere else as lovely.
Begin the Adventure at Guardian
To explore the centre, chat with our team of Educators and learn more about our high-quality curriculum, book a tour now.
