Open 7:00am to 6:30pm
Monday to Friday
HOURS
Mon to Fri 7:00am to 6:30pm
ADDRESS
97-101 Tope Street, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205
SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS
Welcome to our Centre
Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne, a light-filled and recently refurbished centre. Our childhood education programs are focused on play-based learning, where our spacious day care and child care centre provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years of age, supporting them to discover the world in a safe and secure way.
- Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
- Engaging indoor learning spaces full of quality educational resources
- Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit, bike track and veggie garden
- 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 6:30am to 6:30pm
Meet our Centre Manager
Coco
"A child is an explorer. Personal experiences and relationships within their environment make up the knowledge that they gather through play and the natural environment".
Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.
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.
With endless possibilities, there’s never a dull moment and no two days are the same.
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
5 meals per day
All incursions and excursions
Nappies and wipes
Storypark parenting app
Long day care hours year around
Helpful Information
Opening Hours
What to Bring
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
Learn More About Our Centre
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne is a purpose-built Centre in heart of South Melbourne, where children aged six weeks to six years can come for a safe and secure environment to freely grow and develop. We’re open from 7am to 6.30pm on weekdays, so families have plenty of flexibility around drop-off and pick-up times.
Guardian South Melbourne is perfect for families living in or near the South Melbourne area, including Albert Park, Middle Park, and East Melbourne, providing an environment that is both welcoming and nurturing in the heart of the local community.
Our Educators and Early Childhood Education Teachers are all passionate and highly experienced, and we have university-qualified Early Childhood Teachers providing care and education to the children as well. Our Teachers and Educators work to understand each child’s unique characteristics, interests and talents to make learning a more fun and engaging experience.
We have a spacious outdoor area filled with stimulating natural materials for children to explore their world and develop an understanding of nature. They may choose to spend some time creating amazing shapes and structures in our shaded sandpit area, or running around on our spacious grass space.
Communication and transparency are important to us, and our family communication app, Storypark, provides us with the opportunity to freely share photos, videos and updates with families on their child’s development, growth and learning. By informing families on their child’s progress, families can be empowered to continue the learning at home and further discuss any new ideas or concepts that the child explored that day.
Guardian South Melbourne fosters strong community connections, supporting children through their development of social, communication and emotional skills. We regularly go out on fun and engaging excursions in our local area. Children have the chance to run around and engage in some physical activity in an outdoor environment while interacting with the public when we head to a local park or football oval.
We also have a strong relationship with local schools. Through this community connection and interaction with school-age children, we can begin preparing children for the step up into formal education.
Our kindergarten program aims to develop children’s social and emotional skills, by providing a safe and secure learning environment, they have the space to take risks and challenge themselves, helping build self-confidence and develop independence. The two-year program is led by professional early childhood education Teachers who are committed to high-quality learning and child safety.
The leading early childhood education curriculum supports discovery and gives children the best start to life, as well as being aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standard.
We don’t just provide school hours care. Guardian childcare in South Melbourne is open from 7:00am to 6:30pm, so there is plenty of flexibility for when you choose to drop off and pick up your child. We encourage you to spend these times in our centre, discussing your child’s early learning and care experience with our friendly Educators and Teachers, while taking a look around the learning environment for yourself.
We’re committed to children’s nutrition, and our dedicated, on-site cook prepares each meal fresh and packed with all the nutrients that children need at their age. We encourage children to engage in food preparation and to ask questions about where their food comes from, why it’s good for them, and how they can eat it. We also encourage exploration of the cultural heritage behind different foods, helping promote diversity and inclusion from an early age.
Our unique Visible Learning Program helps families feel connected to 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 family’s early childhood education experience.
You’ll see why so make families make Guardian South Melbourne their chosen child care centre.
Centre Highlights
Our South Melbourne childcare centre offers:
- Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
- Engaging indoor learning spaces full of quality educational resources
- Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit, bike track and veggie garden
- 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 6:30am to 6:30pm
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.
Kindergarten/Preschool Program
Our specialist two-year kindergarten/preschool program is led by degree qualified Teachers in a long day care setting. Children explore and understand their world in an environment of safety and security. It’s where they develop the foundational literacy and numeracy skills to thrive.
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.
William G.
06:10 10 Sep 24
The best centre in this area. We love this community and the kinder program is amazing. The food is the highlight as well.
jaeyong J.
10:17 31 May 24
We LOVE this centre!!!!!!! Coco and the team is amazing!!! Everyone is so kind and my child loves going to care all the time. The kinder program is very good too. Highly recommend!!!!!!!
O’Nill J.
03:05 19 Mar 24
Alireza H.
01:43 31 Jan 24
We are delighted with our daughter's experience at Guardian Childcare South Melbourne. Coco, and the team, thank you for your exceptional care and attention!
Nicole H.
03:10 14 Nov 23
Very friendly team that looks after my kids. My kids learn new things and how to be social. Beautiful location and fun rooftop with a cool playground
Fiona P.
00:14 03 Oct 23
Coco, Carissa, Nat, Angie, Stella, Chantelle, Sergio and the whole team made the transition to daycare/returning to work as seamless as it could possibly be. The space is a beautiful and safe sanctuary with lots of lovely improvements since Coco took over. My son gets so excited when he sees that we are nearly there and loves spending time with all of the gorgeous staff and his friends each day. I am very grateful to the team for the love and care that they have shown our family and appreciate their hard work! I would not hesitate to recommend this centre and team to anyone looking for quality childcare where their child will thrive.
Sharon W.
10:25 15 Sep 23
This centre is constantly exceeding my expectations. We are so lucky to be part of such an amazing little community where our children are thriving with their learning and making such amazing friendships. The educators are so warm and loving. They always let me know how our children's day was and what they were up to.I HAVE to mention the centre manager Coco! What an amazing, awesome, experienced and fun manager. She has been there for over a year now and has made such a positive impact on the centre and its never been or felt better in the 4 years our family has been there.Thank you so much to everyone!
Shaley I.
11:26 12 Sep 23
This center is very unique. It’s children’s home away from home. Everyone is happy, the children, the staff, the families and even the placement students. This center just got good vibes!!Highly recommend this one.
Eleonora M.
02:02 21 Mar 23
Excellent centre with genuinely caring director Coco and all educators and staff! We love it:)
Philip L.
00:31 21 Mar 23
Overall, I would highly recommend this daycare center to anyone looking for a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for their child. What really sets this daycare apart, though, is the sense of community that they foster. The staff are always willing to answer questions and provide updates on my child's progress, and they encourage parents to get involved in the daycare's activities and events. It's clear that they truly care about the well-being of the children in their care, and that makes all the difference.
Monica L.
08:18 25 Feb 23
I recommend The Guardian South Melbourne to every single family! All the educators(Naz, Tara, Stella, Anna and many more), the centre manager Coco, and Mariam, Carissa and the chef Sergio are so professional, super attentive and fantastic in every single aspect of their job.They’re so passionate and they’re like our second family! Always with a smile on their face and always ready to share a moment of our son while at the centre.The guardian is without doubt the best daycare in South Melbourne and surroundings! :)
Julia B.
05:01 11 Jan 23
I cannot recommend Guardian South Melbourne more highly. My son started in July at 2 years old having never gone to a daycare before. The staff are so caring, high energy, trustworthy and lovely. My son settled so fast as every educator really gave him that special attention and extra love. My son always came home happy, well fed, changed, and most of all had had a great time and was safe. Thank you so much Guardian!!!!
Aryna P.
10:37 14 Nov 22
Darina A.
00:28 10 Nov 22
My daughter was one of the first 5 kids joined Guardian South Melbourne back in April 2019. The center managers since then were changing so frequent I sometimes even started forgetting their names. Teacher turnover was very high, the overall vibe of the center was disaggregated, not like a family feeling.However, everything has changed since Coco joined the center. Let me point out the main improvements:- Staff turnover decreased significantly.- Less kids were crying at the drop off- The overall presentation of the Centre has been changed. For every occasion (Halloween, Christmas and etc.) decorations were provided.- Organized excursions, breakfast with families (for example for father's day), photo sessions, trick and treat parties and etc. were taken a place.- Communication between center manager and parents improved significantly via frequent posts on Storypark in regards to updates, fortnightly emails and verbal conversations- The overall center vibe is improved and I can see its reflection in my daughter's behavior. Now, she enjoys going to the center and treats Coco as her best friend.- Overall teacher's mood improved as well, as I can see a board with the awards provided to them encouraging and valuing their work.Thank you for your passionate work Coco!Regards,Darina Assylbek
Meih M.
05:46 08 Nov 22
I would recommend this centre
Berik A.
07:04 02 Nov 22
Our child is the first who joined to Guardian. At the beginning it was good. A couple months later we started seeing some issues: centre managers keep changing, often understaffed and teachers were leaving. However when Coco has joined as the centre manager, we started seeing transformation of child centre. Way less teachers were leaving and our child is happy now to go to child centre 5 days a week. It's also worth to mention that Child centre organised an excursion to South Melbourne market with kids. It was just wow.
Jasmine Y.
03:51 18 Jul 22
My nephew wakes up every day excited and looking forward to going to school, great environment and teaching staff
Calvin I.
12:00 13 Jul 22
The centre just got good vibes!!!!!! Educators there are super friendly and knowledgeable!! The kinder program is just fabulous and the integrated kinder (long day care hours) works really well for parents like us (both working full times).I will recommend Guardian to everyone I know!!
Sylvia W.
10:16 13 Jul 22
Great center. Friendly staff.
Natasa M.
13:18 12 Jul 22
- The Educators are super nice, supportive and professional.- The Management Team is super nice, very responsive and supportive.- I like a lot weekly topics that learnings is based on.- Meals are very delicious.- My daughter has learned so much since starting her childcare.- Storypark app is the highlight of the day :)
Claire N.
22:47 22 Dec 21
My daughter LOVES going to guardian every day. She has formed really close bonds with the educators, Naz, Tara, Stella, Jade, Nat, Anna etc... most of whom have been at the centre for the 2+ years she has been there. She talks about them all the time at home! She is constantly learning and developing through the wide variety of activities they participate in, i think their weekly cooking session is her favourite! Our family around the world love the daily storypark updates. Guardian South Melbourne is an amazing centre for our requirements and would recommend to others.
Jonathan O.
11:16 10 Jun 21
We have had a great experience with them so far. The staff who looks after our daughter is extremely professional, helpful and friendly. Management has been great too.
Korina M.
03:58 08 Jun 21
We moved both of our daughters over to Guardian from another center in the area a couple of years ago and couldn't be happier with the decision. The staff are all warm and friendly and quality of care is amazing. I could not recommend highly enough - we love being a Guardian family.
chris S.
05:01 20 Nov 19
Kokilanath T.
11:57 14 Nov 19
Alison S.
06:37 25 Sep 19
The staff are so warm and caring. They are sensitive to not only my son's needs but mine.The facilities are amazing, with loads of natural light and outdoor play space perfect for city apartment kids.
Doline N.
20:59 07 Nov 23
Sumaiya G.
00:06 31 Aug 22