Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read our approach here
  • We know it’s hard to choose a childcare. Take a tour with us, and you’ll see why so many families love us. A warm community, quality learning and fun experiences each day for your child – we have got it all.
  • Discover our centre that feels like home and where each day is exciting, from our nurturing nursery to our leading 2-year kindergarten program. Your child deserves the best.
  • Together, let’s give your child the best start to life here at Guardian Thornbury.

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

Thornbury Map Image

HOURS

Mon to Fri 6:00am to 6:00pm

ADDRESS

200 Smith Street Thornbury, VIC, 3071

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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

Welcome to our Centre

Welcome to Guardian Thornbury, a spacious and inviting early learning centre where a true sense of community is felt by every family. Our daycare provides a nurturing environment for children from nursery through to our government-funded Flying Start to School kindergarten program. We are a childcare centre that feels like home, where each day is an exciting new adventure.

What makes our Thornbury childcare special?

• Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit, veggie garden, wooden cubby house, natural climbing structures and our pet chickens.
• Engaging indoor learning spaces with high ceilings and quality, age-appropriate resources that support our play-based learning programs.
• An amazing team that gets to know each child’s needs with our personalised To BE Me learning milestones program.

Your child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to providing the best start to their learning journey.

Thornbury Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Sara and team

“Having a nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow while providing support for our families is what keeps a smile on our face every day”

Daily Fees

Value for quality care. See our daily fee and your CCS-reduced cost

View Daily Fees

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
(17)
Patrick M.
Patrick M.
05:23 08 Feb 25
We've had 2 children attend Guardian Thornbury over 7 years, and we couldn't be happier with their approach. The centre is well-run and the staff are lovely, but the most amazing thing is that our kids just loved going there! It makes everything 10 times easier when the kids are excited to go and almost want you to leave, so they can get on with having fun :)
Emma D.
Emma D.
04:13 19 Jul 24
The staff at Smith Street Guardian are incredibly professional, enthusiastic, and invested. The centre also exudes warmth and friendliness, which has a truly positive impact on all the children. A huge thanks to Sara and the A team. Keep it up!
Emma F.
Emma F.
03:02 09 Nov 23
Guardian Thornbury is a lovely centre. The educators are all very kind and relaxed, the rooms are friendly and cosy, and there are lots of engaging activities and learning experiences each day. We love the philosophy, the culture and the community of parents we run into each day.
Mieken G.
Mieken G.
21:24 01 Nov 22
Very home like feeling to the center and all the educators are absolutely beautiful
Shannon B.
Shannon B.
03:29 14 Jan 22
Smith St has always felt like a community and a warm, supportive environment for my child, who has been going 3x a week since 9mths. The educators know all the children so well and my child thrives there with the learning experiences.
mieken G.
mieken G.
03:09 26 Oct 21
I couldn't rave more about Guardian Thornbury Smith St daycare more. My child loves all the educators and has formed really close bonds with a few. I always know she will be cuddled when she needs it, looked out for a reassured. With a change in our family dynamic this year the staff have been supportive in helping Rosa adjust to 2 households and I couldn't thank them more. Best educators ever
Rachele P.
Rachele P.
05:14 22 Jan 21
We loved Guardian Thornbury as soon as we visited, and our 2.5yo daughter has blossomed there. The staff are warm, kind and genuinely invested in each child; they know their preferences, habits and temperaments, and engage with them as individuals in carefully planned learning activities. The indoor and outdoor spaces are beautiful and homely; the management is excellent; and there's a real sense of community. An exceptional centre!
Monique P.
Monique P.
04:21 03 Dec 20
We are so pleased with Smith Street. Our 4 year old and 2 1/2 year old boys have been going since 18 months old and they both love going each week. We love the variety of activities they have everyday and the care they are given. The staff are welcoming, kind and have been amazing over the years. I would recommend this childcare to anyone in the area.
Liam W.
Liam W.
01:11 03 Dec 20
My wife & I loved this Childcare centre from the moment we first visited. Our son has been going there for a year now and has enjoyed every minute of it. The Centre Manager is so friendly, accommodating & responsive to our family's needs. The Educators are all really lovely and work closely with all of the children to attend to and develop their individual needs. The outside play area is great and has had a recent upgrade. Would highly reccommend!
Rebecca W.
Rebecca W.
07:59 02 Dec 20
Very caring and professional educators, lovely outdoor spaces, engaging activities for children, well managed and a great community for families. My daughter has attended the centre for three years and has loved the experience. I would highly recommend.
Ashlee W.
Ashlee W.
22:56 01 Dec 20
Our one year old has been going to Smith street dance he was 6months old, abut wasn’t long before he settled in! He loves going twice a week and we can’t speak highly enough about the educators and management.Would recommend to anyone!
Kirstin H.
Kirstin H.
11:56 01 Dec 20
My kids love going to daycare here, the educators are great and it feels like a big family. The centre itself is lovely with a huge outdoor area for the kids to play.
Kate S.
Kate S.
11:53 01 Dec 20
Excellent childcare centre. The educators are kind, patient and fun. Our kids love their time here and we love being part of this community.
Mary F.
Mary F.
09:58 01 Dec 20
Absolutely love sending my child here. Educators are caring, respectful and really cater for every child's needs. Definately recommend ✅
Karly A.
Karly A.
05:11 01 Dec 20
An exceptional childcare centre. The large outdoor play area, beautifully landscaped with a variety of trees, together with the modern indoor spaces, support a range of different learning activities throughout the day. There is plenty of parking, making drop off and pick up easy for parents. The staff are caring and attentive, and bring a mix of joy, fun and kindness to their interactions with both the children and parents. We love bringing our kids here and feel incredibly lucky to be part of this friendly community.
Heather B.
Heather B.
21:23 26 Mar 18
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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.

Morning

Our friendly Nursery team of familiar educators will be there to greet you and support your baby to settle in for the day.  Breakfast time is available & families are welcome to stay and enjoy with the children. This is also a great chance for conversation to share what is important and how your baby’s night at home was.

Mid-Morning

Our nursery learning environments are set up indoors and outdoors for your baby to engage with a variety of planned experiences while they interact with our team such as exploring picture books, singing songs together. We also offer morning tea.

Middle of the Day

Dependent on the needs of every baby, we time lunch to suit the children. Team members will support your child to eat and/or have a bottle, and when they are ready, are gently settled for sleep or rest. With an open-door policy, families can enjoy lunch/bottle time with your baby if you wish.

Mid-Afternoon

Our nursery planned experiences (both indoor and outdoor) continue and there are opportunities for movement, playing games, more books and songs, or sensory exploration. Afternoon snack is provided.

End of Day

We’ll have your baby’s belongings ready for you at pick up time. The Nursery team will share information about your baby’s day and their learning, preparing you and your child for a smooth transition to your evening. Please grab a piece of fruit or snack on the way out!

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

What we do to keep children safe

Create Safe Spaces & Practices

  • Nappy change areas are designed to have visibility windows and are set up for maximum supervision
  • Our policies also cater for team members being in sight or sound of another team member at all times.
  • Safety embedded in daily programs – by conducting daily checklists, comprehensive risk assessments, and more
  • personal phones or devices are not allowed in learning spaces.

Safe People Who Follow Safe Policies

  • Working With Children Checks for all team members. Automatic alerts if a WWCC is revoked and team member not eligible for shifts
  • Rigorous reference checks – must provide previous line managers for their past roles
  • Annual compulsory Suitability Declarations to confirm ongoing fitness to work with children
  • Mandatory reporting and speaking up – report concerns immediately and all concerns will be investigated fully
  • Ongoing mandatory training in child safety, including annual refreshers and leadership-specific modules

Controlling Access to our Centres

  • Multiple levels of security in all centres
  • All visitors must sign in and present photo ID before entry
  • All tradespeople must provide a WWCC & complete Guardian-specific induction.

Read more here

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) $187.74 $87.67 $54.31
Toddler (2–3) $187.74 $87.67 $54.31
Kinder (3–5) $187.10 $87.03 $53.67

The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families up to 15 hours of Free Kindergarten a week, in addition to the Childcare Subsidy. The funding offsets the fees for three and four-year-old children that are part of the centre’s long day care Kindergarten program. Families will save up to $2,101 a year for children aged three-years-old and above in eligible long day cares in 2025. 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?

Thornbury Centre Manager Image

Sara and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Sara, 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.

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 Program

No state fee relief information available.

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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Guardian Centres Nearby

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