Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury

(Formerly Smith Street)

Every day is a new opportunity for discovery and growth at Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury (formerly Smith Street). With a range of resource-rich environments, including spacious outdoor areas, natural climbing structures, and alfresco dining, children are encouraged to explore and learn.

The light-filled centre also features a beautiful old tree, high ceilings, a wooden cubby house, herb and vegetable gardens, worm farms, pet chickens, and a range of age-specific ateliers where our exciting programs come to life.

We are proud to have a diverse team of Educators and celebrate a variety of cultures and holidays. We are relaunching our bush kinder program, and enjoy taking the toddlers out for regular walks in the neighbourhood.

Our on-site cook prepares five nutritionally balanced meals using seasonal ingredients every day. The children and Educators often collect herbs and vegetables from the garden to add to the daily meals and use in cooking classes.

Begin the adventure at Guardian today by booking a tour to explore the centre, chat with our team of Educators and learn more about our high-quality curriculum.

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Read more information about the centre

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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.

  • From 7:00am

    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.

  • From 7:00am

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

  • Morning

    An opportunity to play and discover with open-plan play in family groups and multi-age groupings.

  • 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.

  • Morning tea

    An opportunity for children to come together for a healthy snack, often they help prepare their food alongside our carers and cook.

  • Mid-morning

    Individually tailored to your child’s needs and curiosity the planned experiences continue, this includes both indoor and outdoor programs.

  • Lunch

    Another nutritious meal expertly prepared by our cook. Families are invited to join the children for meals and excursions if they wish.

  • 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.

  • Afternoon tea

    Another chance for the children to come together and re-fuel in small groups. There is also an opportunity to rest or play together and reflect on the day.

  • 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.

  • End of day

    Your child is encouraged to grab a light snack as 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 Hours

Open 7:00am to 6:00pm
Monday to Friday

Fee Information

Age Group Daily Fee
Under 3 Years $137.00*
Over 3 Years $133.00*

*Price before the government rebate. To calculate what Child Care Subsidy you might get back, click here.

Good to Know - What to Bring

What we Provide

  • Sunscreen
  • Five nutritionally balanced meals including: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning and Afternoon tea and a late Snack at the end of the day
  • Nappies
  • Bibs
  • Bedding

What to Bring

  • Hats
  • Formula and bottles
  • Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
  • Spare change of clothing
  • Water bottle

Our Educators

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

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

Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury provides joyous early learning experience and care for young children aged between 0 and 5 years old of age. Founded in 1965, we have become an extended family for community of Thornbury creating a welcoming environment of learning and growing that celebrates the individuality of each child.

We are nestled in the suburb of Thornbury and if you are travelling to work into the CBD our centre would suit these surroundings suburbs: Coburg, Northcote, Preston, Pascoe Vale South and Brunswick.

Your child will love their day at Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury with our friendly and passionate team of educators. We have high educator to child ratios allowing educators and families to work together to ensure a happy and productive time whilst children are in our care.

Our educators take the time to provide families with up to date information on their child’s day and development progress. Our educators are selected for their qualifications and expertise in the early childhood field and we pride ourselves on the quality of our care and the warm and secure learning environment we provide.

Your child’s learning and development will benefit greatly from the interaction with educators and other children at the centre. We make sure that our curriculum and school readiness program fits within the Commonwealth Government’s Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards.

We cater our services at the centre to make life easier for our busy families and offer a funded kinder programme. We provide nutritionally balanced meals prepared by our own chef in our centre kitchen. We also provide necessities such as nappies, sunscreen and bedding for nap times and our beautiful naturally based outdoor environment is perfect for children to explore, play and learn.

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.

Book a Tour Enquire Now

What Our Families Say