Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury

(Formerly Smith Street)

Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury is one of more than 40 high-quality Guardian Childcare Centres across Victoria. The spacious and light-filled Centre boasts a range of resource-rich environments, including spacious outdoor areas, natural climbing structures and alfresco dining where the children enjoy meals alongside their peers and educators.

Guardian Thornbury 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 play areas where our exciting programs come to life and children are encouraged to play, explore and learn.

The first five years of your child’s life are incredibly important when it comes to social and emotional development, and setting them up with a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. That’s why at Guardian Thornbury we’re focused on teaching children how to learn versus just ticking a box. This approach to education comes to life in our Kindergarten Program, which is led by qualified teachers who are there to help prepare your child for the exciting transition to school.

Our on-site cook prepares nutritious and delicious meals using seasonal ingredients every day, and the children have the opportunity to participate in regular hands-on cooking classes using ingredients harvested from our very own herb and vegetable gardens.

Begin the adventure at Guardian Thornbury today by booking a tour to explore our high-quality Centre, or speak to one of our friendly team.

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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
0-24 Months $149.00*
24-36 Months $149.00*
Over 36 Months $145.00*

*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.

More about Guardian Thornbury

Our childcare and early learning programs at Guardian Thornbury offer so many benefits for children and families:

  • Qualified Teachers and Educators. It takes a unique set of skills, passion and attributes to make a fantastic Teacher or Educator. Ours is dedicated to giving your child the best start in their education through loving care, individual development and a world-class Curriculum. 
  • Prepare your child for Primary School. Our Kindergarten Program is designed and led by skilled Teachers and Educators – all with all the benefits of long day care flexibility for families. 
  • Provide real-world inspired environments. Our Centres inspire curiosity, foster creativity and support discovery with a variety of sensory-rich and sustainable spaces designed for early learning that encourage your child to think, question and do amazing things. 
  • Cook all meals on-site. Our qualified on-site cooks and chefs prepare delicious and nutritious meals that will have you wondering, “Why doesn’t my child eat that at home?” Our kitchens are a meeting place, where we all experience the joy of food, together. 
  • Partner with your family. We want to better understand your child to deliver them the best early learning experience possible. We connect with families in person and through our StoryPark app, so you can enjoy the learning journey alongside your child. 
  • Community connections. Regular excursions to explore the local area, as well as a ‘home-away-from-home’ approach to care. 

Guardian Thornbury provides a joyful early learning experience and care for young children aged between 6 weeks and 6 years of age. Founded in 1965, we have become an extended family for the community of Thornbury – creating a welcoming environment of learning and growing that celebrates the individuality of each child. 

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 their interaction with Educators and other children at the centre.  

If you’re thinking of enrolling, we’d encourage you to book a tour today. During your tour you will have the opportunity to meet our Centre Manager, Educators and have a really good look around the Centre while the team answer any questions you may have.  We even have a list of questions you can ask us to make sure Guardian Thornbury is the right fit for you and your family.   

If you wish to enrol after your tour, our Centre Manager will support you with this process, including our full induction pack and information. You will receive details about government subsidies, immunisation requirements and any other documents needed to confirm your place. If you are not ready to enrol, you will be able to join our waitlist and stay up to date with vacancies and Centre news. 

Areas that this Centre services

Guardian Thornbury childcare services a number of local areas, including: Northcote, Preston, Coburg, Bellfield, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg West, Pascoe Vale South and Brunswick. 

Reviews (10)

  • R

    Rachele Pipe

    - 6 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • M

    Monique Pattison

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • L

    Liam Whitley

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • R

    Rebecca Ward

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • A

    Ashlee Walsh

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • K

    Kirstin Hackel

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • K

    Kate Sheehy

    - 8 months ago

    Excellent childcare centre. The educators are kind, patient and fun. Our kids love their time here and we love being part of this community.

  • M

    Mary Federici

    - 8 months ago

    Absolutely love sending my child here. Educators are caring, respectful and really cater for every child's needs. Definately recommend ✅

  • K

    Karly Adams

    - 8 months ago

    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 ... Read More

  • H

    Heather Brady

    - 3 years ago

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