Open 7:00am to 6:00pm
Monday to Friday
Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury
- 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
HOURS
Mon to Fri 7:00am 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 Childcare & Education Thornbury , a spacious and inviting centre, with childhood education programs focused on play-based learning. Our Thornbury 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 and veggie garden
- On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
- Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
- Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and bed linen provided
- Extended hours of care each weekday from 7:00am to 6:00pm
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”
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
Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.
Kirsten S.
21:57 03 Apr 25
I have had the absolute pleasure of working at Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury, and I can confidently say it is an incredible place for children to learn, grow, and thrive. The educators are passionate, nurturing, and truly dedicated to creating a warm and engaging environment for every child. The learning programs are thoughtfully designed to support each child’s development, and the centre itself is beautifully set up with inviting spaces and high-quality resources.As both an educator and an expectant parent, I can’t wait to enrol my own child here, knowing they will be in the best hands. The care, attention, and love that go into every part of the day make Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury feel like a second home. Highly recommend this wonderful centre to any families looking for a safe and enriching place for their little ones!
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.
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.
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.
21:24 01 Nov 22
Very home like feeling to the center and all the educators are absolutely beautiful
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
21:23 26 Mar 18
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.
Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.
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
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.
Daily Rate 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) | $183.88 | $94.28 | $64.42 |
| Toddler (2–3) | $183.88 | $94.28 | $64.42 |
| Kinder (3–5) | $179.22 | $89.62 | $59.76 |
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.
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
Our Flying Start to School kindergarten program is lead by degree qualified Teachers in a long day care setting. Our specialist two-year program is committed to supporting your child as they prepare for big school. We focus on nurturing their confidence, making friends and social emotional growth while also supporting their abilities in reading, writing, counting, and thinking skills. Whether it’s building with blocks, practicing their first letters, or learning to share with friends, every experience is carefully designed to support your child’s development.
Our Centre is a recipient of funding as part of the VIC Government’s Free Kinder Program. Eligible children aged three years and above will receive up to $2101 in additional subsidies to reduce your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.
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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