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The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater Centre overview
The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater Centre highlights
- Our centre proudly offers the NSW Government-approved Preschool program as part of our enhanced learning program. Our Preschool program supports your child's learning, development and well-being, to help ensure a successful transition to school.
- Our longstanding team, including staff with over 10 years of experience at the centre, creates a calm and nurturing environment to ensure children feel loved, safe, and secure.
- Our recently upgraded, expansive outdoor spaces have been thoughtfully designed to offer engaging play areas that are tailored to suit the developmental stages of our children.
About The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater Long Daycare and Preschool
Welcome to The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater. We're ideally located for families on the Northern Beaches in in Freshwater, Harbord, Queenscliff, Curl Curl, North Manly, Fairlight, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Dee Why and Narraweena.
Our Long Daycare and Preschool Centre provides early education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
At The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater, we provide convenient, full care coverage from 9hr, 10hr or full days, 5 days per week, including school holidays.
Our longstanding, dedicated team of Teachers and Educators provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment - where your child can thrive, and be their wonderful self, every day.
Getting school ready? We offer the 3 and 4-year-old Government-approved Preschool program that helps ensure your child has a successful transition to formal schooling.
We offer a great variety of learning experiences at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater including.
· Sustainability Program: Helps children develop and understand the importance of embedding sustainable practices into everyday life.
· Community Engagement Program: Encourages children to interact with and discover their local community. We often have visits from community services, and we go out on adventures to teach the children about their local environment. We also have a partnership with Up and Over and have their volunteers come in and visits the children every week.
· Sports Program: Allows the children to be active and learn about different sports and movements.
· Music & Movement Program: Designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. Children learn to appreciate and develop an understanding of music - and of course, have fun.
Fees & Vacancies
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
Enquire & enrol to get a week on Care For Kids*
*T&Cs apply
The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater Service features
See more (15)The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater service include:
Book a live tour at this carefully curated childcare centre and embark on the journey for your child’s growth and development
Get to know us
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Our centre offers the NSW Government-approved ‘Start Strong’ Preschool Program.
At The Learning Sanctuary, your child will benefit from the NSW ‘Start Strong’ Government-approved program as part of our enhanced learning program. Our Preschool program will support your child’s learning, development, and well-being for now, at school and beyond. We tailor our Preschool program across:
- Numeracy
- Literacy
- Emotional and Social Development
- Self regulation
- Healthy minds and bodies
The added benefits of our Preschool program include:
- NSW ‘Start Strong’ Government-approved program
- Extended opening hours
- Open all year round (excl public holidays)
- Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
- Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation
About the curriculum
About the curriculum
“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber
Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years
Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and by experimenting. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play, water play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing!
Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years
Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games and reading experiences.
On any given day the Toddler children can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.
Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn taking, developing self confidence and emotional self regulation. Our team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.
Preschool Space: 3 – 6 years
Preschool is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program encourages active engagement in learning and supports a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.
The oral language supports literacy learning. A child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Preschool children's development by engaging in rich discussions, introducing new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations, as well as singing, playing games, and reading with the children daily.
Throughout the Preschool year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.
Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, is supported through group learning environments. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Lastly, ensuring that all children are ready for the ‘big school’ by preparing them for all that ‘big school’ has to offer.
Morning
Ellie is 11 months old and enjoys sensory play outside in the sandpit with her friends. She sits near her educator who helps teach her how to scoop the sand into the bucket. Ellie is learning how to dig, carry, and move the sand. She is also exploring texture and learning what happens to the sand when she adds water!
Lunch
Ellie has finished her lunch and is preparing to take a nap. Her educator changes her nappy, prepares a bottle and reads Ellie a story before her afternoon sleep.
Afternoon
Ellie and some of her nursery friends enjoy some story time and songs outside in the shaded garden. They read ‘Peepo’ which is Ellie’s favourite book.
Morning
Josh is two and a half years old and loves to start his day at the centre outside on the climbing equipment. His friends join him, and together they pretend to be pirates on a ship looking for treasure. Through this exciting dramatic play, Josh is learning about himself and the world around him. Dramatic play is helping Josh identify his interests, abilities, likes and dislikes.
Lunch
Josh is watering the vegetables in the garden. By doing this, Josh is learning the importance of growing and caring for the veggies in the garden. Josh picks a tomato from the garden, which the Chef will use to help make Josh and his friend’s lunch - Spaghetti Bolognese!
Afternoon
Josh enjoys art, and today he is painting a beach scene from a recent family holiday. He adds the finishing touches and sets the painting aside to dry; so that he can take it home to share with his family.
While painting, Josh is learning how to express himself creatively and how to convey his ideas and emotions. Painting is also helping develop Josh’s hand eye coordination, finger, wrist and hand strength. Making marks on paper is important for self expression as well as later learning.
Morning
Charlotte is almost five years old and can’t wait for today’s carpentry experience - she loves building things! Carpentry experiences allow Charlotte and her friends to extend their learning through real-life experiences. While participating in carpentry, Charlotte is learning to problem solve, experiment and predict. She is also improving her hand eye coordination, manipulative skills and muscular strength.
Lunch
Before Charlotte sits down for lunch with her friends and educators, Charlotte takes part in the centre’s sports program. Charlotte loves sports. Sports helps Charlotte improve her flexibility and strength (perfect for growing bodies!). Sports also allows her to practice different skills in a fun and engaging way.
Afternoon
Charlotte is off to ‘big school’ next year and she can't wait to start! Charlotte and her friends will be visiting the local primary school next week. In preparation for the visit, the class is creating a list of questions to ask the Principal and school children.
Health and Nutrition
Health and Nutrition
Our centre chef prepares and cooks healthy and nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating.
Our centre offers children nutrient-rich, unprocessed, and seasonal whole foods – created to delight the fussiest eaters.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Hi my name is Leonie, and I am the Centre Manager here at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater. I started working in the industry in 2016 undertaking a traineeship. I started at Freshwater in 2021 and have been with G8 since 2016. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and am currently working towards my Bachelor of Education.
One of the things I love most about working in Early Childhood is the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives during these crucial formative years. I have cherish being apart of their learning journey, supporting them as they acquire new skills, develop their personalities, and build a strong foundation for future success.
Early childhood education has taught me that every child is unique with their own strengths, interests, and developmental journey. I have seen how play and hands-on experiences foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. I have come to appreciate the profound impact of positive relationships and a nurturing environment on children’s emotional well-being and overall development. I have learned the importance of embracing diversity, promoting inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging among all children. I have seen firsthand the incredible resilience and adaptability children possess, as they navigate challenges and grow both academically and personally. I have been inspired by their innate joy, enthusiasm, and capacity for growth. As an early childhood educator, I have learned that teaching is not the only aspect of being an educator, but being a facilitator, a guide, and a supporter of children’s self-discovery. My greatest understanding of children’s learning is the importance of play in their learning journey and how it is the most powerful tool we have at our disposal.
I am deeply committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. I believe in fostering a love for learning and a sense of curiosity that ignites their natural thirst for knowledge. I value the power of positive relationships and actively work to build strong connections with each child, their families, and the wider community. By fostering open communication and collaboration, I aim to create a shared sense of responsibility in supporting children’s growth and development. I prioritise creating a warm and caring atmosphere where children feel secure to express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns.
While home learning can be beneficial in certain circumstances, early childhood settings offer a comprehensive and specialized approach to support children’s early development and learning. We provide a social environment, access to qualified educators and resources, peer interactions, and a smooth transition to school, all of which contribute to children’s overall growth and readiness for future academic success.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing team of educators at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater. Having such dedicated and passionate professionals in our center makes it a truly special place, and we are proud to have them on our team. Every child’s well-being and happiness is of utmost importance to our educators. They understand the importance of building strong relationships and creating a nurturing environment where children feel supported and valued. Children feel a sense of belonging and develop social-emotional skills because of their empathy and compassion. The team builds strong and meaningful relationships with children and families. They create a sense of trust and support, making each child feel valued and appreciated. These deep connections foster a love for learning and contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of the children in our care.
In early childhood education, supporting families and building strong relationships with them is essential for creating a collaborative and nurturing learning environment. I prioritize open and regular communication with families, ensuring that they are informed about their child’s progress, activities, and achievements. I actively seek input from families, valuing their insights and involving them in decision-making processes.
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74-76 Lawrence StreetFreshwater, NSW, 2096
Centre Reviews
My youngest has been with Learning Sanctuary for 2.5 years and the crew has been amazing. A number of staff also recognised me... My youngest has been with Learning Sanctuary for 2.5 years and the crew has been amazing. A number of staff also recognised me from previous centres where my older children attended, and connected with them when they came through the doors on dropoffs. The centre manager and her team did an outstanding job through COVID and subsequent staff shortages, and deliver care with clear proactive communication, and most importantly kindness. It's wonderful when humans in educational and care roles...actually care. Read more
It takes a village to raise a child, and The Learning Sanctuary is our village. We used to live in Manly and after... It takes a village to raise a child, and The Learning Sanctuary is our village. We used to live in Manly and after visiting several other centres in the area and closer to home, I had a feeling this one was best for our son. Two years later, I still feel the same. Educators are nurturing and caring, and the activities they run for the children are varied and interest-based. As children grow, they adapt the day activities based on what kids would like to do. I love the fact that whilst the educators are in charge of specific rooms, the upstairs outdoor space is shared between several rooms, allowing kids to spend time with all the educators so that there is not a strict delineation between rooms. This also makes transition between rooms easier (Lucas was very happy to jump in Naomi’s arms this morning and to give cuddles to Kim this evening even if he’s now in the toddlers room - where in just a couple of weeks he’s already created a strong bond with Noime and Kylie). When we ask our son who his friends are, Anne and Hong Mi and Mia always get a mention too! Everyone in the centre is so friendly and they all know Lucas. I have been really impressed by the end-of-year summary written by the educators - this reflects how much they care about our son and how they know him well. Our son loves the well shaded outdoor space (huge sandpit and lots of space to jump and run) as well as all the activities he takes part in everyday. I love hearing him singing all the songs he learnt at daycare and dancing to them. I also love seeing the photos and reading the regular updates via the app throughout the day. Meals are healthy and varied (and I like knowing what they have for lunch to adapt what to cook for dinner). Last but not least, the centre manager Jess is fabulous - whilst it’s been a difficult past couple of years, she is always smiling, trying to accommodate requests for casual days, and also very hands on and helping out in the rooms (or in the kitchen!) when needed. I could go on! A heartfelt thank you to all the lovely people working at The Learning Sanctuary. Read more
Dear Viviane, thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Kind regards, The Learning Sanctuary Team.
Our son has been attending The Learning Sanctuary for over 2 years now. Although there have been many changes in management we are... Our son has been attending The Learning Sanctuary for over 2 years now. Although there have been many changes in management we are very happy with the current centre leader, Jess. She is friendly, organised, responsive and works very, very hard to fill the staffing gaps when required. Leo has formed special bonds with many of the educators, especially Alex, Kylie, Leonie, Mimi, Mon, Martina and Jay. Thank you all for your hard work, wonderful personalities and patience with our energetic boy. Read more
Dear Kathryn, thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Kind regards, The Learning Sanctuary Team.