Three more Guardian centres achieve exceeding ratings as group rebrands

Guardian Childcare and Education, formerly known as Guardian Early Learning Group, has received an additional three “exceeding the National Quality Standards” ratings for centres in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. 

King Street, based in Bowen Hills, Queensland, opened in early 2018, as part of a regeneration project at the Brisbane Showgrounds. The 2,000 square metre, three-level, architecturally-designed centre  boasts fantastic nature-inspired indoor and outdoor environments, the design of which was inspired by the history of the Showgrounds. 

The centre also has a comprehensive ‘Out and About’ learning program that takes advantage of its location. The children attend EKKA as well as the National 4×4 Outdoors Show, and the Fishing & Boating Expo so they can explore and grow a genuine understanding of farming and an appreciation of outdoor activities.

The Essendon centre, located in Victoria, is proud of its culturally diverse team, celebrating a variety of cultures and holidays throughout the year. The centre also has a focus on caring for nature, with a pet turtle, pet guinea pigs, a water pump, a fort, vegetable gardens, and a range of age-specific ateliers. 

Acacia Gardens, the NSW centre, has recently undergone a renovation that has provided many opportunities for children to engage in learning more about nutrition through the planting and nurturing of a variety of vegetables. The centre also has a strong relationship with a local aged-care facility, The children pay regular visits and send letters as part of its pen pal program. 

Guardian Chief Developments and Operations Officer Nicki Garrett said the group was thrilled to add another three centres to the ‘exceeding’ list, noting that only 32 per cent of early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings around the country had attained the ranking. 

Over 90 per cent of Australia’s 110 Guardian centres are rated as meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard, which a spokesperson attributed to “ongoing investment into Guardian’s environments, curriculum and the training of educators to deliver high-quality early learning for families”.

“The awarded centres all look at different ways to focus on shaping children as global citizens by inspiring them to be curious about the world around them and develop connections with others within the community,” Ms Garrett added. 

For more information about the National Quality Standards, or to view a list of quality ratings for services around Australia, please visit the ACECQA website, here.