Guardian Childcare & Education expanded out to 180 centres in 2024

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Guardian Childcare & Education expanded its network to 180 Centres in 2024, adding ten Greenfield services in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland in just nine months.

This Greenfields focus, General Manager of New Centres Greg Scherf said, reflects Guardian’s long-term commitment to supporting families in areas historically underserved by ECEC options. 

Each centre has been purposefully designed to reflect the unique needs of local families, creating environments that aim to inspire children and educators alike. 

“Our Greenfields strategy is about more than growth,” Mr Scherf said. “It’s about creating new opportunities for families, particularly in rapidly expanding areas where demand for early learning is high. These centres reflect the future of early education – designed with intention, innovation, and a focus on local communities.”

“As our focus in this area grows, so too does our dedicated Greenfields team, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of families and communities across the country.”

A key focus for this expansion has been Queensland and South Australia, where Guardian’s network has grown considerably. Since 2023 Queensland saw an increase from 20 to 32 centres, while South Australia almost doubled from 10 to 18 centres. 

This growth includes both newly opened Greenfields centres and strategic acquisitions, reflecting Guardian’s commitment to addressing childcare gaps in these fast-growing regions.

The new centres team, which has a team of dedicated staff to manage and oversee all aspects from site selection and construction through to opening, has continued growth planned for across 2025, with three services opening in January, and further centres planned for Q1 2025 and beyond. 

The team works closely with Centre Managers to build strong local teams, ensuring each centre is ready to welcome families.

“This milestone represents a shared effort to support children and families across Australia,” Sharon Whiteman, Chief Network Officer said. 

As Guardian looks to the future, the Greenfields strategy will remain a cornerstone of its growth, she added. 

Learn more about Guardian’s commitment to transforming early childhood education at www.guardian.edu.au