ECEC Provider in Focus: Wanslea

Wanslea is a mixed service provider which exists to support children and young people under 25 years of age within Australia.

The provider offers a range of services including early childhood education and care (ECEC), early childhood intervention, parenting support, out of home care, grandparent carer support and regional programs, amongst other offerings. 

What is the history of Wanslea? 

Wanslea was established in 1943 by Florence Hummerston, who opened a Hostel at 30 Bulwer Street in Perth to provide a home for the children of mothers who were ill and whose fathers, most of whom were in the armed forces, were away. 

In 1976 Wanslea opened its first parenting service – the Home Help and Family Support service, and in 1986, the provider began offering in-home care and family day care. 

What is Wanslea’s vision and approach to learning? 

All aspects of the Wanslea offering are driven by five core values, namely: 

• We care 
• We collaborate 
• We are accountable 
• We have courage 
• We celebrate 

In the centre based care space, Wanslea offers the following drivers to support the fundamental work it does: 

• Family support and engagement
• Diversity and inclusion
• Engaging activities and environments 
• Supportive, experienced educators 
• Child focussed programming 

Are there any unique aspects to the Wanslea offering?

Wanslea and Wanslea Early Learning and Development recently merged, forming a singular board as a result. 

The organisation aims to empower children and families by: 

• Ensuring that children and families of all cultures are included in Wanslea’s services, programs, structures and decision making
• Treating all people who interact with Wanslea with respect, honouring their differences and their input 
• Ensuring that the role of all carers is valued and supported 
• Helping children to develop and grow a stronger identity and connection to culture, community and Country, in turn creating safe and strong families
• Partnering with family and community representatives to inform and shape Wanslea’s service delivery, research and advocacy

What is Wanslea’s approach to educator professional development? 

Family Day Care Educators who choose Wanslea as their scheme of choice enjoy many benefits including: 

• Assistance and support throughout the registration and membership process 
• Detailed orientation training 
• Ongoing support from the Early Years Education Facilitator 
• Regular home support visits 
• Access to play sessions 
• Workshops and training 
• Access to government assistance to provide eligible families with the Child Care Subsidy

Employee benefits for the organisation as a whole include: 

• Professional development opportunities
• The ability to apply to Wanslea’s staff training fund and study assistance program 
• 17.5 per cent annual leave loading 
• Four weeks of annual leave 
• Three days of gifted leave between Christmas and New Year
• The capacity to purchase up to four weeks of additional annual leave 
• Paid parental leave, after two years of continuous service
• Flexible working hours (except in centre based care) 
• Discounted rates for early childhood education and care programs
• An employee assistance program
• Cultural awareness training
• Income protection insurance
• Career development channels

To learn more about Wanslea please see here.