The Infants’ Home’s children continue to explore the outdoor classroom space weekly and to enjoy the many learning opportunities that child-led nature play and immersion in the natural environment brings.
The James N. Kirby Foundation has supported The Infants’ Home since their founding in 1967. Over almost 60 years the Foundation has generously supported the vital work we do in our community, including our postnatal, community playgroup and parenting programs.
Since 1899, Kambala and the Kambala Old Girls’ Union (KOGU) have supported us through donations of clothes, cot covers, toys and equipment, as well as giving many generous cash donations. We have also welcomed frequent visits from students and KOGU members over the years.
Each visit to the outdoor classroom is an opportunity to engage with the natural world—through play, observation, movement, and curiosity. These experiences not only support physical development but foster a deep respect for the environment and each other.
The Infants’ Home was founded in 1874 as the first and only home in Australia to provide accommodation and care for abandoned children and unmarried mothers and their babies. For over 150 years concern for the safety and welfare of children and young people has been at our core.
The Outdoor Classroom will comprise of three key areas - The 'Wild Play' Zone, The 'Open Transition' Zone, and The 'Sensory Play' Zone.
On Friday 21 February we marked an amazing milestone for The Infants’ Home, celebrating our 150th anniversary with a special event for our friends and supporters on board HMAS Sydney V.
In October we were delighted to once again have been included in our long-term supporter Deloitte’s annual Impact Day.
We are thrilled to announce that The Infants' Home will be opening a new long day care centre in Engadine in 2025. This marks an exciting new chapter for us as we extend our reach to serve even more children and families in need.
The recent Soccajoeys program for preschool children at The Infants’ Home provided many opportunities for children to develop a range of skills, build their confidence and, most importantly, have fun.
The Infants’ Home’s Fathers’, Male Carers and Children’s Playgroup is a program where dads, male carers and children can come together to have fun and connection with each other.
Over the past few weeks, groups of children have been visiting the space where our outdoor classroom will be to connect with nature in meaningful, child-led ways.
At The Infants' Home, our vision for a nature-based outdoor learning space is coming to life.
The Infants’ Home brings together (or ‘integrates’) early intervention and early childhood education and care within our daily childcare programs for all children. This helps ensure that every child receives the level of support they need to learn, develop and thrive in the critical early years.
In July we were delighted to welcome a group of nine keen volunteers from our long-term supporter Goldman Sachs to carry our annual children’s sandpit refresh through their signature Community TeamWorks volunteering program.
On 8 May 2024 we were delighted to host the first of our 150th Anniversary Year celebrations for our community.
The Infants’ Home’s Corporate Volunteer Program is a fantastic way for work teams to boost team morale, have fun and give back to the community.