About Gorton House Childcare Centre
Early Childhood Education and Care from Birth to School Age
| Licensed For 84 Children |
Opening Hours 7:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday |
Gorton House provides early childhood education and care for children from birth to school age. The childcare centre is situated within beautiful and expansive heritage grounds in the heart of Ashfield, Sydney. With plenty of green spaces, children can explore and connect with nature.
Established as a not-for-profit charity in 1874, The Infants’ Home has remained committed to social justice and championing children’s rights for almost 150 years.
As well as the high-quality play-based early learning programs developed by qualified Early Childhood Educators, Gorton House also provides specialist programs for children with vulnerabilities or those who have additional needs. Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists work with Educators in the centre to provide children with early intervention and specialist support where needed. A comprehensive transition-to-school program is offered to all children in the year before they start school.
The educational program in Gorton House harnesses each child’s interests and strengths, helping them to build their skills and confidence across all areas of development, including gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, social and emotional skills and cognitive and intellectual development.
Highlights of our childcare program
- Higher staff to child ratios.
- Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educators and Teachers.
- An educational program is developed for each child based on Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework curriculum.
- High-quality play-based early learning programs developed by qualified Early Childhood Educators and Allied Health therapists.
- Activities and experiences that help children become competent and confident across all areas of development, including gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, social and emotional skills and cognitive and intellectual development.
- Early intervention for children with vulnerabilities or those who have additional needs.
Integrated Childcare and Early Intervention Services
Members of our Allied Health team, comprising Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, work alongside the Educators in Gorton House to provide early intervention support for all children. They also work collaboratively with the Educators to deliver targeted small group early intervention programs for children who require additional support in specific areas of their learning or development. Families can also access our postnatal service onsite, as well as our Early Intervention Hub. Our onsite Child and Family Practitioner works with our Educators and Allied Health therapists to provide tailored support for families who have complex needs.
We could not be happier with the outstanding level of care which has been provided by the team at Gorton House Toddlers. Georgie is always very eager to attend the Centre and looks forward to all the wonderful activities that are available each day. Georgie feels valued and respected, and has benefitted immensely from the genuinely caring and encouraging interaction with the staff.
- Grandparent at The Infants' Home
Gorton House Childcare Centre Highlights
Developmental & Education Programs
Children experience play and interest-based learning.
Healthy Meals Provided Daily
Fresh, healthy meals are prepared onsite daily by a qualified chef.
Indigenous
Education
Indigenous perspectives are embedded within our program.
Kindergarten
Program
Preschool children are supported to get ready for school.
Nature-Based
Play
Children can explore and play in extensive natural outdoor spaces.
Educational Program for Children
Gorton House’s educational program for children makes the most of the centre’s stunning natural setting. Children learn about sustainability and immerse themselves in the outdoors, exploring nature and engaging in nature-inspired arts and experiences.
Our childcare program also includes music and movement, creative arts, and language, literacy and numeracy activities designed to spark children’s interests and curiosity and promote children’s learning and development.
Inclusion and social justice are embedded in the daily childcare program. Children learn about and experience aspects of other cultures, with cultural celebrations and activities planned to help children to build stronger connections to their community and grow their confidence and self-awareness.
Children's Health and Nutrition
Mealtimes are an important part of the daily routine for children. Fresh, nutritious meals are prepared daily onsite by a qualified chef. Lunch and morning and afternoon tea are provided, and individual meals are prepared as needed to meet any additional nutritional needs or allergies that children may have.
Our Educators and Allied Health staff share mealtimes with children to encourage children’s healthy eating and their understanding of good nutrition. Children help tend an onsite kitchen garden, and produce from the garden is regularly incorporated into the daily menu.
About Our Childcare Curriculum
Gorton House’s curriculum is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, which recognises that early childhood is a critical period in children’s learning and development that has a far-reaching impact throughout their lives.
The curriculum is guided by The Infants’ Home’s mission to provide each child, every opportunity – today and tomorrow to learn, be valued and reach their full potential.
- Our day-to-day educational practice is child-centred.
- Our programs are guided by understanding and responding to each child’s interests and strengths.
- We prioritise building relationships with children, families, and their communities.
- Our aim is to create a sense of belonging for every child.
About Our Childcare Educators and Allied Health Therapists
The Educators at The Infants’ Home Child and Family Services are caring and nurturing, and follow an evidence-based practice model underpinned by respect for their colleagues and the children and families that use the service.
Our childcare Educators welcome and foster open and transparent communication with families so they can get to know each child well and provide the individualised support they need to thrive.
Allied Health, including Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, is integrated into the daily program to provide holistic care and early intervention support for children and families. Parents and carers receive regular information and updates from the integrated team about their child’s learning and development.
Celebrate The Infants' Home's 150th anniversary with us
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