Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards 2025 - Souvenir edition
NURTURE LANDMARK CELEBRATION
AUSTRALIA’S early childhood education and care (ECEC) has been celebrated at a landmark evening of recognition and celebration as the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards shone a spotlight on the outstanding programs, services, leaders, teams and trainees shaping our young children’s future. See inside.
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Academy for Early Learners is a premium official Reggio Emilia certified preschool and childcare located in Sydney's North Shore, offering long-day care hours 6:30am to 6:30pm.
Our center has been awarded the 'Most Outstanding Childcare Service' on the North Shore.
17 Bandalong Avenue, West Pymble 2073
Mon-Fri 6:30am - 6:30pm
info@academyforearlylearners.com.au
Sydney’s trusted childcare cleaning specialists.
From regular maintenance cleans to deep cleans, we fit your centre’s needs.
Hospital-grade disinfectants, ACECQA-aligned standards and photo reports every time.
Reliable, transparent and designed for childcare — that’s �e Clean Sweep.
Hand in hand for lifelong learning
IN the heart of Ballina at 84 Fox Street, the Ballina Fox Street Preschool invites families into a warm, play-based early education setting with the guiding motto: “Hand in hand together we walk.”
The centre’s philosophy places children, families and community front and centre.
“At Fox Street Preschool we recognise that children’s learning and development takes place in the context of their families and that families are the children’s first and most important educators,” the centre says.
Director Lea May says: “The Fox Street way always provided a platform … to build a strong foundation of independence,
Ecreativity, meaningful relationships, inquiry and play-based learning that enabled them to reach their full potential in all areas of development.”
The preschool emphasises that every child is “strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge, bringing with them deep curiosity and potential.”
Through mud-pits, block-construction, and large-scale mark-making the children develop gross motor skills, shape and number concepts, coordination and imagination.
Families are welcomed not as passive observers but active partners: “When you enroll a child you enroll a family. We
are more than just a preschool, we are a community of educators, children and their families who come together to build quality
and meaningful relationships.”
As a service rated “Exceeding” under the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) scheme, the preschool provides confidence to families that children are in a high-quality learning environment.
Situated in the friendly Ballina community, the centre encourages enquiries via their website and invite families to visit and see the learning environment firsthand.
For any family seeking more detail, contact (02) 6686 3340 or visit: www. ballinafoxstreetpreschool.com/
Care approach to early education
RINA Kindergarten embraces a comprehensive exceeding the standards of care approach to early childhood education, focusing on creating a nurturing environment that promotes reading, writing, and numeracy in a holistic manner.
Their high quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by a team of Qualified Bachelor of Early Childhood Teachers.
The qualified team teacher’s tailer programs to ensure that all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school.
Their exceeding the standards of care long day care service is set in a spacious grounds featuring indoor as well as extensive outdoor facilities, including natural playgrounds, vegetable gardens, animals
including chickens, rabbits and parrots and interactive dramatic play areas, all designed to inspire active and imaginative play.
Conveniently located close to Erina fair and public transport, Erina Kindergarten also offers ample parking on site to help with drop off and pick up.
They offer distinct, large segregated individual classrooms tailored for different age groups, allowing staff to engage with children in a way that meets their specific developmental needs. Children also can go on regular local excursions to the local community as well as various incursions as well as monthly calendar events.
Culturally, Erina Kindergarten honors the Darkinjung people, recognizing Aborig-
inal and Torres Strait Islander communities as the traditional custodians of the land.
Additionally, the family owned and operated service offers full-day all-inclusive care including meals and is approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), making it accessible for families while delivering high-quality education and care.
Overall, it is a thoughtfully designed and engaging environment for young learners!
“Our service recognises the importance of selecting the right long day care and we are committed to fostering a love for lifelong learning,” said a spokesperosn.
Visit: www.erinakindergarten.com.au
Scenes from this year’s gala event.
Scenes from this year’s gala event.
Premium childcare meets innovation
THE team at Academy for Early Learners, located at West Pymble, is redefining early-childhood care with a holistic, research-informed approach for children aged from six weeks to five years.
Open daily from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, the centre combines longday convenience for busy families with an advanced curriculum designed to foster creative, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Families will appreciate
the inclusive package: five nutritious meals a day, catered by professionals and tailored for allergens or special dietary needs.
The academy is proudly certified in the Reggio Emilia approach and emphasises exploratory, play-based learning using natural materials and outdoor environments.
Children benefit from enriched programs including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths), language offerings (Mandarin,
Italian, Armenian), and even a vegetable-garden programme that invites kids to harvest and use their own produce.
Parents consistently highlight the warm, engaged staff and high-level communication. One remarked: “The standard of the centre is second to none… the team go above and beyond every day.”
With dedicated outdoor play zones, structured physical activity (yoga, soccer, obstacle
courses), excursions and specialist support services (speech pathologist, optometrist, dentist), this centre positions itself as more than “just childcare” — it’s a foundation for the child’s full potential.
For Western Sydney and beyond, Academy for Early Learners offers a compelling model for premium, future-focused early-years education.
Visit: www.academyforearlylearners. com.au
We don’t just clean, we protect
IN OUR WORDS
AT The Clean Sweep, we don’t just clean childcare centres, we protect the environments where children learn, play, and grow.
With more than a decade in the childcare industry, we’ve earned the trust of over a hundred centres across Sydney through reliability, transparency, and unmatched attention to detail. Our process goes beyond sur-
face shine. Every clean is completed with hospital-grade disinfectants, ACECQA-aligned hygiene standards, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Each service comes with a detailed post-clean report, including before-and-after photos, product lists and notes. This way centre owners know exactly what’s been done and can show parents their commitment to cleanliness.
We understand that early education
settings need consistency, not compromise.
That’s why our team is Working-With-Children and Police-Check cleared, fully insured, and trained specifically for childcare environments.
Whether it’s daily maintenance cleaning, deep disinfectant treatments, or last-minute emergencies, we’re fast, flexible, and always professional, ready to step in after hours, on weekends, or within 24 hours when needed.
Our promise is simple: spotless centres, safer spaces, and total peace of
mind. With our price-match and satisfaction guarantee, clients never pay more for less and our free spot-clean trial lets new centres experience the difference risk-free.
At The Clean Sweep, we believe that a clean centre is a trusted centre.
When educators walk in each morning to spotless rooms and the smell of fresh beginnings, they can focus on what really matters — the children.
Visit: www.thecleansweep.com.au
Education starts with connection
IN OUR WORDS
AT The Lookout, education begins with connection. Nestled on Sydney Harbour’s protected lands in Mosman, our centre offers children a rare opportunity to grow, explore, and learn surrounded by nature’s beauty and cultural heritage. Every rock, leaf, and path becomes part of their story, building curiosity, confidence, and respect for the world around them.
We are more than a childcare centre; we are a community. Our educators are the heart of The Lookout, a dedicated, long-standing team that families trust.
With five Early Childhood Teachers and over-ratio staffing in every room, children experience genuine relationships, deeper learning, and individual care that goes beyond compliance.
Our curriculum is purposeful and child-led, enriched by daily Bush Kindy experiences, extracurricular programs
in Spanish, yoga, drama, and sport, and a Child Safe approach that empowers children to protect and express themselves.
Fresh, nutritious meals prepared by our in-house chef bring comfort and care every day. We also maintain professional cleaning every day, ensuring our classrooms remain pristine, hygienic, and ready for new discoveries, a reflection of the same care we bring to every part of our service.
Through community partnerships, from Clean Up Australia to local school
connections, we teach belonging, empathy, and stewardship.
As a family-owned centre, we lead with integrity and heart. Being recognised as a finalist in the Educators Awards is an honour, but the real reward is watching our children grow into kind, curious, and capable learners. Every smile, every moment of discovery, reminds us why we do what we do and why The Lookout will always feel like home.
Visit: www.thelookoutmosman.com.au
The Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Cr Christine Kay, Councillor Sam Ngai , along with veterans and representatives from local organisations and Schools. (Please ensure this text is under the pics)
Your partner in Early Learning
As part of our ongoing support as a key supplier in the Early Learning sector, we provide centres with tools and assets which assist in Quality Area 2 - Toileting & Nappy Changing Principles and Practices.
During visits, authorised officers may look for and discuss a range of topics which demonstrate that educators are supporting children’s wellbeing while maintaining hygienic practices. Our free Nappy Change & Toilet Training charts help to show how these policies & procedures are being followed & reinforced in your centres and promote safe & hygienic practices to ensure better care outcomes.
At your request, we also provide a suite of branded assets to support your centre marketing activity.
We know that supporting the development & wellbeing of children is the number one priority in Early Learning, but the support you can provide doesn’t have to stop when the children go home.
As part of our service, we provide free booklets on Toilet Training & Bed Wetting for you to provideto parents at your centres, helping them navigate new uncharted milestones in parenting andfurther extending your care and support as Early Learning providers.
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Blacktown
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Granville
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Greystanes
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Liverpool
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Penrith
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre Ryde
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centre South Penrith
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centrel Merrylands
Clovel Kindy
Creative Kids Preschool
Cressy Road Early Learning
Cubby House for Kids
Cuddlez Preschool and Montessori
Dayaa Early Learning and Preschool
Developing Dreams Early Learning Chain Valley Bay
Devonshire Street Children’s Centre
Empower Early Learning Group
A Erina Kindergarten
Federal Community Children Centre
Gilgandra Preschool
Glenning Valley Child Care Centre
Goodstart Bondi Junction - Oxford Street
Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah
Griffith Preschool Kindergarten
Guardian Childcare and Education Parramatta
Guardian Childcare and Education West Pennant Hills
Gumnut Kidz Kindergarten Narellan
Hawthorn Street Early Learning Centre
HazelGrove Early Education Centre
Hunter Valley Grammar School ELC
Illawarra Academy of Early Learning
Jennys Kindergarten Bathurst
Jessica’s Early Learning Centre
Joeys Preschool and Early Learning CentreDungog
Joeys Preschool and Early Learning CentreMorpeth
Junior Einsteins Nurturing Centre Blackbutt
Junior Einsteins Shell Heights
Kiama Academy of Early Learning
Kindalin Castle Hill
Kindalin Early Childhood Learning CentreFrenchs Forest
Kindalin Kellyville
Kirrawree Child Care Centre
Kookaburra Early Learning
Kurri Kurri and District Preschool
Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre
Lake Munmorah Preschool Kindergarten
Little Adventurers Early Learning
Little Diggers Preschool
Little Miracles Kanwal
Little Miracles Niagara Park
Little Miracles Point Clare
Little Miracles Terrigal
Little Miracles Tuggerah
Little Miracles Wamberal
Little Peoples - Bowral
Little Treasures - Greta
Little Treasures Childcare - Singleton
Little Wonders Early Education Centre Estella
Little Wonders Early Education Centre Turvey Park & Estella
Little Wonders Early Educational Centre Turvey Park
Little Zak’s Academy - Brookvale
liv2learn Early Education Thirlmere
Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Education
USTRALIA’S early childhood education and care (ECEC) celebrated at a landmark evening of recognition and celebration as the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards shone a spotlight on the outstanding programs, services, leaders, teams and trainees shaping our young children’s future.
Held on November 9, 2025, at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Sydney in Sydney’s CBD, the event was one of the sector’s most anticipated nights.
The awards invited services from across the country to nominate themselves in one or more of a wide array of categories — offering opportunities for centres of all sizes and types to receive recognition for the dedication they bring to children, families and the broader community.
Nominations opened on May 9, 2025, and entries
closed at 11:59 pm on September 7, 2025, giving teams ample time to prepare their submission and showcase their achievements.
Entries were assessed by an independent panel of expert judges representing the diversity of the early childhood education profession. These judges review each nomination against rigorous criteria, ensuring that winners are truly reflective of excellence in service delivery.
The culminating gala combined in a celebration and connection, offering attendees a three-course meal, drinks and first-class entertainment. Dress code for the evening is “Green & Floral or Evening Wear/ Black Tie”, signaling a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere for the sector’s finest.
For nominees, winners and attendees alike, the awards dinner was more than just a night out.
Mikarie Childcare Centre
Milieu Early Education and Care - Condell Park
Milieu Early Education and Care - Oak Flats
Mini Me Early Learning Plumpton
Mini Me Early Learning St Clair
Mirabelle Learning Centre - Bangalow
Montessori Merrylands Childcare
Neutral Bay Kindergarten
Next Generation Kindergarten - Chester Hill
Next Generation Kindergarten - Punchbowl
Next Generation Kindergarten - Yagoona
Nicky’s Kids Town
Nurtured Beginnings
Oakville Preschool Learning Centre
Only About Children Cremorne
Owl and The Pussy Cat - Collaroy Plateau
Owl and The Pussy Cat - Warriewood
Peacock Street LDC
Peek-A-Boo Cottage
Planet Long Day Care
Play’n’Around Early Learning and Education
Possums Early Learning Centre
Puzzlez Early Learning Centre
Randwick Open Care for Kids
River&Kin Early Learning
Scribblz Preschool and Long Day Care Centre
Shorebreakers Kindergarten Early Learning Centre
Spotted Frog Kindergarten
Stepping Stones Early Learning Dubbo
Story House Aberglasslyn
Story House Mascot
Styles Street Children’s Community Long Day Care Centre
The Children’s Preschool
The Cubbyhouse Preparatory School @ Lane Cove
The Grove Dapto 1
The Lookout Early Education Centre
TLC Early Learning Centre
Toybox Early Learning
Toybox Early Learning - Mascot
Ulladulla Children’s Centre
Unity Juniors
Waves Early Learning
Wholechild
WillowBee Early Learning Centre
Woodport Early Learning Centre
Young Academics - Mortdale
Young Academics ELC Kellyville Ridden Drive
It was an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the hard work of teams and individuals who go above and beyond, uplift their communities, and inspire the next generation of early childhood professionals. The event continues to strengthen its position as a key milestone in the Australian early childhood calendar.
Where curiosity, creativity, and connection grow! Our Exceeding rated 3–5 year Transition to School Program nurtures confident, capable learners through play, discovery, and collaboration. Children are encouraged to lead their own learning, explore their interests, and build strong friendships in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. Family partnerships, rich learning experiences, and a love of community are at the heart of everything we do.
Ballina Fox Street Preschool
The Lookout Early Education Centre
Nestled on Crown land along Sydney Harbour, surrounded by nature and heritage.
Led by five Early Childhood Teachers and a long-standing team, over ratio in every classroom.
F r e s h , c h e f -
nurturing environment.
Enriched by Bush Kindy, sports, yoga, drama, Spanish and strong community connections.
Hours Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
Scenes from this year’s gala event.
HAPPINESS - LEARNING - WELLBEING
Erina Kindergarten embraces a comprehensive exceeding the standards of care approach to early childhood education, focusing on creating a nurturing environment that promotes reading, writing, and numeracy in a holistic manner. Our high quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by a team of Qualified Bachelor of Early Childhood Teachers. Our qualified team teachers tailer their programs to ensure that all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school.
Our exceeding the standards of care long day care service is set in a spacious grounds featuring indoor as well as extensive outdoor facilities, including natural playgrounds, vegetable gardens, animals including chickens, rabbits and parrots and interactive dramatic play areas, all designed to inspire active and imaginative play.
Conveniently located close to Erina fair and public transport, our service also offers ample parking on site to help with drop off and pick up.
