About Us
Our Philosophy
We envision a world where every child is valued for their individuality, and nurtured in a warm, inclusive environment. We aim to foster a love of learning, creativity, and respect for all cultures, preparing children to become compassionate, capable, and responsible individuals who thrive within their community. Through meaningful, play‑based experiences, we help children build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and connection to the world.
Our mission is to create a dynamic, child‑centered learning environment guided by the government’s Early Years Learning Framework, and inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Steiner principles, where joy, curiosity, and creativity thrive through engaging, play‑based experiences. By empowering children with the tools to explore the world, we honor each child’s individuality and foster intellectual growth, social responsibility, and respect for others and the environment, shaping compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the earth.
We proudly acknowledge Kaurna land and honor the Kaurna people, integrating Indigenous perspectives to enrich our community. Our thoughtfully designed spaces—our third teacher — invite exploration, responsibility, and creativity. Here, children build connections with nature, embrace self‑expression, and develop a deep sense of belonging.
Come in and meet our team
Management team
At Sturt Young Learners, our management team — Jenny Peake and Carmel Leslie, both qualified and registered teachers and with vast experience in school principalship and special education—are more than names behind the scenes; they’re the heart of our community. They teach, mentor, and collaborate with our educators to nurture, guide, and celebrate each child’s growth.
Every day, you’ll find Jenny and Carmel at the centre, greeting families, answering questions, and lending a hand with life’s little challenges, even those beyond the classroom. They’re here to support not just the children, but the entire family, because we know a happy, supported family means a thriving, happy child.
Teachers, educators and support workers
Our team of experienced and passionate educators, along with our dedicated support personnel, are committed to delivering high‑quality care and education. Many of our team members have been part of the Sturt Young Learners family for years, ensuring consistency and familiar faces every day. At our centre, we strive to make every family feel valued, supported, and truly cared for.
We pride ourselves on structuring programs with smaller child‑to‑educator ratios than required by national regulations, allowing for more personalized attention and meaningful interactions. Our educators and early childhood teachers are carefully selected and professionally developed, sharing a deep passion for fostering children’s joyful learning and growth across all developmental domains.
Our Centre
Framed by lush gardens and playful pathways, our Sturt Young Learners invites little explorers before they even step inside. A whimsical wonderland on the outside, it hints at all of the creativity and magic happening inside. Nestled like a storybook cottage, our centre’s exterior sparks curiosity and a sense of belonging. The homely yet playful design of our building, mirrors the energy and spirit of the children it embraces.
Location and Transport
Conveniently located on the metropolitan Adelaide plains, right next to the Marion business district, our centre is perfectly positioned for busy families. Enjoy the ease of on‑site parking for seamless drop‑offs and pick‑ups, or take advantage of the bus station directly across the road, offering connections to train and tram services. With a quick 20‑minute drive to Adelaide’s CBD or a relaxed 30‑minute bus ride, our location makes balancing work and family life easier. Whether you're commuting or working locally, we've made sure getting here is as stress‑free as possible!
Curriculum
The early years learning framework
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is the Australian government’s blueprint for giving kids the best start to life, designed for children from birth to five years old. It champions play as the ultimate teacher, sparking creativity, curiosity, and a love for discovery that lasts a lifetime.
Read moreAt the core of the EYLF are three simple yet powerful ideas: Belonging, Being, and Becoming. Belonging celebrates the connections that make children feel safe and valued—family, culture, and community. Being is all about living in the moment, embracing the magic of childhood. Becoming focuses on building the skills and confidence kids need to take on the world.
With five big‑picture learning outcomes, the EYLF helps educators nurture each child’s sense of identity, connection to their world, wellbeing, confidence as learners, and communication skills. It’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach—it’s about celebrating every child’s unique spark and potential.
Collaboration with families is at the heart of EYLF, bridging the gap between home and early learning to create a seamless, supportive experience. More than a curriculum, it’s a game plan for helping kids thrive, grow, and shine in every way that matters.
Our programs provide play‑based learning where fun meets discovery!
Learning groups and teaching strategies
Nursery (6 weeks - 2 years and a bit)
Our Babies Room is a warm, welcoming space designed to support your baby’s journey of discovery and growth in an environment that feels like home. Here, your little one is surrounded by gentle, caring educators who create meaningful bonds, helping your baby build trust and a deep sense of belonging. We know how important it is to maintain your baby’s home routine, so we work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition each day, tailoring our care to meet your family’s unique needs.
This precious stage of life is filled with wonder, and our dedicated team nurtures every milestone along the way. Our passionate educators are handpicked for their love and natural affinity for working with young infants. From sensory play to motor‑skill activities, we offer a rich variety of hands‑on experiences that stimulate learning, encourage exploration, and build foundations for language, social skills, and physical growth.
We honor the vital role you play in your child’s life, working in close partnership with you to establish comforting routines that bring security and joy to your baby’s day. Together, we create a caring, predictable space where your child feels connected, cherished, and ready to thrive!
Young kindy (2 - 3 years and a bit)
This age is full of why moments! At this enchanting stage, our dedicated educators create a world of playful learning where toddlers can explore their own interests and build confidence in a warm, supportive space designed just for them.
The young kindy is a space that feels familiar and safe, yet filled with engaging resources that invite hands‑on exploration and experimentation. Toddlers are naturally driven to explore, push boundaries, and uncover the world around them in their own way, and we embrace their sense of adventure! Our thoughtfully designed routines and play‑based experiences nurture growing independence, giving them chances to tackle small tasks on their own while knowing a caring educator is always nearby for extra support, comfort, and one‑on‑one moments.
With us, your toddler finds a joyful, safe space that sparks their creativity, encourages exploration, and fuels a lifelong love of learning!
Older kindy (3 - 4 years and a bit)
Our mission in the older kindy group is to ignite each child’s potential with exceptional developmental opportunities, providing a joyful, positive foundation to strengthen their natural talents and prepare them to embrace future challenges with confidence.
We nurture your child's potential as we cultivate their budding independence, boost their self‑awareness, and build their self‑esteem in a caring, supportive space. Children are encouraged to explore relationships, grow socially, and tackle new challenges that spark their curiosity.
This program gives children the chance to connect with a larger group of friends and learn in a dynamic, educational environment designed by qualified educators. Tailored to meet each child’s unique developmental needs, our program enhances learning, fosters creativity, and supports holistic growth. Our focus on social skills and emotional growth helps children develop resilience and regulation, laying a solid groundwork for the transition to their next steps in the preschool program.
Preschool (4 - 5 years and a bit):
Kindergarten is a magical stepping stone for 4 year olds, where children dive into an exciting world of learning, friendship, independence and self‑discovery. This program is packed with opportunities to develop essential life skills and lays the foundation for a confident start to school!
Our exceptional program sparks curiosity and builds strong foundations in language, literacy, numeracy, social and emotional skills, self‑awareness, and respect for others through hands‑on exploration. Intentional teaching practices, thoughtfully crafted learning spaces, and diverse resources create a world of wonder where every child’s potential is nurtured.
Our educators skillfully connect academic goals with children’s natural interests, challenging them to try new things and grow with confidence. Children make friends, discover new ideas, and engage with enriching experiences that prepare them for a joyful transition to school life.
Universal access preschool (The Year Before Starting School)
The formal preschool program at Sturt Young Learners is proudly guided by the South Australian Department for Education and led by a university qualified and passionate early childhood teacher. Designed to support all aspects of your child’s development, the program provides a strong foundation for their learning journey.
As part of our curriculum, we integrate the ELLA language program, introducing children to the fundamentals of a second language, giving them a valuable head start in language learning for school and beyond.
We believe in making this journey accessible, with no extra charges—just quality, tailored learning. Flexible sessions fit seamlessly with your family’s schedule, and our program continues through school holidays, ensuring your child’s growth is uninterrupted while you manage work and other commitments.
At Sturt Young Learners we are here to help your child and your family all flourish!
Exciting news for 2026: Sturt Young Learners is in the process of partnering with the SA Department for Education to introduce a 3 year old universal access preschool program in 2026. This will be led by a qualified early childhood teacher and available only at select centres. Unlike government preschools and many other early learning centres, we’re thrilled to expand our offerings and create a head start for your child’s learning journey!
Nurturing eco‑consciousness and lifelong sustainability
As global awareness of environmental issues grows, we recognize the importance of nurturing eco‑conscious values from an early age. By cultivating habits that respect and preserve the environment, we empower children to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and grow into informed, responsible stewards of the earth.
Sustainability is seamlessly integrated throughout our curriculum. Children are encouraged to explore, question, and form meaningful connections with their environment. Through hands‑on activities like planting, watering, recycling, and other small yet impactful actions, children gain a practical understanding of nature and their role in protecting it. Sustainability becomes an engaging and natural part of their everyday lives.
