The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater

We recently transferred our daughter to The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. The team made sure the transition was smooth for our whole family, and most importantly, they helped our daughter feel happy and settled in her new room from the very beginning. A special shout-out to the Junior Kinder educators—they’ve been incredibly supportive, warm, and always ready to help our daughter achieve her goals. I highly recommend TLS Freshwater to any family looking for a nurturing, professional, and child-focused environment.

My youngest has been with Learning Sanctuary for 2.5 years and the crew has been amazing. A number of staff also recognised me from previous centres where my older children attended, and connected with them when they came through the doors on dropoffs. The centre manager and her team did an outstanding job through COVID and subsequent staff shortages, and deliver care with clear proactive communication, and most importantly kindness. It's wonderful when humans in educational and care roles...actually care.

It takes a village to raise a child, and The Learning Sanctuary is our village. We used to live in Manly and after visiting several other centres in the area and closer to home, I had a feeling this one was best for our son. Two years later, I still feel the same. Educators are nurturing and caring, and the activities they run for the children are varied and interest-based. As children grow, they adapt the day activities based on what kids would like to do. I love the fact that whilst the educators are in charge of specific rooms, the upstairs outdoor space is shared between several rooms, allowing kids to spend time with all the educators so that there is not a strict delineation between rooms. This also makes transition between rooms easier (Lucas was very happy to jump in Naomi’s arms this morning and to give cuddles to Kim this evening even if he’s now in the toddlers room - where in just a couple of weeks he’s already created a strong bond with Noime and Kylie). When we ask our son who his friends are, Anne and Hong Mi and Mia always get a mention too! Everyone in the centre is so friendly and they all know Lucas. I have been really impressed by the end-of-year summary written by the educators - this reflects how much they care about our son and how they know him well. Our son loves the well shaded outdoor space (huge sandpit and lots of space to jump and run) as well as all the activities he takes part in everyday. I love hearing him singing all the songs he learnt at daycare and dancing to them. I also love seeing the photos and reading the regular updates via the app throughout the day. Meals are healthy and varied (and I like knowing what they have for lunch to adapt what to cook for dinner). Last but not least, the centre manager Jess is fabulous - whilst it’s been a difficult past couple of years, she is always smiling, trying to accommodate requests for casual days, and also very hands on and helping out in the rooms (or in the kitchen!) when needed. I could go on! A heartfelt thank you to all the lovely people working at The Learning Sanctuary.

Our son has been attending The Learning Sanctuary for over 2 years now. Although there have been many changes in management we are very happy with the current centre leader, Jess. She is friendly, organised, responsive and works very, very hard to fill the staffing gaps when required. Leo has formed special bonds with many of the educators, especially Alex, Kylie, Leonie, Mimi, Mon, Martina and Jay. Thank you all for your hard work, wonderful personalities and patience with our energetic boy.