Holding Hands
Early Learning
Small steps,
big dreams
FAMILY-OWNED EARLY LEARNING AND PRESCHOOL – SINCE 2025
A warm, community-centred place where children aged 12 months to 6 years explore, create, and grow through play-based learning every day.
Welcoming families since 2025 · CCS & Start Strong eligibleÂ
34
Children per day
8am–5pm
Mon – Fri
10+ yrs
Educator experience
2
Laerning spaces
- Child Safe Organisation
- EYLF V2.0 Guided
- Family Owned & Operated
- Long‑Term Educators
- Above-ratio Staffing
- CCS & Start Strong Eligible
- Meeting National Quality Standards
Our learning spaces
Two rooms, one big family
Thoughtfully designed for your child’s age and stage of development.
The Cabin
Max 9 children
The Cabin cares for children aged 12 months to 3 years, providing a nurturing and safe environment for their development.
We create a home-like atmosphere where children feel secure and loved, supported by our beautiful team.
Our programs stimulate curiosity through structured activities and free play, offering sensory-rich experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth, laying the foundation for future learning.
The Preschool
Max 25 children
The Preschool room caters to children aged 3 to 6 years, providing a stimulating, play-based environment for exploration and learning. Children are encouraged to follow their natural curiosity, explore hands-on materials, and engage in purposeful activities that support their individual development. We offer a rich variety of resources that promote creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, independence, and responsibility.
Through carefully designed learning experiences, children build self-confidence, social skills, autonomy, and a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool - School Readiness Program
At Holding Hands, we are committed to helping every child develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for a successful transition to Kindergarten. Our Preschool program provides high-quality early learning experiences that prepare children not only for school, but for lifelong learning.
As a Preschool and an early learning service, we are guided by the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). These frameworks ensure children participate in a high-quality, play-based educational program that supports their learning, development, and overall school readiness.
School Readiness Happens Every Day
Our focus is that school readiness isn’t a separate lesson — it’s woven into every part of our day. Through meaningful play, intentional teaching, and everyday experiences, children naturally develop the skills they need to thrive at school.
Read more...
Throughout the day, children build school readiness by:
Participating in group discussions and sharing ideas
Exploring books, stories, and language
Writing, drawing, creating, and expressing themselves
Investigating early maths concepts through play
Building friendships and learning to resolve conflicts
Developing independence through daily routines
Following instructions and contributing to group experiences
Engaging in inquiry-based projects that encourage curiosity and problem-solving
Our program focuses on developing the whole child. Alongside early literacy and numeracy, children strengthen their communication, confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, independence, problem solving skills, creativity, and social skills — building the foundations they need for a successful start to Kindergarten.
To ensure our Preschool program continues to reflect today’s expectations, we have begun collaborating with local primary schools. These partnerships help us better understand the skills and dispositions that support a positive transition to school and enable us to continually enhance our School Readiness program.
We also recognise that every child learns and develops at their own pace. Our experienced educators work closely with families to understand each child’s strengths, interests, and individual goals, providing personalised learning experiences that foster confidence, wellbeing, and a love of learning.
We are honoured to be part of your child’s early learning journey and look forward to partnering with your family as they take this exciting next step.
What we believe
Philosophy
At Holding Hands Early Learning, our philosophy is reflected through our everyday practice. We believe that play is how young children make sense of their world. Our setting provides children with opportunities to engage in play-based, open-ended experiences that are meaningful and enriching, empowering them to recognise themselves as capable, curious, and competent learners.
Our philosophy blends an intentional and spontaneous environment, with rich opportunities for children to explore, be creative, learn life skills, problem-solve and make choices through hands-on learning.
Holding Hands Philosophy
Play-based learning
Open-ended experiences that build real skills and genuine curiosity
Community & belonging
Small centre, close connections — every family is known by name
Nature-inspired outdoor play
Rocky gardens, water features, planting zones & safe risky play
Unwavering child safety
Every child's right to feel safe, respected, and heard — always
Our Gallery
A peek inside our world
A look at everyday moments — play, creativity, and connection across The Cabin and The Preschool.
Cabin (12 months – 3 years)
Common questions
What are the operating hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.
What are the daily fees?
The Cabin $150/day · The Preschool $145/day. CCS & Start Strong subsidies apply.
Do you provide meals?
Families provide lunch boxes and drink bottles. Educators assist children at morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
How do I join the waitlist?
Click Enrol Now and complete the short online waitlist form — we’ll be in touch soon.
All questions
FAQs
How many children attend and what are the age groups?
Holding Hands can accommodate up to 34 children each day. We offer two learning spaces:
- The Cabin (9 children): This separate dwelling caters to children aged 12 months to 3 years. Here, children engage in play-based activities and have designated time to rest or sleep. They also enjoy ample opportunities to explore our expansive outdoor area.
- The Preschool (25 children): Throughout the day, children engage in planned learning experiences across our dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces, while also having opportunities for self-directed play and exploration.
What are the operating hours?
Do you provide nappies and meals for the children?
Do you offer rest or sleep breaks for the children?
What are the Centre fees?
The Cabin – Children 18 months and 3 years, the daily fee is $135.
Preschool – Children 3 to 6 years, the daily fee is $130.
Both CCS and Start Strong funding can help lower these costs. CCS is means-tested, and you can reach out to the CCS Helpdesk at 1300 667 276 to discuss your subsidy amount. For information regarding Start Strong eligibility, contact the The Early Learning Commission at 1800 679 113.
How long have the Educators been working at the Centre?
We are excited to share with our families that three of our dedicated Educators, the wonderful Sandra, Siarn, and Chantelle have been with the service for over 10 years, respectively. Additionally, Gemma, Lara, Chelsea and Vanessa have each dedicated 2-4 years of service to the centre and are deeply valued team members. Our amazing trainees, Jess and Xanthe, joined us in 2025, along with the wonderful Kym, who brings a wealth of knowledge as an Early Childhood Teacher. This remarkable group of Educators are a testament to the supportive environment and culture fostered within our team.
Do you have casual staff that also work at the Centre?
You may see the amazing Katie, Jo, and Chelsea at the Centre. Katie and Chelsea have been cherished members of the team for over 2-3 years and the wonderful and nurturing Jo, who previously spent many years at the Centre, has been warmly welcomed back.
What is the Educator to child ratios within the Centre?
Our service adheres to all child-to-staff ratios in line with National Regulations. We choose to staff above the minimum in both age groups (The Cabin & The Preschool). This means we schedule more Educators in each room than regulations require, ensuring closure supervision, and additional support for the children’s learning and emotional needs.
Nation child-to-staff Regulations:
- Birth to 2 years: 1 educator for every 4 children
- 2 to 3 years: 1 educator for every 5 children
- 3 to 6 years: 1 educator for every 10 children
Meet our educators
Our team of childhood educators are dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. With a deep understanding of child development, we create engaging and inclusive environments where every child feels valued and inspired. Our educators utilise a variety of teaching methods tailored to meet the unique needs of every child, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. We believe that by creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, we can help children build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Kristen
Owner / Director
I have over 20 years of early childhood experience and I’m passionate about play‑based learning and creating environments where children feel confident, curious and capable. Outside of work, I loves spending time with my family, a value that deeply shapes my community‑focused leadership.
Sandra
Educational Leader
I’m proud to have been a constant figure at the preschool for 18 years. I’ve worked my way through two traineeships and have been part of many changes and improvements. I love the small, family feel of our service and the strong sense of community that comes with it.
Vanessa
Early childhood teacher
Siarn
Educator
I’m passionate about play‑based experiences that build children’s confidence and love creating an environment where children feel safe and valued. After 12 years, seeing children grow still inspires me. Outside the Centre, I’m creative and spend time with my family.
Lara
Educator
Chantelle
Educator
Xanthe
Educational Trainee
Jess
Educational Trainee
Kym
Educational Teacher
Gemma
Educator
Chelsea
Educator
Kind words
What our families say
“Holding Hands is a wonderful community daycare with fantastic energy and staff that really care about each child’s emotional wellbeing. Thank you Holding Hands!”
Brianna — mum of Reg
“We have felt a deep sense of trust and comfort knowing our child is part of such a caring environment. The joy and excitement our child exhibits when sharing stories from their day is a testament to the wonderful experiences you provide.”
Family feedback
“We are grateful for the safe and inspiring space you provide, where creativity and learning go hand in hand. Thank you for your unwavering support.”
Family feedback