Located in a unique space that combines a beautifully restored heritage building with a modern purpose-built early learning centre, Little Zak’s Academy Ryde offers thoughtfully designed learning environments for children from nursery age through to preschool.
Half of the building is heritage listed, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and original heritage fireplaces that have been carefully preserved as part of the centre’s character. The other half is a modern extension purpose-built for early learning, creating a unique mix of warmth, history and functionality.
A Calm and Creative Space for Babies and Toddlers
For families with babies and toddlers, the nursery spaces are a standout. The younger children’s rooms are calm, nurturing and incredibly creative, with children’s artwork proudly displayed across the walls throughout the centre. Every space feels thoughtfully designed to celebrate creativity, imagination and belonging.
The centre includes six learning environments tailored to different developmental stages:
- Navigators – Younger children under 2 years
- Explorers – Older children under 2 years
- Investigators – 2–3 years
- Adventures – 3–4 years
- Inventors – 3.5–5 years
- Voyagers – 4–5 years
Natural Outdoor Spaces Designed for Every Age
Outdoor play is another major highlight, particularly for the nursery children. Little Zak’s Ryde features two spacious playgrounds designed for different age groups, including a dedicated natural playground for children under two filled with nature-based play opportunities.
The babies and toddler rooms are located within the original heritage home, creating a warm and home-like environment for the centre’s youngest children.
Older children enjoy a larger playground, while the Adventures room also has direct access to its own private courtyard that extends learning outdoors.
Chickens, Gardens and Sustainability Learning
One of the most unique parts of the centre is its resident chickens, which originally hatched onsite as part of an educational program. Children help care for the chickens and collect eggs, giving them hands-on experiences that support responsibility, sustainability and connection to the natural world.
The centre also has an established edible garden where children can explore sustainability and learn where food comes from through hands-on experiences.
Extracurricular Activities Included in the Week
Beyond the daily curriculum, children can also participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including:
- Dedicated Little Zak’s swimming lessons at Carlile Swimming Ryde for children aged 4–5
- French classes for children aged 2–5
- Little Zak’s Kitchen cooking experiences for children aged 0–5
- Yoga Club for children aged 2–5
- Zakaroos soccer and ball sports programs for children aged 2–5
Fresh Meals Prepared Onsite Every Day
Meals are freshly prepared onsite each day by the centre’s kitchen team, with strong systems in place to support children with allergies and dietary requirements.
A dedicated allergy-friendly preparation trolley — including separate knives, chopping boards and utensils — helps ensure safe meal preparation for children with additional needs.
A Gentle and Flexible Orientation Process
Families also appreciate the centre’s gentle and flexible orientation process.
There is no maximum number of orientation sessions, allowing children to settle in gradually until they feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.
Experienced Educators and Strong Community Connections
The centre is led by an experienced and stable team, including educators who have been part of the service since it first opened in 2019. Centre Director Mel and the 2IC have both been at the centre since 2022, helping build strong relationships with families and maintain continuity for children as they grow through the rooms.
Little Zak’s Ryde also maintains strong partnerships with local schools, Carlile Swimming Ryde, allied health professionals and community organisations to support children’s development and school readiness.
Its curriculum is goal-based and tailored to each child, with individual learning goals, monthly learning summaries and developmental milestone reports provided throughout the year.
The centre is also proud to have been recognised as finalists in both the Local Business Awards and the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
Community remains a strong focus throughout the service, including initiatives like the centre’s Community Pantry, where families can access donated dry pantry staples such as canned goods, flour and instant meals when needed.
Above all, Little Zak’s Ryde places a strong emphasis on child safety and wellbeing, with child-safe practices embedded throughout every aspect of the service through educator training, active supervision, strong family partnerships and ongoing reflection.
The Details
Address: 87 Bowden Street, Ryde NSW 2112
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm
Phone: (02) 8004 7516
Email: ryde@littlezaks.com.au
Website: Little Zak’s Academy Ryde
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