We visited Little Zak’s Academy Dundas Valley, which has been open for around two years and offers early education and care for children aged 0–6 years in a purpose-built, 76-place centre.

With four dedicated classrooms, four outdoor spaces, an on-site chef and a flexible indoor-outdoor learning approach, the centre gives children plenty of opportunities to play, explore and learn throughout the day. Families are also encouraged to play an active role, with children’s individual interests and developmental goals helping to shape their learning experiences.

A Multicultural Community

Little Zak’s Dundas Valley has families and educators from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and this diversity is reflected in everyday life at the centre.

Having educators who speak different languages can be particularly helpful for children who speak a language other than English at home. Where possible, educators can communicate with children in their first language, helping them settle into care while supporting them to maintain their home language as they learn English.

It also helps families communicate comfortably with educators about their child’s needs, interests and goals. Different cultures, values and beliefs are incorporated into the program, with families encouraged to share their own traditions, knowledge and experiences.

Families Are Part of the Learning

Collaboration with families is a big focus at Dundas Valley. Educators combine their professional knowledge with ideas from the children and input from families to develop experiences around each child’s interests and developmental goals.

Families are encouraged to share what their child is interested in at home, what they’re currently working on and any particular areas they’d like educators to support.

They’re also invited to get involved themselves. During an exploration of yarn, for example, a grandparent came into the centre to teach the children how to knit!

This kind of involvement helps connect what children are learning at the centre with their life at home. The centre says many of its new families now come through word of mouth after hearing about the experiences and relationships of existing families.

From Nursery Through to School Readiness

The centre has four dedicated classrooms catering to different ages and stages:

• Nursery (0–2 years): Individual routines, developmental milestones and a nurturing introduction to care.
• Toddlers (2–3 years): Play-based learning with a focus on language, social skills, confidence and independence.
• Junior Prep (3–4 years): Early literacy, numeracy and everyday skills as children begin the Prep School program.
• Senior Prep (4–6 years): School readiness with a focus on routines, independence, writing, numeracy and preparing for Kindergarten.

Children in the Prep rooms also use Reading Eggs to support early literacy, with families provided with access to continue using the program at home.

Flexible Indoor-Outdoor Learning

A great feature of Little Zak’s Dundas Valley is its free-flow approach to indoor and outdoor play. Indoor and outdoor experiences are offered at the same time, so children can move freely between the two spaces and choose where and how they’d like to play and learn.

The purpose-built centre includes:

• Four outdoor areas – three larger playgrounds plus a smaller dedicated Preschool playground
• Plenty of natural light throughout the learning spaces
• Shaded outdoor areas for outdoor play in different weather conditions
• Opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers to spend time together, supporting peer learning, language and communication skills

Fresh Food, Gardening and Sustainability

All food is prepared on site by the centre’s chef, Miss Vinnie, with five meals and snacks prepared each day. Menus rotate between winter and summer and follow Munch & Move and nutrition guidelines.

Children get involved too, with cooking and gardening incorporated into their learning. With support from local Bunnings, which has provided seeds, potting mix and gardening tools, children have grown herbs and tomatoes and used their produce to make salads.

Along the way, children explore:

• Food and nutrition
• Cooking and where food comes from
• Gardening and science
• Recycling, reusing and sustainability

It’s a practical way to introduce these concepts while encouraging children to care for their environment and think about giving things a second life.

Extra Programs Included

Alongside the daily educational program, children have access to a number of Little Zak’s extracurricular activities:

• Zakaroos Soccer
• LZ Yoga
• Language lessons
• LZ Kitchen
• LZ Enviro

Little Zak’s Dundas Valley is also CCS approved and participates in the NSW Start Strong program.

The Details

• Address: 1 Ryan Street, Dundas Valley NSW 2117
• Hours: 7am–6pm
• Ages: 0–6 years
• Phone: 1300 339 257
• Email: dundas@littlezaks.com.au
• Find out more or book a tour: www.littlezaks.com.au/dundas-valley