If you’re looking for a childcare centre that leads the way in early education, meet LEAD Early Learning Centre St Ives – a beautifully designed, new, family-run centre that’s becoming a favourite among local families.
Opened in mid-April, this purpose-built early learning centre was thoughtfully created with children’s development, wellbeing and learning journey at its core. From the calm, homely rooms filled with natural light to the age-specific programs and thoughtfully curated resources, everything has been designed to support children to feel safe, engaged and ready to thrive.
The 76-place centre is split across four age-based rooms, ensuring every child receives tailored care, attention and support suited to their developmental stage.
A Family-Run Service with Heart and Experience
LEAD is owned and operated by early childhood educator Leanne, who brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience to her role. As a sole provider with just one service, all of Leanne’s energy, focus and heart is poured into this centre, creating a nurturing, community-centred environment where children and families feel genuinely connected and supported.
From day one, families are welcomed into a warm, inclusive space where their child’s learning and wellbeing are nurtured. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered — from the rotating learning resources that respond to the children’s evolving interests, to deep nightly cleans carried out by professional cleaners (not educators), allowing staff to focus entirely on the children.
Purpose-Built for Learning and Connection
This centre was designed from the ground up to support quality early learning experiences. It features:
- A dedicated sensory room for neurodiverse children – a peaceful space where therapists can work with children onsite
- A separate dining room for communal mealtimes – helping children build independence and social skills
- Outdoor access from every room
- Light-filled playrooms with clean, inviting set-ups
- No eating in the playrooms to support hygiene and keep the focus on learning
- Comfortable spaces and amenities for breastfeeding, including chairs and fridges for pumped milk
- Parents stay informed with daily photo updates and a comprehensive learning journal via the KinderM8 app.
Security is a major focus, with fob-only entry, CCTV throughout, and video intercoms in every room for added peace of mind.
Holistic Learning
At LEAD, educators follow the children’s lead, weaving foundational literacy, numeracy, social and independence skills into play-based experiences that feel fun and engaging.
Age groups are intentionally separated into four rooms to ensure programs are truly age-appropriate and developmentally aligned — no ‘3–5-year-old’ catch-all groups here! This thoughtful structure allows educators to tailor activities and environments to the specific needs, interests and milestones of each age group.
4–5 year old room
In this room, school readiness begins with your child’s emotional well-being and interests. Educators embed early learning into everyday play, while also introducing structured, school-style learning in a gentle, supportive way.
Children enjoy:
- A dedicated school readiness workbook
- Phonics and blending activities
- A Reading Eggs subscription (included in fees), used both at home and in the centre
- Weekly sport, yoga and a foreign language program (selected by families)
3–4 year old room
This room introduces gentle structure while maintaining the joy of play-led learning. It’s all about setting children up for preschool with confidence, focusing on self-help and independence skills such as:
- Toilet training
- Putting on shoes and jackets
- Applying sunscreen independently (thanks to a child-height mirror!)
Resources are rotated throughout the day based on what children are interested in and learning about, encouraging autonomy and meaningful engagement.
2–3 year old room
Children in this room are full of energy and curiosity, and the environment is tailored to match. Programs are focused on fostering early independence and communication through hands-on, play-based experiences that support each child’s learning journey.
0–2 year old room
In the nursery, just 12 children are enrolled per day with a 1:4 educator-to-child ratio, exceeding national standards. Babies receive warm, responsive care in a calm, home-like environment designed to nurture their development, comfort and connection during these crucial early years.
Sensory Play, STEM and So Much More
There’s no shortage of enriching activities at LEAD! Children participate in:
- Weekly cooking lessons using a purpose-designed cooking set-up
- STEM programs based on the Reggio Emilia approach, where the environment becomes the teacher
- Mindful moments, including yoga, breathing and emotional regulation practices
- Monthly Messy Makers sensory sessions — messy fun for the kids, with no clean-up for you!
There’s also a sustainability program where children plant gardens and learn how to care for the environment, as well as regular community visitors and excursions tied to local and national events or the children’s interests.
What’s Included in Fees?
- 5 nutritious meals a day (including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea & late snack)
- Nappies
- Cooking classes
- Yoga
- Foreign language program
- STEM and sustainability programs
- Reading Eggs subscription
Families bring their own bedding and formula.
The Details
🕰️ Open: 7am–6pm
📍 Address: 75 Killeaton Street St Ives
🌐 Website: https://leadearlylearningcentres.com.au
📧 Email: Stives@leadearlylearningcentres.com.au
🚗 Parking: Plenty of underground parking
🥞 Breakfast Club: from 7–7:30am
📞 Enquire now to book a tour and secure your spot!