We visited Little & Loved Early Learning Centre in Gladesville, a boutique 36-place centre located next to Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Primary School. We were greeted by a calm, nurturing environment that instantly felt like home. The centre’s focus on genuine relationships and individualised care is evident from the moment you arrive.

Learning and Care for Ages 0–6

The centre caters for children aged 0–6 years, with both nursery and preschool programs.

The nursery offers a calm and nurturing space where babies are cared for according to their individual routines. Educators provide gentle, consistent care that builds trust and supports early development.

In the preschool program, children learn through play and exploration guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which encourages curiosity, independence and collaboration. The program also includes PreLit, an evidence-based early literacy approach that helps children develop strong foundations for reading and school readiness.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Children enjoy a variety of experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom, including:

• SoccaJoeys, music and movement, and intergenerational visits

• Regular excursions and incursions that connect them to the local community

• Interest-based learning, such as a recent project exploring where food comes from — planting corn and beans, visiting Aldi to see how food travels from farm to shop, growing avocado seeds, and making guacamole from their own produce

• Interactive learning experiences like the Henny Penny Hatching Program, where children watched chicks hatch and learned how to care for them

• Gardening and Food Program, which teaches sustainability, healthy eating, and the joy of growing their own produce. Children are involved in every step – planting, harvesting, and preparing food – helping them build confidence, responsibility, and appreciation for what they eat.

• The project wall showcases current learning themes, keeping families connected to what their children are discovering.

These hands-on activities nurture children’s curiosity, confidence, and practical understanding of the world around them.

Meals

All meals, from breakfast through to late snack, are prepared on-site by the centre’s qualified chef, with a focus on:

• Nutrition – balanced, wholesome meals
• Inclusion – accommodating diverse needs and preferences
• Cultural diversity – introducing children to a variety of flavours and cuisines

Spaces Designed for Comfort and Play

Little & Loved’s environment is intentionally designed to feel cosy, calm and home-like. Indoors, natural light, soft tones and thoughtful design features create a space where children feel comfortable and ready to learn.

Outdoors, the large backyard offers plenty of room for play and exploration, with a bike track, garden and shaded areas for quieter activities. It’s a space that encourages movement, curiosity and confidence in a relaxed, natural setting.

Small Centre, Big Heart

What sets Little & Loved apart is its close, connected community. As a small, boutique service, educators know each child personally, building strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging. No one slips through the cracks — every child is noticed, supported and valued for who they are.

Combining the structure of a preschool with the flexibility of long-day care, Little & Loved offers families the best of both worlds. It’s a caring, engaging environment where children are encouraged to grow, learn and thrive every day.

The Details

• Address: 329 Victoria Road, Gladesville, NSW, 2111
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am – 6pm
• Age range: 0-6 years
• Website: www.littleandloved.com.au​
• Email: gladesville@littleandloved.com.au
• Book a Tour: To schedule a tour or learn more about their programs, visit their website and fill out the enquiry form. ​

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