If you’re on the hunt for an early learning centre in North Ryde that really stands out, Rise Early Learning North Ryde should definitely be on your radar. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, and a genuine connection to the local community, this centre provides a nurturing, holistic environment where kids can truly thrive.
Our tour guide Emily, the centre manager, is a key figure at Rise. With experience in numerous early learning centres over 15 years, she understands the inner workings of what makes a centre thrive and speaks so highly of Rise and the team, contributing to the centre’s strong reputation in the community.
Families consistently praise the centre’s emphasis on outdoor play, its thriving gardens, and the outstanding excursion program. From the supportive team to the owners’ hands-on involvement, everything here creates a warm and enriching space for kids to thrive.
Twice Daily Excursions
We were very impressed to learn how much time and effort the centre puts into creating twice-daily excursions for children. They even have a full-time excursion coordinator, designing amazing activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. In small groups of 6-9, children of all age ranges get to explore local environments through daily excursions, even when it’s raining, thanks to the centre’s supply of gumboots and raincoats.
Some of the regular excursion destinations include:
- Lane Cove National Park
- Eden Gardens
- Coxs Road Shops
- North Ryde Library
- Rotary Oval Playground
The program is all about curiosity and hands-on learning, helping kids build essential life skills while exploring fun learning opportunities beyond the centre. Emphasising risky play is a key part of childhood development, boosting not just physical skills but also confidence and resilience.
Incursions and extra-curricular activities
Rise Early Learning North Ryde also offers a range of extra-curricular activities to enrich children’s experiences. These include:
- the very popular drama classes which help children build confidence, practice public speaking, and explore social situations through role-playing.
- Additional programs in sports and arts to foster creativity and physical activity.
Massive Outdoor Area
We can never go past a beautiful outdoor area in a childcare centre – and RISE has done this so well. Their large and very well-shaded outdoor area not only encourages children to connect with nature but also encourages sustainability and provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning.
Children work alongside educators to grow fruits and vegetables, learning responsibility and life skills, like knowing how and when to pick their own food.
There is a great variety of play equipment that caters to different age groups and developmental stages. It features sand pits, water play, ride-on toys, structures and other equipment that promotes physical development, coordination, and gross motor skills.
Educational Environment
You might think that being in a business park would take away from the centre’s connection to nature, but Rise truly feels like a peaceful retreat nestled among the treetops. It’s welcoming and light-spaces offer beautiful views and spacious outdoor areas for kids to enjoy.
Here are some highlights we loved learning during our tour:
- Spacious: Ample space both inside and out means the 96-place service feels ultra-spacious with plenty of room to spread out.
- Small group sizes: With no more than 25 children per room and three staff members in each, group sizes are kept small. This higher staff-to-child ratio ensures more personalised care.
- Class pets: Educators encourage curiosity and independence, whether it’s searching for mulberry leaves to feed the centre’s silk worms or assisting with garden maintenance.
- Tailored sleeping arrangements: With two cot rooms, children can nap in smaller groups suited to their sleeping requirements
- Huge book selection: even though RISE has ample books of their own, they always makes a point to borrow extra books from North Ryde library, providing a rotating selection to keep children engaged and excited about reading.
- RIE Approach: The centre follows the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) approach, emphasizing independent exploration and respectful care. Key aspects include:
- No shoes indoors, promoting free movement.
- No high chairs or bumbos, encouraging independent seating.
- Equal focus on both education and nurturing.
- Educators even co-sleep with children when needed, providing comfort and emotional support.
The nursery team is highly praised for being nurturing and attentive, fostering a warm environment for babies and toddlers.
Dedicated and Longstanding Staff
Rise boasts an impressive team of educators, some of whom have celebrated over a decade at the centre, with others approaching six and eight years of service, and another group reaching the 5-year mark. Their longstanding tenure is amazing for continuity of care and stability, allowing families to form strong, lasting connections with the educators.
As for the owners, their personal involvement at Rise Early Learning North Ryde is truly noteworthy. Living locally in Ryde, they spend three days a week at the centre, playing an active role in its daily operations. With eight years of experience since the centre opened, they know the service inside and out, fostering a hands-on and community-focused environment.
This wonderful centre would love to hear from you and offer you a tour – for more information visit the Rise Early Learning North Ryde website or contact the centre directly.
The Details
- Opening hours: 7.30am – 6pm
- Address: 65 Epping Road, North Ryde
- Website: https://riseearlylearning.edu.au/childcare-epping-road/
- Email: enrolments@riseearlylearning.edu.au
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Phone: 1800 953 768
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