Why Greythorn?
As a community managed centre, we focus on building an active partnership between parents and staff to support our children. We consider ourselves an innovative provider and aim to set benchmarks for other children’s services in the area.
We pride ourselves on our ability to listen to the families and staff and genuinely consider what changes are needed in order to meet those needs.
The Greythorn Difference
We take pride in cultivating a strong sense of community that extends beyond the walls of the facility. Our unique set of differences sets us apart and fosters an environment where children and families feel a sense of belonging.
From the moment you step through our doors, you will notice our commitment to building a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Our open and welcoming environment encourages open communication and collaboration among educators , children, and families.
By fostering a strong sense of community within our center, we strive to create an environment that nurtures the well-being of all individuals, promoting a positive and enriching experience for children and families alike.
Buy / Sell Days
At GreythornECC, we understand that family life can be unpredictable, and your childcare needs may fluctuate due to unforeseen circumstances or planned vacations. To accommodate these dynamic situations, we have introduced a truly unique system that allows parents to buy and sell their days of care directly to other families within the center, without any administration fees.
This innovative approach, exclusive to our center, ensures that if a family knows they will be absent, we can advertise the available days, and other families can purchase them as needed. For example, if a family has an unwell child, they can volunteer to keep their child at home and sell their day to another family in need of care. The buying family pays for the day directly to the selling family, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective transaction.
No other childcare center offers such a flexible, family purposed system, making GreythornECC truly exceptional in its approach to supporting families and their ever-changing childcare requirements.
Incursion and Excursion
We believe in providing a well-rounded and engaging learning experience for our children. In addition to our core curriculum, we offer a variety of incursions and excursions throughout the year, designed to spark curiosity, foster exploration, and broaden horizons.
Incursions Galore
We are proud to offer a diverse range of incursions at no additional cost to our families. These on-site activities bring the excitement of learning directly to our center, exposing children to new experiences and knowledge. From sports and music to dance and specialised learnings, our incursion lineup changes each term, ensuring a constant flow of fresh and captivating experiences.
Some of the incursions we offer include:
Animal encounters, allowing children to interact with and learn about various creatures
First aid awareness sessions, teaching essential safety skills
Dental and health screening checks, promoting overall well-being
Regular Community Excursions
In addition to incursions, we also organise regular community outings/excursions throughout the year, taking our children out into the local community. These outings provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and social interaction. Our excursions may include visits to:
Local libraries, fostering a love for reading and storytelling
Nearby cafes and shops, introducing children to real-world experiences
Community parks and playgrounds, encouraging physical activity and outdoor exploration
Through these enriching incursions and excursions, we aim to create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that nurtures children's natural curiosity and love for learning. By exposing them to a diverse range of experiences, we help them develop a well-rounded understanding of the world around them, while also promoting their social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Parent Participation Program (in effect since 2004)
Parent Contribution Program
We believe in fostering a strong sense of community and parental involvement at GreythornECC. That's why we have implemented a compulsory Parent Contribution Program, designed to encourage and reward parents for contributing to the running of the center and the education of our children. Every six months, parents are required to contribute 100 points to the center. This can be done by donating items, volunteering time, or offering special skills or knowledge. This program has had a profound impact on our center families, as every parent plays a vital role in our ongoing success.
No Charges on Public Holidays or Closures
Unlike other centers, we do not charge our parents on public holidays or when the center is closed during the Christmas and New Year period. This means you can focus on choosing the right days for your child without worrying about wasted fees on those days.By eliminating charges during closures, we aim to provide a transparent and fair fee structure, ensuring that you only pay for the days your child attends our center.
Regular Parent Information Evenings
GreythornECC believes in fostering strong connections between families and our educators through open communication and shared experiences. Our regular parent information evenings are a key opportunity for families to gain valuable insights while witnessing their child's learning journey firsthand.
These evenings cover a wide range of topics relevant to your child's growth and development, such as challenging behavior, food allergies, and school readiness. Our dedicated educators are present during these sessions, sometimes presenting alongside specialist presenters, allowing for a collaborative exchange of knowledge.
For parents, these evenings offer a unique chance to observe your child's learning environment and witness the engaging activities and experiences they participate in daily. By attending, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum, teaching methods, and the intentional efforts our staff makes to nurture your child's development.
Moreover, these evenings provide a platform for families to connect with our educators on a personal level. You'll have the opportunity to interact with the educators, ask questions, and share your own insights and observations about your child's progress. This open dialogue fosters a genuine partnership between families and caregivers, ensuring that your child's needs are met holistically.
We believe that your child's growth and development is a shared journey, and we are committed to keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Our parent information evenings are a testament to this commitment, providing a platform for families to connect, learn, and actively participate in their child's educational experience.
Regular Social Events
At GreythornECC we understand the importance of fostering a strong sense of community that extends beyond the classroom walls. That's why we host a variety of social events throughout the year, designed to bring our families together and create lasting connections.
Our social event calendar is filled with exciting and engaging activities that cater to children of all ages. From annual celebrations like Easter Egg Hunts and Christmas Parties to visits at Kew Traffic School and Box Hill Trains, we offer a diverse range of experiences that promote learning, fun, and togetherness.
These social events provide a wonderful opportunity for families to interact with one another, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. They also allow children to explore new environments, engage in hands-on activities, and create cherished memories with their peers and educators.
By participating in our social events, families become an integral part of our vibrant community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that extends far beyond the centre's walls. We believe that these shared experiences not only enrich the lives of our children but also strengthen the bonds between families, staff, and the broader community.