A thoughtful approach to early learning arrives in Gungahlin

Posted on 12 November, 2026

With qualified teachers in every classroom and an emphasis on children’s rights and learning shaped by curiosity, Harbour Early Learning is bringing a thoughtful approach to early education to Canberra’s north.

At a time when the quality of early childhood education is firmly in the spotlight, Harbour Early Learning has opened its doors in Gungahlin, offering Canberra families an approach grounded in qualified teaching, children’s rights and meaningful learning experiences.

As conversations about quality, safety and standards continue across Australia’s early childhood education sector, families are taking a closer look at the environments, educators and educational programs that shape their children’s earliest years. And it’s about much more than a convenient location or a beautiful building.

It’s about the people who will spend their days with their children, the relationships they build and the opportunities those early experiences create.

The new centre brings together university degree-qualified early childhood teachers, thoughtfully designed environments and a curriculum that recognises children as capable, curious and active participants in their learning.

Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin is led by Centre Directors Nishi Chatley and Riya Madaan, offering children from birth to six years a new option with a clear point of view: that the earliest years of education deserve considered, meaningful and child-centred attention.

Putting qualified teachers at the centre

At the heart of Harbour Early Learning’s educational philosophy is Wendy Shepherd, whose extensive experience in early childhood education has shaped the organisation’s approach to teaching, learning and children’s wellbeing.

A founding staff member of Macquarie University’s renowned Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre, Wendy spent 25 years contributing to early childhood education and practice. Her philosophy places children’s rights, meaningful relationships and highly qualified teachers at the centre of the educational experience.

“High-quality early childhood education begins with the relationships we build with children and the respect we show them as capable, curious individuals,” says Wendy.

“Children deserve educators who understand how they learn, who listen to their ideas and who create environments where they feel safe, valued and confident to explore.”

Every classroom has a university degree-qualified early childhood teacher, supported by ongoing professional learning. It’s a commitment that reflects the organisation’s belief that early childhood education is a profession requiring deep understanding of how children learn, develop and engage with the world.

Harbour Early Learning’s Head of Operations, Lee Yelland, also teaches at the University of Canberra, bringing additional experience and connections to the ACT’s early childhood education community.

Learning that starts with curiosity and inquiry

Harbour Early Learning sees children as capable, curious and active contributors to their own learning.

At Gungahlin, the educational and inquiry play based program is guided by children’s ideas, their inquiry and theories, questions and discoveries, with educators creating opportunities for exploration, research, creativity and meaningful relationships.

The approach also extends beyond the classroom.

Walking on Country experiences form part of Harbour Early Learning’s broader educational philosophy, encouraging children to develop an understanding of the natural world, their local community and their connection to place.

It’s an approach that recognises learning doesn’t happen in isolation – and that experiences in the world around us can be just as meaningful as those inside a classroom.

Environments designed with children in mind

The Gungahlin centre reflects Harbour Early Learning’s belief that the physical environment plays an important role in children’s learning and wellbeing.

Designed in collaboration with leading Australian architects and designers, the centre’s indoor and outdoor spaces are intended to encourage independence, exploration and a sense of belonging.

Nutrition is also part of the everyday experience, with seasonal menus developed by Bable (@Baby.Food.Bible) nutritionists and meals prepared fresh by an in-house chef.

Together, these elements reflect an approach that considers children’s education, health, relationships and wellbeing as interconnected.

Respecting children’s voices

Perhaps one of the most distinctive elements of Harbour Early Learning’s philosophy is its emphasis on children’s rights.

Listening to children, respecting their perspectives and supporting their participation in everyday decisions are embedded in the organisation’s approach to education.

For Wendy, this is ultimately what defines quality early learning.

“Quality isn’t defined by a beautiful building or a list of programs. It’s reflected in what children experience every day,” she says.

“It’s the conversations between teachers and children, the relationships built over time, and the opportunities children have to explore, question and be heard. Those experiences form the foundation of a meaningful and foundational early education.”

Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin brings this philosophy to Canberra families looking for an early learning environment where relationships, qualified educators and thoughtful learning experiences are at the heart of each child’s day.

Register for the Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin open day

Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin is opening its doors for an open day aimed at families considering early childhood education. Meet the centre’s teachers and educators, explore the learning spaces and hear about the approach to early childhood education taken at the centre.

It’s happening this Saturday 14 November, 9.30 am–11.30 am at Harbour Early Learning Gungahlin, 5 O’Brien Place, Gungahlin. RSVP and book a private tour here.