Nutritionist-designed meals, intergenerational learning and more: why your child will thrive at Harbour Early Learning Red Hill
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It’s the task every parent finds almost impossible: finding an early learning centre that’s not only nurturing and exciting but will also help to give your children the best start in life.
Enter Harbour Early Learning – a revolutionary early learning centre that is setting a new benchmark for quality education and care for children from birth to six years. With a brand-new centre open in Red Hill (along with a popular centre in Aranda which opened in July 2024), Canberra parents now have the opportunity to have their children cared for by a team committed to excellence in early childhood education and guided by some of the sector’s most respected and forward-thinking thought leaders.
Here are four reasons your child will thrive in Harbour Early Learning’s Red Hill centre – and why you should consider enrolling them at Harbour EL.
It sets the bar for early childhood education
Let’s be honest, when it comes to enrolling your child in early learning centres, you want them to experience more than finger painting and snack time. But that’s what makes Harbour EL so unique – because when a centre is founded by early childhood education veterans with decades of combined experience, you know they’re not just following industry standards. They’re creating them.
Going far beyond basic childcare, the curriculum is grounded in evidence-based pedagogies that most centres only dream of offering, reflecting “the life lived” and designed to challenge thinking, foster curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. The centre also maintains relationships with Macquarie University and the University of Canberra, further reinforcing its commitment to sector-leading practice.
According to Harbour’s Executive Director of Education, Wendy Shepherd, with highly qualified staff and a staff-to-child ratio exceeding regulatory requirements, the programs offer a much better experience and outcomes for children.
“Our excellent early learning programs and teams give reassurance that your child is entering an interesting, nurturing, safe and inclusive environment, where children are happy, learn through play, build confidence and resilience, and form lasting connections, which combined offers them the best start in life,” she says.
One of the highlights? Harbour EL Red Hill offers children multiple opportunities to engage in learning through play that is rich and intentional, turning fun into life skills.
Nature is literally their backyard
Forget tiny concrete playgrounds and plastic climbing frames – the Red Hill centre is nestled right next to Golden Grove Reserve, which means your children get to play and learn in nature.
Surrounded by towering gum trees and native plants, the outdoor play area allows children to explore, learn, and grow while immersing themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Talk about a natural advantage.
Inviting open-ended play and interactions, physically active play, risk-taking, exploration, and discovery, Juliana Pereira de Oliveira, Director of People and Policy at Harbour Early Learning, says that the location of Harbour EL Red Hill makes it much more than your average early learning centre.
“It’s a place where children can engage with nature, develop curiosity, and build lasting memories in a stunning, natural setting,” she says.
“From its outdoor spaces to the intentional design that draws on natural resources, the focus on nature-based play encourages creativity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the environment, fostering both a sense of wonder and environmental stewardship in the children who attend.”
Community comes first
With young families of their own, founders Ben Hewlett and James Reynolds understand all too well the emotions and fears parents experience when they send their children to an early learning centre. That’s why they designed every aspect of the centre with genuine family life in mind.
“As parents ourselves, we know firsthand how crucial it is to provide a space that truly supports the developmental needs of children,” says Ben. “This centre in Red Hill reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible care and learning environment. The result is a centre that recognises every child is unique, every family has different needs, and flexibility is essential rather than optional.” Says Juliana
Also making sure that children learn the value of community from a young age, Harbour EL Red Hill also hosts an intergenerational learning program with Yarra Rossa Retirement Village. Bringing the heartwarming concept from ABC’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds to life right here in Canberra, children and elderly residents form meaningful relationships that benefit both generations.
The children gain wisdom and shared stories, while seniors are uplifted by the energy and curiosity that only young children bring. Together, they develop a deeper sense of connection and respect for community values.
“Our intergenerational learning program is a prime example of how we think about the future of early childhood education,” explains Juliana.”By bringing together different generations, we offer children and older adults alike the opportunity to learn from each other in a meaningful, enriching way.”
The details that matter
When you’re spending this much time researching the perfect early learning centre, it’s the thoughtful details that often seal the deal.
At Harbour EL Red Hill, that includes seasonally prepared menus curated by expert nutritionists and prepared by the in-house chef, sustainable and ethically sourced uniforms, and learning spaces designed by Australia’s best architectural, interior and play space designers. It’s these finishing touches that separate a quality early learning experience from just another childcare option.
Now accepting enrolments. To book a tour or learn more about the programs on offer, visit harbourearlylearningredhill.com.au or call 02 6190 1061.
