Guardian Childcare & Education Thornbury

Tegan Larin

Apr, 2025

We recently withdrew our child from this centre after two years due to serious concerns about decline in quality. Over the past 12... We recently withdrew our child from this centre after two years due to serious concerns about decline in quality. Over the past 12 months, a large number of educators, many of them senior and highly experienced, resigned. It felt like every few weeks another familiar face was gone, and turnover became the norm rather than the exception. Despite families raising concerns directly with management on several occasions, little meaningful action was taken. While centre management appeared to listen, it often felt performative, with no real commitment to addressing the issues raised. Although we were fortunate that our child had some truly wonderful educators, the instability caused by constant staff changes and our concerns with centre management made us increasingly uneasy. The centre appears to prioritise cost-cutting measures above the wellbeing of children and staff. The advertised educator-to-child ratio 1:4 (the legal minimum requirement) was rarely seen to be met during morning drop-offs before 9am. It was common to see very few staff struggling to care for large groups of children, making drop-offs particularly stressful. Fees are high, with additional charges still applying for public holidays and centre closures, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The swap day policy is so restrictive it is almost impossible to use, yet opportunities to pay for extra days are heavily promoted. Sick day discounts are available but only if you know to ask, nothing is automatically offered. In our view, the centre now operates with a clear focus on maximising revenue, often at the expense of quality care. The vibe is corporate and profit-driven. The mass resignation of experienced educators should be a major red flag for any prospective parent. When staff leave en masse, it raises serious questions about the internal environment. While the centre has brought in new staff, many are very young and inexperienced, and unfortunately, we felt that the overall quality of care has suffered as a result. We no longer felt confident that our child was receiving the care and attention they deserved, and we ultimately made the decision to leave for their safety and wellbeing. I would encourage prospective families to look very carefully before enrolling here. Read more

Patrick McKenna

Feb, 2025

We've had 2 children attend Guardian Thornbury over 7 years, and we couldn't be happier with their approach. The centre is well-run... We've had 2 children attend Guardian Thornbury over 7 years, and we couldn't be happier with their approach. The centre is well-run and the staff are lovely, but the most amazing thing is that our kids just loved going there! It makes everything 10 times easier when the kids are excited to go and almost want you to leave, so they can get on with having fun :) Read more

Emma Dunlop

Jul, 2024

The staff at Smith Street Guardian are incredibly professional, enthusiastic, and invested. The centre also exudes warmth and friendliness, which has a truly... The staff at Smith Street Guardian are incredibly professional, enthusiastic, and invested. The centre also exudes warmth and friendliness, which has a truly positive impact on all the children. A huge thanks to Sara and the A team. Keep it up! Read more