Sagewood Early Learning Harrisdale

Honest Review of Sagewood Early Learning Centre My daughter attended Sagewood for two years. For most of that time, things were manageable, and we... Honest Review of Sagewood Early Learning Centre My daughter attended Sagewood for two years. For most of that time, things were manageable, and we had no major complaints — until more serious concerns were raised and handled in ways that left us shocked and hurt. My daughter has medically diagnosed PICA, and one of the earliest signs was her passing sand in her nappies at a very young age (around 12–18 months). When we brought this to Sagewood’s attention, the response was dismissive — "We already informed you once long ago.” That kind of vague, casual response is not what any parent of a child with a known condition should receive. Thanks to educators like one of them (dont want to share names), who was attentive and caring, we were able to manage it for a while. But the issue resurfaced in the Piccolo room. A medical letter was provided again, and we even sat down for a proper meeting with the team to discuss a clear management plan: supervision near the sandpit, redirection, and reminders that eating sand is "yucky." Sadly, this plan was not followed through. At one pickup, an educator confidently told me my daughter hadn’t eaten sand — yet she had visible sand around her mouth. When I pointed it out, the educator panicked and walked away. There was no attempt to investigate or even document the incident. This lack of accountability is deeply concerning. On top of this, my daughter had a nasty fall that led to a swollen, bleeding injury near her eye. The educator called me before administering first aid. When I asked if ice had been applied, the answer was no — until I requested it. Shockingly, I was told not to come in and that "she's happy and it's a small fall." Any parent would understand how distressing and unacceptable this is. If it were their own child, I doubt they'd respond with such indifference. When we tried to raise our concerns with Sagewood’s management and ownership, instead of support or professionalism, we were met with disrespect and an attempt to push us out over a few temporary failed payments (which were later resolved). They used those as justification to deny refunds for absences even when medical certificates were provided. Rather than working with us, we felt judged and discriminated against. What became clear is this: Sagewood is great as long as you never question anything. But if you speak up — even respectfully, even for your child’s wellbeing — you are made to feel like a problem. My daughter would often come home starving and thirsty. The standard handover was always just: "She had a good day." But what really happens behind the doors after the foyer? We may never know. What we do know is that accountability, transparency, and compassion were missing when it mattered most. To Sagewood — this isn’t about who’s in charge. It’s about a child’s safety, a family’s trust, and a centre’s responsibility. My daughter deserves a place where she is seen, heard, respected, and cared for — not where issues are swept under the rug or ignored. The smiles may be plenty, but the support is not. And for that reason, we are relieved and grateful to walk away. From a family who once wholeheartedly trusted this service — thank you for the good moments we had over the past two years. But trust was broken, and the way we were treated — dismissed, judged, and pushed out as much as you'd like to think you have tried to intimidate us, we are not. We’ve chosen to walk away with our heads held high, knowing our daughter deserves better. We may have been shaken, but we are not staying silent. If you look at most of other reviews, majority are the educators who are already working there. Read more