I recently visited Hawthorn Early Years and found the centre to be clean, welcoming, and well-designed, with plenty of indoor and outdoor learning spaces for children to explore and develop. As a community-based not-for-profit service, it has a strong educational philosophy and a clear focus on supporting children’s growth and independence.<br><br>That said, there appears to be some room for improvement in staffing consistency and day-to-day management, as families may occasionally experience frequent educator changes. Overall, it is a solid early learning centre with quality facilities and programs, though greater staff stability and communication could further enhance the experience for families.

Whilst we fervently disagree with the latest post re the front office being unfriendly, Fiona greets everyone so enthusiastically in the mornings and has made our enrolment this year absolutely seamless, from our initial tour to our orientations and morning welcomes, we do agree with the comment on staffing and the disappointing management of the centre, as it is nothing like we believe our friends have experienced in previous years.

Just started this year. The educators seem unhappy and disengaged. The front desk never feels welcoming, which sets the tone when you arrive and leave each day. Quite a few times I have gone to pick up my child and there has been a casual educator in the room that I've never seen before. As a parent this makes it hard for me to feel confident that my child is receiving consistent care or that staff really know the kids.

It seems like the management is quite messy and disorganized these years there are different educators in the room every day. When we went for a tour the enrolment lead teacher showed a set up face to us the whole tour which is really funny to us.

Our experience at HEY hasn’t reflected the glowing reviews from previous years. Since a change in management a few years ago (just before our daughter started), we’ve noticed a decline in the overall quality. The kinder program often felt disorganised and lacked the consistency and structure we were hoping for. It didn’t seem to align with the enriching, learning-focused environment that was advertised. Based on our experience, we wouldn’t recommend it.

We've had a great experience with HEY. The staff are caring and professional, and the environment is safe,fun & welcoming. The grounds are also very beautiful. My daughter loved attending everyday, we move around a lot and it’s by far the best daycare we have attended. Fiona at the front desk is always friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Highly recommend!

Some of the teachers are fantastic, they work so hard and are not provided with parking so they get fined all the time.

My daughter has attended for a year now. She’s thriving and loves it. Her teachers are experienced, passionate and caring. Facilities are excellent and I swear she eats better than I do! The only negative: there’s a very long wait list, so put your child’s name down right away.

My 3 children have completed a collective 8 years at HEY. From our first day we found all staff from the front office, class room educators or management to be passionate about early years care/education and always having the children's interest at heart. The wonderful outdoor spaces, play focus, music program, garden program have enriched our children's lives. We feel very lucky to be part of this community.