Our centre offers the QLD Government-approved ‘Free Kindy’ Program.

At First Grammar, your child will benefit from the QLD ‘Free Kindy’ Government-approved program as part of our enhanced learning program. Our Kindergarten program will support your child’s learning, development, and well-being for now, at school and beyond. We tailor our Kindergarten program across:

• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Emotional and Social Development
• Self regulation
• Healthy minds and bodies

The added benefits of our Kindergarten program include:

• QLD ‘Free Kindy’ Government-approved program
• Extended opening hours
• Open all year round (excl public holidays)
• Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
• Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years

Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Kindergarten year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Kindergarten year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi, my name is Amanda, and I am the Centre Manager here at First Grammar Freshwater. Early childhood education offers children opportunities to learn alongside peers, build relationships, and develop confidence in a supportive environment guided by trained educators.

I have been working in early childhood education since 2009. I returned to First Grammar Freshwater in 2026 after previously working here for two years as Assistant Centre Manager. I have also worked as a Director for over three years, gaining extensive leadership experience supporting educators, children, and families.

My time in early childhood education has been incredibly rewarding. I am deeply motivated to help children grow and thrive through meaningful experiences and tailored learning opportunities, while also supporting families and working alongside a dedicated team to create inclusive, positive learning environments. Listening, observing, and responding to children’s interests allows us to create meaningful learning experiences that truly support their development. This understanding shapes my approach to be flexible, reflective, and child-led, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and confident to explore and learn at their own pace.

When speaking with families, I often explain that early learning centres complement the learning that happens at home by providing purposeful, play-based experiences that support all areas of development. Early childhood education offers children opportunities to learn alongside peers, build relationships, and develop confidence in a supportive environment guided by trained educators.

I feel privileged to work alongside a passionate and nurturing team who are deeply committed to providing high-quality care and education. Together, we focus on creating a positive environment where children’s needs are always at the centre of everything we do.

Supporting families is a key priority for me. I build strong partnerships by maintaining open, respectful communication, taking the time to understand each family’s goals and perspectives, and working collaboratively to support their child’s learning journey. By being approachable, honest, and responsive, I aim to ensure that every family feels welcomed, valued, and confident in the care and education we provide.

We look forward to welcoming your family.