A really fantastic place where my kid has grown and developed into his own little self. The managers and educators are really sweet and have built a lovely community. I can’t recommend them all enough!

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.

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 :)

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!

Guardian Thornbury is a lovely centre. The educators are all very kind and relaxed, the rooms are friendly and cosy, and there are lots of engaging activities and learning experiences each day. We love the philosophy, the culture and the community of parents we run into each day.

Very home like feeling to the center and all the educators are absolutely beautiful

Smith St has always felt like a community and a warm, supportive environment for my child, who has been going 3x a week since 9mths. The educators know all the children so well and my child thrives there with the learning experiences.

I couldn't rave more about Guardian Thornbury Smith St daycare more. My child loves all the educators and has formed really close bonds with a few. I always know she will be cuddled when she needs it, looked out for a reassured. With a change in our family dynamic this year the staff have been supportive in helping Rosa adjust to 2 households and I couldn't thank them more. Best educators ever

We loved Guardian Thornbury as soon as we visited, and our 2.5yo daughter has blossomed there. The staff are warm, kind and genuinely invested in each child; they know their preferences, habits and temperaments, and engage with them as individuals in carefully planned learning activities. The indoor and outdoor spaces are beautiful and homely; the management is excellent; and there's a real sense of community. An exceptional centre!

We are so pleased with Smith Street. Our 4 year old and 2 1/2 year old boys have been going since 18 months old and they both love going each week. We love the variety of activities they have everyday and the care they are given. The staff are welcoming, kind and have been amazing over the years. I would recommend this childcare to anyone in the area.