I have lived in the Mitcham area, on and off, for most of my life. I attended Mitcham High School in the 1980s and it still makes me smile that some of the classrooms where I studied English are now the very rooms where my five-year-old daughter attends kindergarten.<br><br>When it came time to choose a childcare centre, I visited quite a few. I was probably drawn to Tinkabell initially because I’ve always loved the quiet, leafy part of Mitcham where it is located.<br><br>What kept bringing me back, though, was the feeling.<br><br>Some of the other centres were perfectly modern and well-equipped, but they felt strangely clinical. Tinkabell was the complete opposite. From the moment I walked in, it felt warm. It didn’t feel like an institution. It felt like walking into the home of a family who happened to have dozens of happy children running around.<br><br>I think a large part of that comes from the fact that it genuinely is a family business. Deborah, Nevin, Natalie and Helena aren’t names on a website or people tucked away in offices. They’re there every day, talking with parents, helping children and setting the tone for the whole place. You quickly realise this isn’t a childcare centre being managed from a head office somewhere. It’s a family who have built something they genuinely care about.<br><br>My daughter has now been at Tinkabell for almost four years. As a full-time single father, there aren’t many people I would trust with someone as precious as my daughter. I trust the people at Tinkabell in exactly the way you trust family, and over nearly four years that trust has never been disappointed.<br><br>She comes home excited about what she’s painted, built, discovered or learnt. One of the things that has genuinely amazed me has been her early literacy. At five years old she can already read simple books, write short sentences and spell an impressive number of words. I’d love to claim all the credit, but I simply can’t. The educators at Tinkabell have clearly recognised her curiosity and quietly nurtured it.<br><br>Just as importantly, they genuinely know her as an individual. In a recent report Deborah mentioned that my daughter often gathers other children together to “read” stories to them. When I read that, I smiled because it was exactly the little girl I know at home.<br><br>She’s also made some wonderful friends there, many of whom she now sees outside kindergarten, and we’ve found a real community through Tinkabell as well.<br><br>Looking back, choosing Tinkabell was probably one of the best parenting decisions I’ve made. Watching my daughter run happily through the gates each morning without a second thought tells me everything I need to know.<br><br>I couldn’t recommend Deborah, Nevin, Natalie, Helena and everyone at Tinkabell more highly.<br><br>Philip Castle

Very good place according to my daughter and granddaughter. Very caring, lots of activitiesgreat food

Tinkerbell has been amazing for our family. Our daughter started at 11 months old and transitioned so easily, Shika, Verity and Sim in the babies room are amazing (as are all of the staff). There is always a familiar face to drop baby off to and she is always smiling at pick up. We are so happy with Tinkerbell.

We have previously sent 1 of our kids here who is now in primary school. Currently, our youngest kid goes here. Simply put, if we had more kids - we would continue sending them to Tinkabell :-)

The teachers and childcare service in Tinkabell are the best in this region. The have very organised education routine and various programs to teach and develop Children. My son has become better after going to this childcare centre. I feel so lucky and happy to find such a great childcare centre. It really deserve parents to send their kids to this centre.

Great care for kids. Natalie centre manager is Very helpful and accomodating to your and your kids needs. Highly recommend Tinkabell.

Lovely, attentive and caring educators and staff! They helped my child adapted very smoothly and enjoyed every moment at the centre

A wonderful and caring team of ladies. All 3 of my children attend Tinkabells and they absolute love going. Great communication and always supportive and flexible if I need extra days. Highly recommend!