You wouldn’t change your child for the world, but you would change the world for your child. That’s why when we welcome children and families to our SDN village, we create a place where every child belongs.

SDN is not-for-profit. Partnering our diverse range of professionals with families to provide the best learning opportunities is what sets us apart. Together, we create a village so that every day is a chance for your child to thrive.

SDN is a child safe organisation. Our child safe culture is championed at all levels of SDN and is enshrined in our policy framework and our practice. Everything we do is designed to safeguard children, from the physical environments of our centres in which children play and learn through to how we listen to children and promote children’s rights.

At SDN, we are inclusive. We don’t just talk about inclusion, we do it. All our services welcome children from all communities, cultures and needs. Inclusion at SDN is delivered through our spaces, through our communication, through our food, through our educational program; it is inherent in all aspects of our village.

Your child, is supported by our village.

At SDN House at Pooh Corner, get more than school-ready, get life-ready. 

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our welcoming early education and care centre and continues with our dedicated preschool program.

Infants and toddlers

We know that the best thing we can do for your infant or toddler is to support them to grow and develop in safe, unhurried, nurturing and challenging environments. Because infants and toddlers are naturally curious, our centre has well-equipped indoor and outdoor areas that will keep your child moving and give them daily opportunities to explore their limits and grow their abilities.

Preschool

Developed by university-trained early childhood teachers, our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our centre has a transition to school program where our teachers and educators work together with local schools to prepare your child for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.

• Read more about our practice with children here - https://www.sdn.org.au/services/early-childhood-education-and-child-care/our-practice-with-children/
• Read more about our preschool program here - https://www.sdn.org.au/services/early-childhood-education-and-child-care/our-preschool-program/

Your child is unique and so we will devise a learning and development program within our curriculum pillars, based on what we know about your child’s interests, learning and development. Because they will always be changing and growing, we consistently review the program to ensure we are keeping up with your child’s development, providing them with the best learning opportunities.

Our curriculum pillars are:

• Relationship and social skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving 
• Early literacy and numeracy
• Health, wellbeing and movement
• Science, technology, construction and design
• Nature play and sustainability
• Creative arts
• Equity and social justice

Learn more about our curriculum pillars here - https://www.sdn.org.au/services/early-childhood-education-and-child-care/our-preschool-program/

At SDN House at Pooh Corner, we have a diverse team of qualified early childhood professionals. Our Centre Director has vast experience in Early Education and Care.

At SDN, we create a culture of partnership. We partner with families so they feel confident, capable and connected and we work together to set individual goals for each child and cater to their specific needs.

Our team are dedicated to supporting each child's wellbeing, learning and development.

In May 2020, UNSW called for tenders to operate their three remaining centres. SDN successfully tendered, and following an extensive transition process, began management of Tigger’s Honeypot, The House at Pooh Corner and Owl’s House, on behalf of UNSW in January 2021.

To read more about our history, visit https://www.sdn.org.au/about-sdn/sdn-history/beginnings-of-sdn-house-at-pooh-corner-kensington-at-unsw/