Meet Ebony - Service Manager at Sparrow Early Learning Thornlie

“My name is Ebony, and I am the Service Manager here at our Thornlie service. I have two children of my own and have worked in early education field for 17 years with children aged from 0-12 years.”

My biggest aspiration is creating an environment where children and families feel safe and supported and are able to build strong and trusting relationships with the educators at the service. Essentially like a family with a ‘home away from home’ feeling, which resonates with our favourite quote ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

Here at Sparrow, we implement child-based learning this reinforces my belief that each child is an individual and their uniqueness should be supported and celebrated. We strive to reach the best outcomes for all children in accordance with their own individual development.

“The Sparrow Way combines proven international early learning methods to create a unique and purposefully contemporary practice designed for today’s society. Guided by the principles of Reggio Emilia childcare and underpinned by The Early Years Framework for Australia, we embrace children’s inherent abilities to learn and develop, creating an environment for them to find solutions through exploration, discovery and invention, marveling in everything around them. The Sparrow Way is our method of working with children based on these beliefs and principles.” 

- The Sparrow Early Education Team

The Sparrow curriculum is thoughtfully planned by our educators and shaped by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Being guided by the EYLF and National Quality Standards (NQS) ensures we offer high quality learning programs that are responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities.

Programs are play-based, child-driven and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with a strong emphasis on nature and outdoor learning experiences.  Educators carefully design environments that stimulate curiosity and provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that are reflective of real life.

Play is viewed as a powerful tool for children to explore, discover and make meaning of the world around them. Activities are largely open-ended, providing a wide variety of natural resources and materials which stimulate imagination and foster creativity, problem-solving and meaningful interactions with friends and educators. 

Children are encouraged to express themselves through various mediums, such as art, music and dramatic play, allowing them to develop a deep sense of autonomy, confidence and joy in their learning journey.

The Sparrow team values the role of families as children’s most important teachers and our educators foster positive and collaborative relationships with families. Parents are encouraged to contribute their ideas for programming, learning activities and the overall operation of the service. 

Our inclusive open-door policy welcomes parents to visit our service, engage in discussions with educators and participate in children's learning. Our educators maintain open and continuous communication with families, ensuring a strong connection between the children's home learning environment and their educational experiences at the centre. During pick-up and drop-off times, educators are readily available to engage with families and gladly share insights into the children's progress, well-being and participation. 

The use of the Storypark communication app provides daily updates, photos, and videos, fostering regular connections between educators and families. Parents also receive frequent communication through emails, newsletters, displays, notices, information evenings, special events, and Facebook.

• Planned and delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
• Government Accredited
• School Readiness focus
• Transition to School program including school visits & transition reports

Sparrow Early Learning centres provide high quality kindy programs led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers. While the curriculum remains play-based, these programs follow a more structured approach to teaching and learning experiences to prepare children for transitioning into a primary school environment. There is a careful balance maintained between child-led and teacher-led learning activities.

Our Early Childhood Teachers cater to the individual needs of each child and in collaboration with parents, ensure that children are adequately equipped with the skills and experience required for a smooth transition to “big school”. Ongoing assessment of children’s progress and development is carefully documented and communicated with families and transition statements can be shared with future schools to facilitate a smooth transition to school. 

Attending kindy at their familiar Sparrow Early Learning centre makes the transition from the long day care setting less intimidating and children can continue their early learning journey in a safe and familiar environment, surrounded by friends and familiar educators. It also means families can enjoy the flexibility of extended care hours and continued care during school holiday periods. All meals and snacks are provided, adding to the convenience for busy families.