Business Details
12 Years
experience
Premier Childcare & Early Learning in Smithfield
Smithfield Village Early Learning was founded in 2014 with a vision to redefine early childhood education through immersive outdoor experiences. Our philosophy centers on balancing education, care, and 'wildhood' to create environments where children thrive through hands-on exploration. With a team of experienced educators and two onsite culinary chefs, we provide nutritious meals and tailored programs for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a waterpark, garden world, barnyard, and construction zones, all designed to foster curiosity and life skills.Backed by over 20 years of industry expertise from our owner and director, we prioritize family collaboration and align with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards. Our commitment to professional development ensures staff remain at the forefront of best practices, creating a nurturing space where children develop confidence, social responsibility, and a love for learning.
Services
Outdoor learning programs
Nutritious meal provision
Kindergarten curriculum
Animal care activities
Family engagement programs
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined childcare expertise from our leadership team.
- Our unique outdoor learning environments include a waterpark, barnyard, and garden world.
- Onsite culinary chefs prepare fresh, nutritious meals daily.
- We maintain low child-to-staff ratios across all age-specific rooms.
- Our programs align with the National Quality Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines.
Services
Outdoor learning programs
Our outdoor learning programs immerse children in natural environments with waterparks, gardens, and animal care zones. These experiences develop physical skills, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving through hands-on exploration. Children engage with sand pits, bike tracks, and construction areas while learning social responsibility and teamwork.
Nutritious meal provision
Two onsite culinary chefs prepare gourmet and home-style meals daily, including sushi, curries, and roast dinners. Menus meet dietary requirements while teaching children about healthy eating habits. All meals, snacks, and hydration are included in our service with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Kindergarten curriculum
Our Queensland Government-approved kindergarten program runs during school terms for 4-5 year olds. Qualified educators deliver structured learning aligned with the Early Years Framework, preparing children for school through play-based activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
Animal care activities
Children care for goats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and reptiles daily, collecting eggs and feeding animals. This builds empathy, responsibility, and understanding of ecosystems. Supervised interactions teach gentle handling and respect for living creatures in our purpose-built barnyard facility.
Family engagement programs
We encourage family participation through regular updates, room visits, and collaborative planning. Parents contribute to their child's learning journey while accessing resources to support development at home. Our open-door policy fosters trust and shared responsibility for each child's growth.
People
Kim Dunbar
Centre Director
With over 20 years' experience in childcare, Kim has led Smithfield Village since 2015. She champions relationship-based care and professional development, creating nurturing environments where children, families, and staff thrive through trust and collaboration.
John Wall
Owner
John brings 20+ years of childcare expertise, having supported 400+ centres nationwide. His leadership focuses on innovative facility design and operational excellence, ensuring Smithfield Village maintains industry-leading standards in early childhood education.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years with dedicated rooms and tailored programs for each developmental stage.
Are meals included in the fees?
Yes, we provide all meals, snacks, and hydration with menus designed by onsite culinary chefs using fresh ingredients.
What outdoor facilities are available?
Our facilities include waterparks, sand pits, bike tracks, gardens, barnyards, and construction zones for active learning.
Is your kindergarten program government-approved?
Yes, our kindergarten program follows Queensland Government guidelines and prepares children for school through play-based learning.
How do you involve families?
We encourage family participation through regular updates, room visits, and collaborative planning for each child's development.
Reviews (5)
Erin Kathryn
Sep 01, 2021
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A special thank you to all the ladies in Joey's N2 class, particularly Miss Mel, Miss Erin and Miss Sonya for making Leo's transition into starting daycare such and breeze and for always giving him such fun-filled days. It's always a pleasure to see all the smiling faces when dropping off and picking up 😊
Chanel McEvoy
Aug 15, 2019
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Deciding on the right daycare was a huge decision when my daughter was close to the age of 2. My main concern was that she would be showed love and treated like one of their own and not get lost in the shuffle of a busy daycare. Smithfield Village Early Learning offered it all and more, I am so happy that I chose them for my daughter. She has been… there over a year now with a wonderful family of caregivers and educators. I always felt that she was safe and happy in her environment. Transitioning to SK was made easy due to the structure and program offered. She just loves the barnyard and
Neen Wanganeen
Mar 26, 2018
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I’ve had only positives since my sons attendance, and reassuring for myself as a working parent. Highly recommended for families especially with animals onsite, quality food and the story park app where you get updates of your child’s day regularly
Gillian Bryant
Nov 10, 2017
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Overpriced. Unwilling to take appropriate action when an incident occurs (my child was punched in the face). Poor management from the owner down.
Hollie Wilson
Nov 16, 2015
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My daughter loves it here. Such lovely staff and very reassuring to the parents. I love the animals and there is soooooo much to do.! Couldn't be happier
