Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Southport, QLD
At Benowa Early Learning, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child thrives. Since 1993, our centre has prioritised child-led learning through natural play spaces, organic nutrition, and a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. Our team of experienced educators fosters curiosity and independence, guided by a philosophy of respect, community, and cultural inclusivity. We collaborate closely with families to ensure each childs unique needs are met, offering tailored care for infants through to after-school programs. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our weekly extra-curricular activities, partnerships with local cultural leaders, and a focus on sustainable practices.With two sister centres, we provide a secure, enriching space where children develop foundational skills for lifelong learning. Our on-site nutritionist designs seasonal menus using fresh, local produce, ensuring every meal supports healthy growth. We pride ourselves on maintaining a homely atmosphere, transparent communication, and a commitment to exceeding national childcare standards. Our directors, Kylie and Russell Shipman, oversee daily operations to guarantee consistent excellence in care and education. By integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our programs, we celebrate Australias cultural heritage while preparing children for a diverse world.
Services
Childcare
After-School Care
Nutrition Programs
Cultural Workshops
Gymnastics Classes
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer a child-led curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
- Our on-site nutritionist designs seasonal organic menus daily.
- We provide weekly extra-curricular activities including yoga and cultural workshops.
- Our educators have decades of combined experience in early childhood education.
- We maintain a homely, inclusive environment with transparent family communication.
What people say
Experienced caring staff
Organic seasonal menus
Cultural workshops
Homely atmosphere
Weekly extra-curricular classes
Services
Childcare
Our childcare programs cater to infants and toddlers, focusing on sensory exploration and foundational social skills. Educators create safe, stimulating environments with natural resources and custom play equipment. Each childs development is nurtured through individualised care plans and close family collaboration.
After-School Care
After-school programs extend learning through structured activities and free play. We offer homework support, creative arts, and outdoor adventures. Our spaces encourage independence while maintaining alignment with school curricula and family values.
Nutrition Programs
Daily prepared organic meals follow seasonal menus designed by our on-site nutritionist. We accommodate dietary requirements while educating children about sustainable food practices through our edible garden and cooking activities.
Cultural Workshops
Local Elder-led workshops embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions into learning. Children engage with cultural stories, sustainable practices, and community connections to foster respect for Australias heritage.
Gymnastics Classes
On-site gymnastics sessions enhance motor skills and confidence. Certified instructors guide children through age-appropriate exercises using purpose-built equipment, promoting physical health and coordination in a fun environment.
People
Kylie Shipman
Director/Owner
Kylie has led Benowa Early Learning since its 1993 opening, transitioning from Teaching Director to co-owner. She oversees daily operations across both centres, ensuring educational excellence and family-centred care.
Russell Shipman
Co-Owner
Russell co-owns the centres with Kylie, focusing on operational standards and staff wellbeing. His leadership ensures consistent quality across both locations while maintaining family partnerships.
Miss Chloe
Director/Nominated Supervisor
Chloe manages daily educational programs as Nominated Supervisor. She implements the child-led curriculum and mentors educators to maintain high teaching standards aligned with national frameworks.
Miss Thea
Administrator
Thea handles administrative operations, supporting families with enrolments and centre communications. Her role ensures smooth day-to-day management and parent engagement.
Mr Hiroshi
Educator
Hiroshi has been an educator since 2017, specialising in early childhood play-based learning. He creates engaging activities that promote social skills and cognitive development in a nurturing environment.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, offering dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and after-school programs.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide three organic meals daily, prepared fresh on-site by our nutritionist-approved kitchen team using local produce.
What educational approach do you use?
Our child-led curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework, using natural environments as a third teacher to inspire curiosity and independence.
Do you offer extra-curricular activities?
Yes, we include weekly gymnastics, yoga, music lessons, and cultural workshops with local Indigenous elders as part of our holistic programs.
How do you involve families?
We maintain open communication through daily updates, parent-teacher meetings, and collaborative care planning to ensure each child’s needs are met.
Reviews (5)
Bianca Ledge
Jan 18, 2022
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Completely unreliable and treats their staff like dirt. How can they be expected to look after our children when they can't even look after their staff? Constant bullying within the company and extremely hard to have a discussion with the owner Kylie without any attitude or passive aggressiveness. Had my son on the wait list but after hearing this information from a family member I was quick to remove his enrolment. Such a disappointment!
Phoenix Foott
Jan 18, 2022
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Critical:Professionalism
Got mad at one of their workers for getting sick with covid, in the middle of a pandemic, calling and abusing them for taking too much time off, very unprofessional.
Got mad at one of their workers for getting sick with covid, in the middle of a pandemic, calling and abusing them for taking too much time off, very unprofessional.
Lauren
Aug 04, 2021
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Not as good as it used to be, little attention to detail and as a parent I felt like they didn't listen to me. Sent my child with special sunscreen and wipes as she would develop a rash. I was then told she 'helped herself to a wipe and cleaned her face' to which I then had to fill out an incident form as she had a red face. The following day I realised the sunscreen was never even opened as it still had a seal. When I mentioned this, they followed up with a phone call trying to reassure me that the correct sunscreen had been used, once again dismissing what I had already mentioned about it still
Alisha Gibb
Mar 07, 2021
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Amazing centre! I was recommended to enrol my boys here by one of my good friends whose sons also went here. Kylie and her staff are so friendly and caring. It has such a homely atmosphere. Always so clean. Menus changed weekly and are all organic. Vacation care activities and excursions were fun too. My boys attended for about 3 years and we were sad to leave when they started school! They always mention it when we drive past the street! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a daycare centre in the Benowa / Southport area.
Brad Illich
Jul 12, 2019
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The centre is very poorly run, my 4 year old's area was shared by lots of older before and after school kids from the school next door each morning and afternoon. It is way overcrowded and the older kids knock the younger ones over. The area where they leave their bags is messy and a shared play area with kids climbing over bags as well as mops and buckets and cleaning items laying around. Staff once forced my child to stay inside all day, they said "I lost his hat", didn't call or provide a spare. Staff said they are sick of loaning out hats and will no longer have spares. I immediately walked
