At Explore & Develop Norton Street Lilyfield, we’re dedicated to making sure every child feels like they belong. We understand that how we introduce kids to learning is really important, and it lays the groundwork for everything we do. Our curriculum includes a variety of activities that help develop communication and language skills, early reading and math, social and emotional growth, as well as physical skills.
We create natural, open-ended spaces that are fun, nurturing, and engaging, allowing each child to embark on their own journey of self-discovery. This environment helps children understand their culture and the world around them.
We follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Framework, using a play-based approach that gives children the chance to explore, create, solve problems, and express their ideas at their own pace and based on their individual interests and developmental stages.
For over a decade, local Inner West mum, Susan Franco, has been dedicated to creating a caring and educational environment where every child, family, and staff member can flourish.
We have experienced and qualified educators who play a vital role in inspiring and engaging young children. We believe that forming loving and supportive relationships is key to helping children learn. Our team of educators are dedicated to giving your child the support and confidence they need to believe in their abilities and knowledge, nurturing their growth in every way – hands, heart, and mind.
Located just off the City West Link on Norton Street, our beautifully designed centre offers plenty of undercover parking, making drop-offs and pick-ups easy for you. We’re also conveniently close to the City West Link and just a short walk from the Leichhardt North light rail station.
Central to our philosophy is a profound dedication to connecting with and nurturing nature through outdoor play and excursions beyond our gates. We cultivate an ecological perspective that emphasizes sustainability, diversity, and the intricate relationships within our environment. Our goal is to empower children to develop a respectful and honourable relationship with the planet, fostering a love for the natural world that lasts a lifetime.
We are committed to forming supportive and genuine relationships with each other and our community. Explore & Develop Norton Street, Lilyfield is involved in the Inner West Councils’ National Tree Day, Orange Grove Public School, Glover Street Community Garden, Narragunnawali, Sydney Food Share, Share the Dignity and consulting with local Indigenous leaders.
Starting primary school is an important milestone for both children and families. At Explore & Develop Lilyfield, we focus on building a strong foundation for learning. Our play-based curriculum is designed to help children develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in school and beyond, setting them up for a lifelong love of learning. Click on the link to find out more about our ‘Transition to School Program‘.
Susan Franco is a local Inner West parent and an enthusiastic Early Childhood educator holding a Master in Learning and Development (with a specialization in Early Childhood).
She is dedicated to fostering an engaging and supportive early childhood education environment integrating best practices, educational theories, and the latest research to ensure that every child, every family, and every staff member can thrive.
Susan Franco is also Winner of Outstanding Business Person of the Year, 2017.
8 children, 6 weeks – 14 months
12 children, 14 months – 2.5 years
15 children, 2.5 years – 3.5 years
Making independent choices is a key focus within our junior preschool curriculum. So are fine motor and gross motor development, social and emotional skills, language skills, cognitive development, toilet training and self-help skills.
This learning environment encourages small and large group activities and is vibrant, flexible and responsive to the interests of each child incorporating puzzles, literacy and numeracy activities, construction activities, creative arts, music and dramatic play.
20 children, 3.5 years – 6 years
We understand that being ready for school encompasses so much more than just a child’s age and our transition to school curriculum nurtures eager, capable and motivated learners through: independent life skills, nurturing and growing self-confidence, gross and fine motor co-ordination, literacy and numeracy confidence and developing an emerging understanding of math and science concepts.
We work in partnership with local schools to assist families to feel ready and informed for their child’s individual transition to school journey.
Ground Floor, 370 Norton Street
Lilyfield NSW
2040
Phone: (02) 9572 8442
susan.franco@exploreanddevelop.com.au
lilyfieldwaitlist@exploreanddevelop.com.au
Monday – Friday
7.30am – 6.00pm