ABOUT EXPLORE & DEVELOP

Norton Street, Lilyfield


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.

Family owned and operated

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.

Experienced and qualified team

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 on Norton Street

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.

Beyond The Gate

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.

Community and family focused

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.

Preschool Program

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‘.

OWNER / OPERATOR

of Explore & Develop Norton Street, Lilyfield


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Susan Franco
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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.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Explore & Develop Lilyfield – Norton Street


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Nursery Room

8 children, 6 weeks – 14 months

  • All nutritional meals, nappies, linen and sunscreen provided
  • Breastfeeding room available for nursing mothers
  • Dedicated cot room for nursery children
  • Personalised and developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by our qualified and experienced Early Childhood educators
  • Supportive partnerships to develop nurturing routines that are reflective of home
  • Qualified and experienced Early Childhood educators
  • Architecturally designed indoor and outdoor learning environments
  • Secure online learning portal for families to access daily learning experiences, developmental observations and individual learning assessments
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Toddler Room

12 children, 14 months – 2.5 years

  • All nutritional meals, nappies, linen, and sunscreen provided
  • Breastfeeding room available for nursing mothers
  • Dedicated cot room for infant children
  • Personalised and developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by our qualified and experienced Early Childhood educators
  • Supportive partnerships to assist families as children transition into new routines and develop growing independence
  • Architecturally designed indoor  and outdoor learning environments
  • Secure online learning portal for families to access daily learning experiences, developmental observations and individual learning assessments
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Junior Preschool Room

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.

  • All nutritional meals, nappies and sunscreen provided
  • Personalised and developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by our qualified and experienced Early Childhood educators
  • Partnerships with families to support our preschoolers’ growing autonomy, through nurturing the development of self-help skills, assisting the navigation of problem solving, and their increasing levels of communication
  • Architecturally designed indoor and outdoor learning environments
  • Secure online learning portal for families to access daily learning experiences, developmental observations and individual learning assessments
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Senior Preschool Room

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.

  • All nutritional meals and sunscreen provided
  • Personalised and developmentally-appropriate curriculum designed by our qualified and experienced Early Childhood educators
  • Partnerships with families to support our junior preschoolers in preparing for their transition to primary school
  • Architecturally designed indoor and outdoor learning environments
  • Secure online learning portal for families to access daily learning experiences, developmental observations and individual learning assessments

TESTIMONIALS

Explore & Develop Lilyfield – Norton Street


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We have had two boys come through E&D over a nearly 10 year period and there are educators there who were there the day our elder son began as a baby. The staff are genuine and fun and our experience is that they advocated for our kids and supported them through the fun stuff and the more challenging situations. We will miss the team at E&D as we transition to big school and thank them for the commitment to a safe and fun learning space for our kids.
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We've been so happy with the wonderful care and education E&D Lilyfield has provided for our daughter. The educators are engaged, welcoming and nurturing. The admin team and director are equally as amazing, kind and knowledgable. I highly recommend E&D Lilyfield.
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We have been so happy with EAD Lilyfield. Our son started in the Joey Room at 8 months old and his first experience with daycare has been faultless thanks to the wonderful educators. They helped him to settle in straight away and worked around his routine so that the transition was seamless. He has flourished in his development and social skills and that is all thanks to the care he has been provided.

We could not recommend EAD Lilyfield highly enough.
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I honestly can’t recommend Susan and the team at Explore and Develop more highly. My little girl attended from 6 months - 3 years old and she loved every single day she was there. They have an amazing team, great facilities and very comprehensive programming and activities - physical, creative and emotional. Very sad to be moving away.
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We have been with E&D Lilyfield for 9 years -
both our children started there as babies all the way to school age. We have found Susan and the staff to be nurturing towards our kids, dedicated in their practice, a close knit team. The educators have been responsive when our kids had challenges; consequently our kids have thrived in their time there. A lovely community of families at E&D Lilyfield. No hesitation in recommending.
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Susan and her team are absolutely amazing! Our son has been attending E&D for 2.5yrs and we are very happy with the level of support, experience and commitment from the educators. Our son has thrived here and highly recommend ❤️

CONTACT US

Explore & Develop Norton Street, Lilyfield


Address

Ground Floor, 370 Norton Street
Lilyfield NSW
2040

Business Hours

Monday – Friday
7.30am – 6.00pm