A new childhood centre in Hillside is making its mark in the community – for all the right reasons.
The Sanctuary At Hillside, which officially opened last month, offers 85 places for children ranging from infants to preschoolers, five separate teaching rooms, a nursery and kitchen and dining area.
A one-of-its-kind in Melbourne’s west, the centre will also be an educational facility for early childhood professionals around the state, with rooms boasting one-way viewing so classroom activities are not disrupted.
Sanctuary owner Kellie Normington said the centre still had a number of vacancies for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
She said the centre would offer a kindergarten program for those in childcare as well as allowing children to be involved in the preparation of their meals and teaching them the importance of good nutrition.
Ms Normington, who is a co-owner with Caren Watts, said the centre was focused on offering a mentoring service for future leaders of the community while also establishing positive experiences for preschoolers.
“It’s about building strong relationships [with children] and setting them up for life,” Ms Normington said.
“We’re trying to be outstanding and show exemplary service … it’s about showing people what quality supervision feels and looks like.”
She said the centre hoped to soon offer services such as cooking and sleeping classes to families and new parents, and would soon build a vegetable garden to encourage healthy eating.
