Your Small Friend’s time with us will be filled with meaningful moments and lasting memories. Our open-plan environment and large outdoor space provide the freedom and flexibility for children to grow, explore, and build confidence. Our thoughtfully designed, play-based program encourages curiosity, supports social development, and inspires a lifelong love of learning through play.
Our Days & Fees
We are open from 7.45am to 5pm daily, Monday through to Friday, are closed on all public holidays, and for 2 weeks over Christmas.
Enrolment Fee $50 •• Non-refundable fee payable on acceptance of your Small Friend’s enrolment to our world.
Full Day 7.45am - 5pm $120 •• Children bring a piece of fruit/vegetable for shared morning and afternoon tea, a cut lunch and their water bottle.
Morning 8am-12pm or Afternoon 1 - 5pm $65.50 •• Children bring a piece of fruit/vegetable to share and a water bottle. Only available to our 2 year old Small Friends.
Provider Approval Number •• PR-00010231 Service Approval Number •• 190 085 482C
Our Management Team
Katelyn, our Owner and Director, has been passionate about early childhood education since she began her journey as an Educator in 2015. In 2025, she proudly became the proud owner of our beloved Small Friends house. Katelyn holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, and is currently studying her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) to take on the special role of Early Childhood Teacher in our little house. Her love for learning and dedication to quality care shines through in everything she does.
Ebony is our dedicated Assistant Director and Educational Leader, and has been a part of the Small Friends family since 2021. Ebony is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with both children and families, and she brings warmth, creativity, and joy into everything she does. She leads the way in designing our inspiring play-based program and works closely with our educators, supporting and encouraging them to be the very best they can be. With Ebony’s guidance, learning is meaningful, fun, and full of smiles.
Taya is our Senior House Leader and brings love, laughter, and fun into each and every day at Small Friends. She has a special talent for creating beautiful, engaging play spaces that spark curiosity, imagination, and meaningful learning. Taya is deeply committed to building strong, trusting relationships with both children and families, and she’s a wonderful role model for our team—leading with kindness, creativity, and care.
Our Team
Our House Leaders and Educators are the heart of our Small Friends community. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, passion, and genuine care to everything they do. Each team member is either fully qualified or actively working towards their Diploma or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. With a shared commitment to nurturing each child’s growth, our team provides a safe, inspiring, and loving environment where every little one feels seen, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.
Why Small Friends?
At Small Friends, we believe childhood should be full of wonder, joy, and meaningful moments—and our unique house and backyard are the perfect place for just that. We’re passionate about play-based learning, because we know that when children are free to explore, imagine, and create, they build the foundations for a lifetime of confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Every day in our space, the magic of childhood is alive. Our goal is for every child who spends time with us to become a happy, confident, and social Little Person—not just during their time at Small Friends, but well beyond. Through thoughtfully planned experiences and environments, our play-based program gives children the chance to develop essential skills as individuals, while also learning alongside their friends and community.
We believe that when children feel safe, valued, and supported, they’re more willing to take risks, try new things, and engage deeply with their world. With the guidance of our nurturing educators—and the partnership of families—we create a space where children feel empowered to learn through play, and play with purpose.
By providing time, space, and trust, we allow children to grow at their own pace while supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative development. Every day is filled with fun, laughter, and learning—all the good things that create beautiful childhood memories.
Our Program
Our welcoming open-plan house and backyard invites our Small Friends to move between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day. With gentle guidance from our educators, children are supported to make their own choices about the experiences and activities they’d like to explore. At Small Friends we offer spaces for both quiet play and energetic adventures — and with our friendly giant rabbits, Salt and Pepper, as part of our daily rhythm, children also enjoy helping care for their animal friends.
At Small Friends, we plan thoughtfully for each child’s learning journey through careful observations and tailored experiences, all guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Our program is designed to support individual growth and discovery, helping each child develop at their own pace.
Every fortnight, we explore a new learning theme, giving children exciting opportunities to dive into fresh topics through play, creativity, and curiosity. In addition, we run our daily STAR program — Share, Think, Ask, Respect — which includes activities like science experiments, cooking, movement, and games. The STAR program is carefully rostered so every child, regardless of their attendance pattern, has the chance to experience a broad range of engaging and meaningful activities.
Each day includes three group times lasting between 15 to 20 minutes. These sessions are special moments for children to come together, listen, share, and build strong connections with their peers and educators. We also love incorporating music and drama — you’ll often find us singing, dancing, and expressing ourselves through joyful movement!
And as a Small Friend, it’s always okay to:
• need a little extra help with toilet training
• be finding your voice at your own pace
• have your comforter close to feel safe
• take a rest when you need to recharge
We’re here to support each child with care, patience, and understanding — just as they are.
Off To Big School Plan
The Power of Play: Building Strong Foundations for School and Beyond
At Small Friends, we believe in the profound power of play as the true foundation for learning and development before formal schooling begins. Play is not a break from learning — it is the learning. Through play, children build essential physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills that prepare them not just for school, but for life.
Our play-based approach gives children the freedom to explore, experiment, and engage with the world in ways that are meaningful and joyful to them. This nurtures creativity, problem-solving, curiosity, and independence — all vital skills for thriving in school and beyond.
Key areas of development through play include:
Self-help skills: Gaining confidence by learning to dress themselves, open lunchboxes, tidy up, and care for their belongings.
A sense of agency: Empowering children to make choices and take the lead in their own learning.
Social and emotional wellbeing: Practising cooperation, resilience, empathy, and emotional regulation — all essential for managing new environments like school.
We also focus on the physical foundations that support learning, recognizing that readiness goes beyond academics. Developing gross motor skills like running, climbing, and balancing builds coordination and stamina needed for a full school day. Fine motor skills, such as pencil control and using scissors, are strengthened through activities like threading, drawing, and manipulating playdough. Core strength supports posture and stability, helping children sit attentively and control their movements for writing tasks.
When children climb, crawl, balance, dig, and build, they are doing far more than playing — they are laying the groundwork for success in reading, writing, and classroom learning.
Our Whole-Child Approach
At Small Friends, we prepare children for school by supporting the whole child. Our intentional play, thoughtfully designed routines, and nurturing learning environments provide countless opportunities for children to practise these foundational skills in meaningful and joyful ways.
Rather than rushing formal academics, we focus on fostering strong, capable, and confident learners — children who feel ready and excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Because when children are free to play, they’re not just preparing for school — they’re preparing for life.
National Quality Framework
Small Friends operates in accordance with the National Quality Framework (NQF). For more information about the NQF, please visit the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website at www.acecqa.gov.au.
The Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Information
We are a CCS-approved service provider (CCS ID: 190085483A). If you are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, this can reduce the fees for your Small Friend’s bookings.
To get started, please use the links provided to complete your CCS assessment and check what you may be eligible for. The amount of subsidy you receive depends on:
How much ‘recognised’ activity (such as work, study, training, or volunteering) you and your partner undertake
Your combined family income
The type of child care you enrol your child in
Once your assessment is complete, please provide us with two Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs):
Your Small Friend’s CRN
The CRN of the parent linked to your child in myGov
We need both CRNs to finalise your enrolment and ensure you receive your CCS.
If you are still waiting for your CCS approval when enrolling your child, full fees will apply until the subsidy is confirmed.
Please note, as your child care provider, we do not have control over CCS payments. If you notice any changes to your CCS percentage or allocated hours, you must contact Centrelink directly, as we cannot make enquiries on your behalf regarding your CCS eligibility.
Immunisations
In line with national regulations, we require a copy of your child’s Australian Immunisation Record at enrolment. Under the Federal Government’s No Jab No Play policy, children must be immunised to enrol at Small Friends.
Additionally, the No Jab No Pay policy means that CCS payments will not be made to families who do not keep their child’s immunisations up to date. If your child’s immunisation schedule lapses, CCS payments will stop, and full fees will be payable without exception.
If you choose not to organise a catch-up immunisation schedule with your child’s GP, we reserve the right to discontinue your child’s enrolment to comply with government regulations and ensure the safety of all children in our care.
Booking Options At Small Friends
We offer permanent weekly bookings to ensure care fits smoothly with your family’s routine. Casual bookings are available only to Small Friends with permanent weekly bookings and can be accommodated only when there is availability, in line with our service approval.
For our 2-year-old Small Friends, a maximum of two morning and/or afternoon sessions per week is available. We encourage children to gradually move towards full days by the time they turn three, or sooner if they feel secure and happy to do so. We understand every child is unique, and we’re happy to work closely with families to support a smooth and comfortable transition.
For older Small Friends, we offer a settling-in period of up to four weeks with morning sessions. After this time, full-day bookings are required to continue supporting their growth and engagement.
Fee Charges
Fees are charged to your nominated bank account via Debit Success. You can view all charges and your account statements anytime through the Finance section of your Xplor Home app.
Your first fee payment will be processed on the Wednesday following your Small Friend’s first full week with us. This initial payment will include the enrolment fee plus two weeks of fees, so your account is kept one week in advance.
Fees are charged weekly, every Wednesday.
We do not offer sibling discounts. Each child in our care receives the same high level of attention, access to resources, and opportunities. Our fee policy reflects this commitment by applying the same fees to all families regardless of how many Small Friends they have enrolled.
We understand that occasional delays happen. If you expect to be late, please call us to let us know your estimated arrival time. Repeated late pick-ups may incur a late fee. Late collection fees are $15 for the first 10 minutes and $1 for every additional minute thereafter.
If your account is overdue by one week, you will have until the next scheduled charge day to bring your account up to date. If fees remain unpaid after two weeks, we will contact you and you will be required to make payment. If payment is still not received after three weeks, your child’s enrolment will be terminated, and debt recovery procedures will commence.
Holiday Closures
Public Holidays - We are closed on all public holidays. All public holidays are chargeable.
Christmas - We are closed for 2 weeks over the December/January holidays. Fees are not charged during this time.
Your Family Details
All information provided during enrolment is kept strictly confidential and is only shared within our Small Friends staff team. We will never disclose your details to anyone outside our team without written permission from a parent or guardian, or unless required by law.
Staying Connected
While we love catching up with you at the door each day, we also have a few other ways to keep our Small Friends families in the loop!
📱 Xplor Home App & Email
We use Xplor Home and email for important updates. Please keep notifications turned on for the app and check your inbox regularly so you’re always up to date with what’s happening in our house.
📝 Notices
Look for daily and weekly messages on our whiteboard, near the front door, or next to our sign in/out tablet.
📰 Our News – Termly Newsletter
Published each term, Our News is packed with updates and insights for our families, including:
Our term program and our What’s On In Our World calendar
Health and wellbeing info to support your Small Friend
Updates from the early education and care sector
Upcoming community events and useful resources
🌐 Cyberspaces
We keep our website, Facebook, and Instagram updated with details of special days, incursions, outings, and moments of play. We use EarlyWorks to observe and plan for individual children’s learning.
📸 Media Permissions
With your permission, your child may be photographed or videoed for:
Programming and visual displays within our space
Inclusion in our term newsletter
Sharing on our website, Facebook and Instagram
Local media, such as community newspapers
Collaborations with community groups we work alongside (e.g. Falcon Volunteer Fire & Rescue, The Lions Club of Falcon)
If you prefer your child not be included in any shared media, please make sure to select Disagree to the relevant media questions on their enrolment form.
Your Family Contacts
To meet government requirements and ensure your Small Friend’s safety, every child must be signed in and out each day via our Xplor Hub located in the foyer. We must also keep a record of who is signing your child in and out each day.
Who Can Sign In/Out?
Only parents and guardians with an active Xplor Home account can sign their child in and out. If a friend or family member is helping with drop-off or pick-up, they must be added as a Contact in your Xplor Home account — they cannot use your login details under any circumstance.
Authorised Pickups
Children will only be released to people listed on your authorised contacts list. If someone new will be collecting your child, please let us know ahead of time so we can update your Small Friend’s enrolment form and ensure everything is ready to keep them safe.
Absences, Bookings & Changes to Enrolment
Absences
Fees apply for all absences, including holidays and illness, and we are unable to offer make-up days.
If you’re receiving the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), your child is eligible for 42 allowable absences per financial year. If your Small Friend exceeds this, CCS payments will stop unless you’re able to provide Centrelink (not us) with an approved reason, such as a medical certificate or court order.
Booking Changes
Need to make a change to your Small Friend’s days? Please reach out to us with as much notice as possible so we can do our best to accommodate your request.
Ceasing Enrolment
If you’re planning to leave Small Friends, we require two weeks' notice.
Please note: If your child doesn’t attend on their final booked day, full fees will be charged as per government regulations.
Your Small Friend’s Day in Our House
First Day
We understand that the first day can bring a mix of emotions — for both you and your Small Friend! Please know we’ll do everything we can to make the transition gentle, positive, and full of smiles. Our team is here to support you all every step of the way.
Once you’ve said your goodbyes, you’re always welcome to call us throughout the day to check in on how your Small Friend is settling in. We want you to feel confident and reassured as your child begins their journey with us.
Celebrating Birthdays
Birthdays are a big deal in our house — and we love to help your Small Friend feel extra special on their big day! You’re welcome to bring in a birthday treat such as cake, cupcakes, jelly, or ice cream for us to share during morning or afternoon tea. ***We take allergies and dietary needs very seriously and will always ensure all children are included safely in the celebration. Just have a quick chat with us beforehand so we can help you plan something everyone can enjoy.
Health and Wellbeing
The wellbeing of every Small Friend in our house is our highest priority. To protect all children and educators, we kindly ask that you keep your child home if they are unwell. We cannot accept any child into the house who appears to be suffering from a communicable illness or condition that may affect the health of others.
If Your Child Becomes Unwell at Small Friends
A child with a temperature of 37.5°C or higher will need to be collected immediately.
Children with symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, conjunctivitis, or persistent coughs must be collected immediately and remain at home until fully recovered.
Children with head lice will be asked to go home and can return once treatment has commenced.
If we cannot reach you, we will contact the emergency contacts listed on your enrolment form.
In the case of an emergency, the Director or Assistant Director may call an ambulance. The cost of emergency transport will be the responsibility of the family.
Infectious Disease Notifications
Families will be notified if there is a confirmed case of a communicable illness in our community, unless covered by the Australian Privacy Act. Please be aware that Small Friends is not liable for illnesses contracted while attending the service.
Minor Accidents and First Aid
For minor incidents, you will be informed upon collection and asked to sign an Accident Report Form.
First aid will be administered by staff trained in Senior First Aid, including CPR and anaphylaxis management.
Asthma & Allergies
If your child has asthma or allergies:
These details must be included in your enrolment form.
You must supply a current Asthma or Anaphylaxis Action Plan, signed by a medical professional.
As required by regulation, medical and allergy information is displayed confidentially so that all educators are aware of your child’s needs.
All educators are trained in Asthma and Anaphylaxis First Aid.
Medication Policy
To ensure safety:
All medication must be handed directly to a House Leader.
You will need to complete a Medical Permission Form detailing dosage and times.
Medication must be labelled with your child’s name and be in its original packaging.
We cannot administer medications prescribed for another person.
If medication is over-the-counter, it must include manufacturer dosage guidelines and your written instructions. If staff are unsure about any detail, medication may be withheld until clarification is provided.
Hygiene
At Small Friends, we gently guide and encourage our children to develop healthy hygiene habits as part of their daily routine. This includes:
Prompting and supporting regular hand washing, especially before meals and after toileting or outdoor play
Modelling and assisting with nose wiping and covering coughs and sneezes
Encouraging care and cleanliness during eating and drinking times
Promoting a shared sense of responsibility for tidy, hygienic spaces
Our Small Friends house is professionally cleaned and disinfected daily to ensure a safe, hygienic environment for all children, families, and educators.
Guiding Positive Behaviour
At Small Friends, we focus on building a warm and respectful environment where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to make kind and thoughtful choices. By encouraging sharing, cooperative play, and creating a space filled with positive vibes, we nurture socially appropriate behaviour in a way that aligns with each child’s age and stage of development.
All Small Friends are gently guided to follow our house rules that help ensure the happiness and wellbeing of everyone in our house.
If a child displays behaviour that is not respectful or kind, they may be invited to cool down with a supervised pause with an Educator. This time allows them to reflect, regulate, and feel supported in returning to play when they are ready. The Educator will guide the child back into activities with encouragement and a reminder to care for their friends and make positive choices.
If any concerning behaviours—such as biting or physical aggression—emerge as a pattern, we will always discuss this with you confidentially. Together, we may explore strategies to support your child’s development and, if needed, collaborate on a behaviour guidance plan that meets their individual needs.
Our approach is always one of partnership, empathy, and support, recognising that every child is learning and growing in their own unique way.
Emergency Evacuations
In the event of an emergency that requires evacuation, all children, staff, and any visitors on site will be brought together and guided through our practiced emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Headcounts are taken, and steps are followed until all individuals are accounted for and in a secure location. Parents and emergency services will be contacted promptly as required.
If you are in the building during an emergency or drill, your cooperation is essential. Our priority is the safety of the children, and we ask that you follow the direction of staff and evacuate with the group as per our procedures.
Your Small Friend’s Bag
Here’s what your Small Friend will need to bring each day:
A piece of fruit or vegetable to share.
A clearly labelled school bag.
A clearly labelled water bottle – water only please, no milk or flavoured drinks.
A packed lunch (if attending a full day), in a labelled lunchbox – no insulated lunch bags please, as our fridge space is limited.
A full change of clothes – please label every item.
Nappies, if required.
Extra clothing if your child is toilet training.
💧 If your Small Friend forgets their drink bottle, we’ll make sure they borrow one of our house bottles for the day.
☀️ Please apply sunscreen and/or mosquito repellent before drop-off – we’ll reapply as needed throughout the day.
👒 We supply bucket hats, but your Small Friend is welcome to bring their own.
Snack Times
Shared fruit and vegetable platters are provided at morning and afternoon tea, along with crackers and water.
If your child has any dietary needs related to allergies, health, religion, or culture, please ensure these are noted in the food section of the enrolment form. We’ll do our best to offer appropriate alternatives.
Lunch Time
If your Small Friend is staying for a full day, please pack a lunch they can comfortably finish within our 30-minute lunch period. Too many options or overly large portions can be overwhelming for little ones.
We encourage a healthy food order:
Sandwich (or alternative)
Fruit and vegetables
Dairy options
Treats – such as chips, biscuits, or lollies – are saved for last if time allows.
Lunchboxes and containers must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
Life As A Small Friend
At Small Friends, I play, laugh and learn all day long. I’m learning how to be a kind friend, how to share my big feelings, and how to believe in myself. All the little things I do here help me grow into a strong, happy, confident me — ready to take on the world, one playful step at a time.
7.45am The Small Friends house is open!
Our Busy Minds & Bodies - During this time I can play, explore, and create at all of the amazing learning areas inside and outside the house. I can also get messy, creative and have fun painting a masterpiece; building something at the woodwork or collage table.
What’s On In Our World Chat - Our day starts with smiles, singing our good morning song and sharing our Acknowledgement of Country — it’s how we welcome each other and show respect. Then it’s time to learn about our WOW theme through stories, songs, chats and games. I get to wonder, ask questions, and share ideas — it makes me feel clever and heard.
10.20am Morning Tea - I sit with my friends to enjoy yummy fruit, crunchy veggies, some crackers and a big drink of water — sometimes in our cosy dining room, and other times we have a picnic outside under the tree!
Time to Play 2 Learn & Learn 2 Play Outside - It’s time to head outside — and that’s my favourite part! I love running in the fresh air, playing under our big tree, and choosing where I want to play. I can dig, build, jump or just lay back and watch the clouds. Outside is where I feel free, strong, and full of big ideas!
Story Time Chat - It’s time to slow down, take a breath, and snuggle in for our favourite part of the day — story time. We turn our ears on and listen closely to beautiful books, sing along to well-loved songs and rhymes, or enjoy a little drama fun! Sometimes our stories match our WOW theme, and other times we just pick the ones we love the most.
12.00pm Lunch Time - I have lunch with my friends in the dining room, and we love chatting together or with our teachers while we eat. I always start with my sandwiches (or the yummy main food in my lunchbox), then I munch on my fruit, veggies and dairy. If I have a little treat like biscuits, chips or chocolate, I save that for last — it's like a sweet surprise at the end!
12.30pm Rest and Relax - I pick a pillow in the quiet room and lie down to relax while listening to soft, calming music. Sometimes I fall asleep, and other times I just rest my body and let my mind slow down. If I’m not feeling sleepy, I can sit with a teacher to enjoy a gentle story or do some quiet colouring — it’s my peaceful time in the day.
1.30pm Time For STAR … Share and Think Together, Ask Questions and Respect our Friends, Teachers and Visitors.
In our STAR sessions, I get to explore and try new things like science, cooking, dancing, and playing games. Sometimes we have special visitors who come to share something exciting with us — like how to care for animals, stay safe, or learn about the world around us. It’s always different, and there’s always something fun to discover!
Let’s Get Marvellously Musical - I get to sing my favourite songs, play fun ring games, dance around, and make lots of music!
2.30pm Afternoon Tea - I sit with my friends to enjoy yummy fruit, crunchy veggies, some crackers and a big drink of water — sometimes in our cosy dining room, and other times we have a picnic outside under the tree!
Last Chance to Explore Imagine & Create For The Day
5pm Our Small Friends house closes for the day…
Our Small Friends Village
Need to Chat?
If you have any questions or concerns about your Small Friend’s day, our programs, your account, or your child’s transition from Small Friends to Kindy, please feel free to speak with Katelyn or one of our team during Centre hours. For queries after hours, simply send us an email — we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Family Participation
We warmly invite our families to be part of our Small Friends world in lots of wonderful ways:
Share your ideas or suggestions with us anytime — we love hearing from you!
Celebrate your culture with us! If you’d like to share your traditions, we’d love to chat about how we can include them in our house.
Have a special hobby, job, or interest? We’d be thrilled to have you lead a short 20-30 minute incursion to inspire our Small Friends.
Donate craft materials — bits and pieces like untreated timber, paper, small boxes, cards, buttons, ribbons, or anything else you think might spark creativity for our little artists.
Volunteer to read a story or share a special skill with the children during our daily program.
Help out with gardening or nature play activities — getting hands-on with the outdoors is always fun!
Engage with us online — please like and comment on our social media pages to stay connected!
Provide feedback and share your thoughts on your child’s learning journey through EarlyWorks.
Together, we build a joyful, creative, and connected village for all our Small Friends!
If you’ve made it this far and feel that Small Friends is the special place your family has been hoping to find, please take a moment to head back up and tap the blue button to join our waitlist.
We truly look forward to welcoming you and your little one into our world, where every child is cherished and supported to grow and thrive.
With warmest wishes,
The Small Friends Team
