Hawthorn Early Years

Just started this year. The educators seem unhappy and disengaged. The front desk never feels welcoming, which sets the tone when you arrive and leave each day. Quite a few times I have gone to pick up my child and there has been a casual educator in the room that I've never seen before. As a parent this makes it hard for me to feel confident that my child is receiving consistent care or that staff really know the kids.

My daughter has attended for the past 2 years & the decline of the service over the past 8 months is heartbreaking to witness. Thank goodness for Fiona & Grace at the front desk, although sadly Grace has left now also. Changes need to be made as the staff are unhappy and it filters over to parents.

Our experience at HEY hasn’t reflected the glowing reviews from previous years. Since a change in management a few years ago (just before our daughter started), we’ve noticed a decline in the overall quality. The kinder program often felt disorganised and lacked the consistency and structure we were hoping for. It didn’t seem to align with the enriching, learning-focused environment that was advertised. Based on our experience, we wouldn’t recommend it.

We've had a great experience with HEY. The staff are caring and professional, and the environment is safe,fun & welcoming. The grounds are also very beautiful. My daughter loved attending everyday, we move around a lot and it’s by far the best daycare we have attended. Fiona at the front desk is always friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Highly recommend!

It seems like the management is quite messy and disorganized these years there are different educators in the room every day. When we went for a tour the enrolment lead teacher showed a set up face to us the whole tour which is really funny to us.

My 3 children have completed a collective 8 years at HEY. From our first day we found all staff from the front office, class room educators or management to be passionate about early years care/education and always having the children's interest at heart. The wonderful outdoor spaces, play focus, music program, garden program have enriched our children's lives. We feel very lucky to be part of this community.

My daughter has attended for a year now. She’s thriving and loves it. Her teachers are experienced, passionate and caring. Facilities are excellent and I swear she eats better than I do! The only negative: there’s a very long wait list, so put your child’s name down right away.