Our Centre

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” Charles Schaefer.

About Our Centre

Our setting, a heritage-listed schoolhouse built-in 1867, has been architecturally restored. It is warm and welcoming, provides a nurturing, natural, inspiring and responsive learning environment. The building is surrounded by extensive natural grounds providing children with ample space to explore, discover, investigate and wonder.

We have approached our early childhood education facility from a different perspective to that of the traditional provider. The collaboration of education-designers and educators has provided a unique opportunity for insight into the use and operation of the learning environment.

With one of the most significant natural outdoor footprints in the Brisbane inner-city area, our facilities allow us the freedom to educate children both indoors and outdoors. We can take our days outside, offering children the opportunity to interact with the natural elements and gain an understanding of the world in which we live.

We understand that children learn through play – that they love to explore and learn. A strong emphasis is placed on the social and emotional wellbeing of your children to provide them with the best start to their education, and to ensure they are feeling supported to realise their full potential. We are committed to creating stimulating learning environments which will inspire each child’s love of learning and their social development.

Resources and Equipment

Careful consideration is taken by Brookes Street Early Education when purchasing resources and equipment and encompasses the children’s ages and developmental skills, gender equity ideals, non-violent play, durability, ability to clean, and the safety of the item. 

We source age-appropriate natural, open-ended resources to allow children to play freely. These resources are not bound by limitations, encouraging creativity, imaginative play and developing confidence.

Nutrition at Brookes Street

We recognise that we play a critical role in helping your child learn about and enjoy a variety of nutritious foods each day. By encouraging healthy choices for children from an early age, good future habits are promoted. Developing healthy eating habits is a fundamental skill for young children. 

Mealtimes are relaxed and unhurried where children are encouraged to set, serve and clear up the table. Mealtime is a significant learning opportunity for children to develop routines, practice self-help skills and establishes good hygiene practices. It is an enjoyable, social experience.

Our seasonal menu is prepared by our in-house chef to ensure it meets the national nutrition checklist, balancing all food groups required for healthy growth and development.

Nature as an Educator

At Brookes Street Early Education, we place high value on the importance of outdoor play for young children’s healthy growth and are aware of our role in creating quality outdoor play opportunities. Brookes Street has one of the highest natural outdoor footprints amongst Brisbane’s inner-city centres.

Children are naturally drawn to playing outside. It allows them to explore their environment, develop muscle strength and coordination and provides opportunities for social and emotional wellbeing. Outdoor play gives children the opportunity to decide what to do, with whom and how, promoting positive self-esteem, autonomy, and confidence.

Our outdoor space provides a sense of freedom to make personal discoveries, that encourages creative thinking through imaginative play. Nature is a powerful teacher. By being outside and surrounded by nature, we provide rich, educational opportunities that connect children with their world in which they live.

Want to see our beautiful facility in person?