Our Story

Building strong and enduring foundations for life.

Principal’s welcome

“Our vision at Brookes Street Early Education is to build strong and enduring foundations for life. We take great pride in providing high-quality education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Global research shows that the first five years of life are crucial for children’s development. Experiences during these early years help shape who children will become.

At Brookes Street, children are our central focus, and we cater to their individuality, their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.

We will always remember that you have entrusted us with taking care of your child and we are committed to providing a safe and friendly learning environment where they will thrive, learn and grow with us.

We welcome you to the Brookes Street Early Education family and look forward to working with you in this exciting and vital stage of your child’s life.”

Chris-Anne TurnerPrincipal

Our Story

At Brookes Street Early Education, we are committed to providing a responsive environment which enhances all aspects of your child’s development.

As owner-operators with young families ourselves, we have approached our own early childhood education facility from a very different perspective to that of the traditional early learning provider. The collaboration of our families, educators and education designers has provided a unique opportunity for insight into the use and operation of our learning and care environment.

What started for us as an idea to provide an office creche for our employees, developed over time to establish a one-of-its-kind long day care service for parents who value both the high-quality care and early education of their children.

With over 30 years’ experience in design for the education sector combined with a vast network of private sector education experts, BSPN Architecture have crafted a nurturing and intimate early learning environment that engages children and promotes explorations, interactions, social and emotional learning and development.

Our children, families and staff are an integral part of our centre community. We welcome, respect and value the uniqueness and individuality of each child and their family, and encourage involvement with our Brookes Street community.

Our History

The design of our Service has been further informed by the building’s heritage as the original Fortitude Valley School (1867). The original building catered for the education of over 300 girls and infants. We take great pride in continuing a long tradition of early childhood education within its walls.

“The building…is of brick, two stories in height, plain and substantial, but at the same time possessing some claims to the architectural elegance from its height and general finish and, what is of even greater importance, it is admirably adapted for the purpose for which it is intended

.…swing windows are placed high up on both sides of the room, so as to secure an ample and constant supply of fresh air. The general effect is very agreeable, giving as it does a sense of cool, quiet, roominess and cheerfulness – qualities which do really have some influence on the active imaginations and keen sensibilities of children, and which therefore ought not be overlooked in a building devoted to their accommodation for a considerable portion of each day during the most important period of their lives.”

* An extract from “The Brisbane Courier” 13th August 1867 as cited in Back to the Valley (State School): Turning the Pages of History by R. Thurlow, 2013, p 10.

Acknowledgement of Country

We would like to respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners, the Turrbal and Jagera people, on whose land we build our learning community and Elders past, present and emerging, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for this land. May we pay respect to the deep expertise embedded within the Aboriginal community and their ownership of Country.

Incorporating indigenous culture into everyday life at Brookes Street, each morning the children and teachers sing the ‘Special Land’ song and declare an ‘Acknowledgment of Country’.

Brookes Street commissioned Goompi Ugerabah to produce a mural painting depicting the local area, with the intent to complete the site’s historical story and told throughout the centre. Goompi worked directly with the children and teachers to paint the large mural sitting prominently in the playground.

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