The Tinker Garden Program

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No, this is a drop and go program. However, we understand that for some children, transitioning away from their caregivers is a big step.  We want all children to feel comfortable and supported and as such, parents are welcome to stay and settle their child in. 

Many of the children who attend Tinker Garden have never experienced care outside of the home before so we experienced in supporting children who feel nervous about saying goodbye. 

If your child is struggling with separation anxiety, we will work closely with you to support your child, fostering a sense of safety and trust as they gradually transition into our program and build confidence in being away from you for a short period of time.

Our small group, high adult/child ratio and peaceful environment helps enormously with this process. 

We follow ACECQA guidelines for adult to child ratios and have two adult educators at each session. Our groups are small to ensure that educators are able to build strong relationships with each child and meet the needs of individuals. 

The Tinker Garden sessions are led by Emma. Emma is a  Bachelor qualified teacher with over 20 years experience working with children in both primary school and early childhood settings. 

Emma is a fully registered teacher and holds a Blue Card and First Aid qualifications specifically for working with children including CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma training. 

All bookings are non-refundable. Unfortunately we can not offer refunds or credits for individual weeks missed in the term. We appreciate your understanding.

Sessions cancelled by the organiser due to unsafe weather conditions or educator illness will be rescheduled or credited to your account. You will be notified of any cancellations by 8am on the day. 

Rainy day play can be lots of fun so our session will go ahead if it's raining lightly. On these days, your child is encouraged wear gumboots and raincoat or wet weather coveralls to our play session. 

Our session will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms. You will be notified no later than 8am if our session will not go ahead and the session will either be rescheduled or credited to your account.

Tinker Garden is purely a sensory and creative play program designed specifically for children aged 2 - 4yrs. Pre-School incorporates these elements but is designed with 3.5 - 5.5yr old  children in mind and focuses on teaching social, emotional skills and early literacy & numeracy learning.