First Early Learning Endeavour Hills

My friend and I enrolled our kids at this centre after feeling really optimistic from the centre tour with the Director.

However, we’ve since taken both our kids out of their care in less than three weeks.

The first evening I picked my son up, none of the educators acknowledged my existence. They sat together in a group chatting as the kids were unsupervised in the playground. I searched for my son and awkwardly left. I had no idea how his first was and emailed the Director that night.

The most heartbreaking moment was when I found my son outside at 5pm in 9 degree weather without a jacket or a beanie. My son’s hands and ears were icy cold. None of the kids were dressed appropriately. The only two people who had jackets on were the educators.

Another evening I went in to pick up my son to find him sitting on the floor with the rest of the 2 year olds looking up at a small iPad. There was no singing or learning - they were just little zombies on the floor.

You’re promised daily updates on the Storypark app but we only got three during the 16 days my son attended.

The Director is rarely at the centre as she’s doing damage control at the other branches.

She’s readily available to give you this fabulous tour of false promises then disappears once you’re enrolled. I saw her once in three weeks. She was not present at my son’s orientation or his first day.

Every concern and incident was raised and discussed in great length via email and phone.

The only reason why we were invited to speak to the Operations Manager was because we cancelled my son’s enrolment and it was part of their policy.

I sent a final email to the Director saying we appreciated her escalating the matter but we would not be returning.

I’m sharing my experience to caution other parents on what to look out for.

I relied on the glowing 5 star reviews that were all written a year ago when I should have dug deeper and read about the similar experiences parents had at the other branches.

I’m not being petty over some bad service at a restaurant. I’m talking about the health and well-being of my child.

The trauma and heartache I’ve just gone through is something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

Trusting another centre has been such a challenging process but I’m grateful I’ve now found a place that goes above and beyond for the families that rely so heavily on them.

Staff members are lovely and helpful. They have made us so comfortable at the beginning. Our little one loves her teachers.

I've been with FIRST as an educator for the past 4 years and I've thoughly enjoyed my time working alongside Lorinda and my co-workers. It has been a home away from home for me and I love the relationships I have built with the children I look after and the families. It is not just a job for me and I genuinely care for the children as if they were my own. I look forward to growing as an educator with FIRST and seeing what the future holds Truly a great company to work for and I feel well supported by my team and the management

I have been working at FIRST since 2018 and it really is like a second family and a home away from home. My co -workers and I all work together as a team to make sure that each and every child feels included, safe, happy, accepted and supported. We all go above and beyond to make sure that each child's dietary requirements and other needs are met. The director Lorinda is always there to greet you with a welcoming smile as soon as you walk in the door. Lorinda and the management team have always made sure that the children, educators and families are happy and feel respected. I 100% recommend this childcare centre if you are looking for a family homely feeling based centre.

I have been sending my little one to FEL Endeavour hill from last 2yrs, all the educators are very friendly and caring. I can fully trust them with my child. The centre director (Lorinda) is lovely and helpful person who is always there to support families.

First Early Learning has been a great second home for my 2 kids. I love their bush kinder program and also the offer of swimming lessons for the kinder children. The staff are amazing and they have been great at communicating everything from upcoming changes to groups or classes to upgrades to the centre and I absolutely love to see what the children are having for meals each day and they are so well fed My children come home happy and full or excitement to tell me about their day. Thank you to Lorinda and the team for providing such a happy place for the kids.

A beautiful centre, great spaces both inside & out but most importantly the teachers & carers are loving & nurturing with a great focus on learning too. The centre director is super friendly & always ready to help in any situation.
Bonus points for the amazing freshly made meals & snacks provided daily.

The staff at FEL Endeavour Hills are wonderful! They all make the centre feel like a family environment and made our transition to a new centre super easy. They really put the effort in when getting to know my children, their needs, as well as what was important to us. I highly recommend FEL!

We are so welcomed at First Early Learning Endeavour Hills. The educators are so caring, friendly and care so much for the children and their families. Highly recommend this centre.

The team at Endeavour Hills First Early Learning are amazing. The staff are caring, compassionate, fun and they promote inclusivity and friendliness. My daughter Hazel has been attending since she was six months old (now kinder) and I am very trusting of the staff whom care for her. They treat her like family and that means the world to us. Thank you - we would highly recommend the centre to others.

I started working at First Endeavour Hills in 2020 and it didn't take long for me to feel at home. The homely feel of the centre is so inviting and I love coming to work.
The families are so lovely and friendly, Lorinda is an amazing Director to work for and the team I work with have become good friends that I look forward to seeing. We are always there to help each other out and support each other any way we can.
Such a wonderful company to work for as all the management team are so friendly, supportive and willing to help you grow as an educator.

I know this centre is an awesome and safe place for my boy because he tells me how much he loves everyone. And when he's not at daycare he tells me he misses it. I love how the centre embraces all the different children's cultures and all the yummy healthy menu's on offer. I'm so thankful for the daily updates, photos and milestone moments captured by the staff. Overall a great and happy place

We have been taking our son to this centre for almost two years and he absolutely loves it. All of the staff are so caring and kind, there’s a nice down to earth, family vibe. All meals are prepared by a chef and my son eats everything. I can tell he is very well looked after. The best childcare in Endeavour Hills.

FiRST is the best child care. All the educators are very friendly and lovely. They really care about the children and actually sit on down with them and talk and play. My daughter is really enjoying to come in.
The centre is warm and inviting and has a beautiful homely feeling to it. The staff are friendly, professional and very responsive to the children’s needs and so well organised. Lorinda has great communication with families and staff. I highly recommend FiRST

I’ve been sending my children here for nearly 9 years now, when I first started I struggled to leave my child there and the staff made me feel safe, you get a sense of love in the building. I’ve seen so many changes over the years, constantly improving. Every time someone new works there, you automatically knew they selected the most caring supportive staff. I could go on about each staff but I don’t have enough space! So I’ll mention this year. Lorinda … I’ve know Lorinda since she first started and it was around the same time as my eldest. I’ve watched her move her way up and constantly challenging herself to pour her heart and soul into the centre. I can’t even call it a centre, it’s a more than a business to them. This is their home and children. It always felt like I was visiting my family knowing my children are safe. I honestly can’t say I have a favourite staff because they all exceed my expectations.
I’m not leaving my child with just a childcare educator I’m leaving them with people who I see has part of my family.

Thank you to each and every staff member past and present for 9 plus years of support!

We chose First Early Learning at Endeavour Hills after touring 6 other childcare facilities. We knew we were in the right place the moment we stepped in. All the carers are so kind and very accommodating to the children's needs. Our son has been enjoying his time and has been making great progress in his development due to the support and environment hes in. Lorinda and the superstars in the Acacia room are just wonderful.

Our family loves First Early Learning! We went from family day to a long day care setting and initially were hesitant how our little girl would go, but she absolutely loves it and absolutely thrived at FEL! The centre is warm and inviting and has a beautiful homely feeling to it. The staff are friendly, professional and very responsive to the children’s needs and so well organised. The centre is very well resourced and always has new high quality programs and activities on offer. The directors has great communication with families and staff and the staff are very approachable and easy to get in touch with. Would recommend this centre - it is exceeding in all areas. A hidden gem.

My son has been attending this centre for years now. The Staff are amazing and very caring. I would say it’s One of the best child care centres in Endeavour hills.

First early learning is the best childcare you’d find in Endeavour hills. Moved to the area and was looking for care for my 3.5 & 1.5 year olds and after touring all the childcare centres in the area we were happy to find this gem. You’ll find the most patient and kind educators at this centre starting from the amazing centre director Lorinda. Healthy and balanced meals are provided to the kids which are made in-house. The centre has a very cosy & homely vibe and cleanliness of the centre is 10/10.
We are so happy to be part of the First family x

I came onboard as 2IC three weeks ago and it was the best decision I’ve made for myself and my career!

The staff are so welcoming and you instantly feel you’re at home. I came in completely new and took on a higher role, the staff are so supportive and I feel so lucky to work alongside Lorinda, she is a great mentor!

The team is so passionate and really do care about the children like they would their own, its not ‘just a job’ for us, its making a difference and giving children the best start in life as the first few years are the most crucial for development.

The families and children are so lovely, Im so impressed with this centre and know I’ve made the right decision. I look forward to spending many years with this company whilst I grow & learn as a leader in this industry.