Our children are our family, and family always comes first.
At AppleBerries Brookwater, we believe in the power of relationships, connection, and the importance of the first five years. Opened in February 2022, our centre is guided by a philosophy built around nurturing environments, child-led learning, and strong family partnerships. We see children’s voices and family input as vital and believe in extending their curiosity through play-based provocations, sustainability, and meaningful hands-on experiences.
Our curriculum is inspired by child interests, with the environment acting as a third teacher. Whether children are connecting with nature, exploring messy play, or discovering life skills through everyday routines, we aim to inspire young minds to grow confidently and creatively.
We’re proud to have been recognised as a 2024 Local Business Award Winner for Outstanding Early Childhood Centre and are rated Meeting the NQS.
WHAT WE OFFER
Program Highlights.
Nursery (6 weeks – 15 months)
Our Nursery is a calm and nurturing environment with tailored routines, a separate rest space, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Educators support each baby’s unique pace of development in a safe, loving space.
Toddlers (15 months – 2 years)
Toddlers explore new skills and goals through play-based environments that spark curiosity and interaction. With their own outdoor space, toddlers can confidently play and connect in small groups.
Pre-Kindy (2 – 3 years)
Our Pre-Kindy room offers large open indoor areas and all-weather outdoor spaces. Learning is driven by children’s interests, with opportunities to explore, investigate, and challenge their thinking.
Senior Kindy (3 – 4 years)
Senior Kindy children engage in sensory exploration, messy play, group time, and creative expression. This age group builds the foundations for future learning through inquiry, discovery, and fun.
Kindergarten (4 – 5 years)
Our Kindergarten program is led by a qualified teacher and designed to prepare children for Prep through school-readiness skills like independence, resilience, confidence, and communication. Created in consultation with local schools, our curriculum is flexible, child-led, and hands-on.
OUR COMMUNITY
Meet our Centre Manager.
Suzanne Sheppard – Centre Manager
Hi, I’m Suzanne, and I’m proud to lead the team here at AppleBerries Brookwater. My early learning journey began as a preschool teacher and evolved into leadership across both single and multi-site services. Every role has helped me grow – and I’m still learning every day.
I’m passionate about creating safe, inspiring spaces where children can explore, grow, and learn through open-ended, nature-based play. I believe strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and our team are essential to achieving great outcomes. It’s an honour to be part of each child’s learning journey – and I feel immense joy and gratitude being involved in these special early years.
Testimonials
Hear from our community.
Centre FAQs
Everything you need to know about starting your journey with AppleBerries.
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with tailored rooms for each developmental stage.
Is the Kindergarten program free?
Yes – eligible families can access the government-funded Free Kindy program (15 hours per week for 40 weeks). A gap fee still applies.
Do you offer meals and nappies?
Yes – we provide on-site home-cooked meals, nappies, linen, hats, and sunscreen.
How do I stay updated on my child’s day?
We use Storypark to share learning stories, photos, and centre updates. Families also receive regular newsletters.