About Us
For more than 40 years, Grow @ Cumberland has supported local children and families with trusted education and care shaped by community, connection and continuity. Backed by Cumberland City Council, we provide nurturing environments where children feel safe, known and supported through every stage of early childhood and beyond.
Education & Care That You Can Trust
Grow @ Cumberland is Cumberland City Council’s education and care service, supporting children and families through a connected pathway of learning, care and development. Delivered through our centre-based and home-based Education & Care services, we provide trusted support that feels personal, stable and community-connected.
We are committed to welcoming all children and creating inclusive environments where every child is supported to learn, grow and belong. We recognise parents are the child’s first teacher and ensure every family is seen, respected and welcomed, and we work to ensure our services reflect the diversity and needs of the community we care for.
From the early years through to the school years, we offer education and care programs shaped by strong relationships, consistency and a genuine commitment to every child’s wellbeing and development.
‘The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children, including protecting children from child abuse, is the paramount consideration in decision-making’ – Part 3, Section 7, Children’s Guardian Act 2019
Our Story
For more than 40 years, Grow @ Cumberland – Education & Care has been part of the everyday lives of local families, a warm, trusted presence supporting children through the most important years of their development.
Over generations, we have grown alongside our community, providing education and care that feels personal, familiar and grounded in strong relationships. Our legacy continues to be strengthened by local government support through transparency, strong governance and a deep commitment to child safety. These foundations help create confidence for families, stability for children and trust that has been built over decades.
Our educators are central to this story. Many have been with us for five, ten, even twenty years or more, and two-thirds of our team has been part of Grow @ Cumberland for over five years. Families feel this continuity. Children feel it too. The relationships they build are not short-lived, they are stable, reliable and rooted in genuine care. We are also proud to lead by example. Grow @ Cumberland is the longest running not-for-profit provider in the community and the only not-for-profit provider servicing the local government area. We are recognised as a leader in education and care, with high numbers of degree-trained teachers and qualified educators across our services. This depth of experience strengthens the quality of learning, care and support we provide every day.
Our learning programs are designed to support every child to grow, build confidence and reach their potential. Children can enter their individual learning pathway at any stage or age, with each program providing the support, care and education needed for that point in their development.
We believe early education should feel homely, comfortable and inviting. It should offer warmth, belonging and the kind of consistency that helps children feel safe enough to explore, imagine and thrive. Every educator, every centre and every program is united by this belief. As a not-for-profit, community-focused and Council-operated service, our priorities have remained the same since the day we began: care, connection, quality and people. Every decision, every resource and every investment is made with children, families and educators in mind. That includes a strong commitment to supporting our staff, investing in their development and valuing the people who shape each child’s experience.
Hear It From Our Families
Education & Care Is More Than A Service
It is a long-standing local legacy of belonging, learning and relationship-led education and care, shaped by dedicated educators and designed to support every child as they learn, grow and thrive.
We Believe in Intention Led Learning
We understand that 90% of a child’s brain development happens before they start school. This is why we place such importance on the role we play in providing environments, interactions and programs that are delivered with care, purpose and intention, helping to support the development of strong foundations for future learning, behaviour, relationships and wellbeing.
Our Approach To Childcare
At Grow @ Cumberland, we believe children grow best in environments where they feel safe, known and supported. Our approach to education and care is grounded in strong relationships, consistent support and intentional learning experiences that help each child build confidence, curiosity and belonging over time.
We know that every child is different. That is why we take an individual approach to learning, with educators who partner with families to develop an individual learning program centred on each child’s needs, interests, strengths and stage of development. Through thoughtful programming, nurturing guidance and warm, engaging environments, we create meaningful experiences that support children in ways that feel personal and considered.
From early learning through to preschool, school readiness and school-age care, our pathway is designed to support children through every transition and stage with care that stays connected as they grow. In partnership with families, we provide a trusted foundation for learning, development and wellbeing across the years that matter most.
Our Values
Relationship First
We believe strong relationships are built through honesty, openness and consistency, and are strengthened by trust, authenticity and ethical behaviour. This is how we create respectful, mutual and reciprocal connections with children, families, colleagues and community.
What this looks like:
- We welcome feedback and respond with fairness and responsibility
- We understand each child as an individual and respond to their needs with care.
- We communicate openly, respectfully and with empathy.
Stability & Continuity
We provide consistent, dependable care and education that families can rely on throughout the early years.
What this looks like:
- We offer predictable routines and environments that help children feel secure.
- We support smooth transitions between programs, services and age groups.
- We communicate clearly, follow through on commitments and act with integrity.
- We provide long-standing, reliable relationships that build confidence for children and families.
Belonging & Inclusion
We create environments where every child, family, and individual feels welcomed, valued, and included. We believe a true sense of belonging gives children the confidence to participate, explore, be curious and embrace opportunities for growth and learning.
What this looks like:
- We create safe, homely environments where EVERY child’s voice is heard.
- We celebrate individuality, culture and diversity in meaningful ways.
- We ensure ALL families feel included and invited into their child’s learning journey.
Excellence in Practice
Our excellence is demonstrated through everyday every day actions, and our transparent approach. We are a market leader known for upholding high standards, evidenced-based decision making embracing reflective practice and investing in ongoing growth of our staff.
What this looks like:
- We employ people who are committed to best practice and who genuinely live and breathe our values.
- We embed critical reflection into everyday practice and decision-making.
- We prioritise staff support and retention to create consistency for children and families.
Why Families Choose Grow @ Cumberland
Information for Families
Code of Conduct Handbook
This Education and Care Code of Conduct Handbook clarifies standards of behaviour that are expected from educators, parents, families and children of Cumberland City Council’s Education and Care services.
Our Fees and Charges
Fees and charges for all of our programs are adopted annually by Council each financial year.
Guiding Principles for Our Education and Care Services
The Guiding Principles have been developed in consultation with our Education and Care’s Children, Youth and Families Management Team, staff and families.
Start Strong Fee Relief
The NSW Department of Education provides up to $2,563 in Fee Relief Payment for children aged 4 and above and up to $769 for children aged 3 years old, enrolled at an eligible long day care service.
*Eligibility for the maximum fee relief criteria applies – please refer to information on the Department’s website.
Ready to find the right fit for your family?
Find a Centre
Explore our local education and care centres and find a trusted, welcoming environment close to home.
Explore Family Day Care
Discover flexible home-based care, delivered by qualified educators and backed by Cumberland City Council.
Enrol With Us Today
Take the next step with Grow @ Cumberland. Our team is here to support you through the enrolment process.