Why did you start your own Family Day Care service?

I wanted to create a special space that I knew children would want to be immersed in. I was working full time in a childcare centre and while each service blooms in its own way, I wanted a niche learning space. I knew that I had the capabilities to be able to provide this service from my home having previously run a Family Day Care service. It was a no brainer for me to jump back in for my own personal growth, but also to open more possibilities and doors for my family and other families.

What does a typical day involve?

A typical day at Nurture Nook is filled with curiosity, joy and plenty of beautiful interactions. Our space offers a seamless transition of indoor-outdoor play, as we believe no child is the same, with each learning in different environments. 

At Nurture Nook we instil a strong foundation to care for the world, with the children helping in our Bushtucker Garden, nourishing it with our very own fertiliser from our pet worms. 

Often, you’ll find us heading out the gate on our walking excursions. We are so lucky to be across the road from a beautiful nature reserve. The children absolutely love our excursions and it gives them the opportunity to be part of our local community. We often meet up with fellow Family Day Care educators for small playgroups, giving the children the opportunity to engage in larger group settings and helping with their transition to larger spaces later in their learning journey.

Our days whiz by and we always end the day with a full heart and plenty of knowledge about the world around us.

What do you love about your job?

Honestly for me the first thing that comes to mind is the flexibility and ease it has allowed me and my family. My son loves the fact that he has the option to walk to and from school knowing that I am working from home. He loves joining us for some of the activities at the end of the day. 

Every educator is different, and we all have our own methods of teaching and nourishing little minds. I believe this gives us the reigns and full permission to be our authentic selves. I end the day with the fullest heart and the feedback I get from my families about how exhausted their little ones are at the end of a day reminds me that this is what I was supposed to do all this time. It’s such a rewarding, beautiful job.

How does Council support you?

I have been through several schemes in the past when I ran my previous Family Day Care. When I was looking to sign up again and start my new service, it was a no brainer that I would opt to go with Northern Beaches Council. I was working in their Long Day Care Centres as a casual prior to starting. The support I saw from that space was absolutely the support I was after when becoming my own boss. 

I have a monthly visit from my beautiful coordinator Danielle and I really look forward to these visits. It’s a chance for us to both reflect on the month. It’s a safe and respectful place for me to voice any concerns and ideas. Whenever I have an emergency, question or qualm the Council’s administration team are so efficient at getting in touch and easing any worries. 

Testimonial 

Testimonial from Monique Rashleigh - Arlo’s mum 

We have been SO lucky to have crossed paths with Sarah at Nurture Nook at the beginning of this year. To say she is pure light and worth her weight in gold would be an understatement. 

Sarah has made the first year of care for my first baby a huge success. She is so incredibly knowledgeable in her line of work. She is attentive, fun, but most of all the loves she shows to the children in her care is as if they were her own. Her love is infectious and her smile is contagious. She is without a doubt the best of the best and I feel like I’ve won the lottery having her as my sons teacher!

Want to know more about whether our Family Day Care service is suitable for your child, or if you are interested in becoming an educator.