From 1 January 2026, South Australian families will be eligible for at least three days of subsidised early education and care per week, regardless of employment or study status. This change promises to make high-quality early learning more accessible to families who want and need it. Walford is proud to offer an Early Learning Centre that connects families around shared values, providing children with a sense of belonging and quality learning experiences delivered by 4-year-degree-qualified teachers in each room, within a community of inquiry, care, and respect.

In the earliest years of life, children’s brains develop faster than at any other time. The experiences children have between the ages of three and five shape the way they learn, think, and relate to others for decades to come. Choosing the right early learning environment is one of the most significant decisions families will make.

Walford’s ELC welcomes girls and boys, aged three and four, into a warm, nurturing space designed to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and foster a lifelong love of learning, through age-appropriate play-based experiences. Drawing on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Walford’s ELC offers a unique, research-based approach to early education grounded in purposeful play, rich inquiry, and meaningful relationships. The warmth and sense of calm our families and children feel when entering our ELC is evident from each child’s first visit, and each family’s first interactions.

The Power of Quality Early Learning Environments

Research shows that high-quality preschool programs enhance children’s language, self-regulation, social-emotional skills, and cognitive development. In an environment where caring educators facilitate intentional play and inquiry, children gain the confidence to ask questions, solve problems, and express themselves. Each child is known to our educators, and our consistent staffing supports each child’s sense of safety, familiarity and connection.

While universal access to early childhood education is expanding in Australia, universal access does not automatically guarantee universal quality. Walford families can be reassured that Walford’s ELC prioritises quality, tailoring experiences to meet the needs of each child. As well as specialist-led experience—such as music lessons with a Music teacher and our Gross Motor Skills Program with an experienced Physical Education teacher—we focus on each child’s needs and readiness. At the core of what we do is ‘noticing’. Our flexible and individualised approach supports each child to achieve and participate when they are ready. Gentle encouragement always supports that ‘next step’ or ‘next experience’.

At the heart of Walford’s approach is the belief that the learning environment itself acts as a ‘third teacher’. Every element of the ELC is carefully curated to spark wonder and engagement. Purpose-built play stations include a welcoming home corner, construction areas, art stations, nature play areas, light boxes, sandpits, vegetable gardens, cubbies, climbing equipment, and a mud kitchen. Our small world play scenes and stories are responsive to children's needs and interests. They offer creativity, language skills, connection and enjoyment, and reflect the noticings of teachers and the conversations they have with our children. Our teachers support each child, while always looking at the zone of proximal development, and adjusting the environment to the child.

Partnerships with Families

High-quality early education does not replace the importance of parent-child relationships or the rich learning that happens at home. Caregivers, grandparents and other trusted adults remain vitally important in each child’s life. Walford’s educators recognise that parents, grandparents, and other trusted adults are children’s first teachers. Early education extends and complements family relationships, experiences, routines and interactions.

Partnerships with families are at the core of Walford’s ELC philosophy. Educators collaborate closely with parents to support each child’s development, sharing documentation of learning and maintaining predictable routines that help children feel secure and valued. Families are welcomed as active participants in their children’s learning journey, whether through regular conversations, shared celebrations, or community events such as our School's PTA Picnic of the ELC-Year 2 Fairy Tale Ball.

Entrust Your Child to Exceptional Care

At Walford, we understand how crucial the early years are to every child’s development, and the significance of entrusting your child to a place where they will be truly known, valued, and cared for. Our qualified teachers and co-educators are excellent practitioners and compassionate caregivers. Through a thoughtful blend of teacher-led, play-based inquiry and strong partnerships with families, the Walford ELC lays the foundation for confident, capable, and curious learners for life.

Our supportive family environment acknowledges that at times, all year-round care is necessary, and at other times, families may wish to take holidays. A unique offering to our Walford community is the capacity to be flexible with attendance during school holidays, and to offer holiday care for older siblings.

If you are considering early learning options for your child, we invite you to discover how Walford’s Early Learning Centre can make a lasting difference in your child’s educational and life journey.