This feature looks at some leading education specialists in Canberra that are open for enrolments.

Enrolments are now open for the 2025 year. To help ease the nerves of finding the best start to 2025, CityNews has spoken to some of Canberra’s education specialists.

Redefining early childhood education

Edge Early Learning centres are redefining early childhood education with inclusive, enriching environments designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, says CEO Annie Bryce.

“We prepare children to be confident, lifelong learners, equipped for school and life,” she says. 

“Catering to children from six weeks to school age, Edge combines modern facilities, dedicated educators, and thoughtfully curated programs to support every child’s development.”

Annie says each centre boasts expansive outdoor play areas equipped with bike tracks, climbing areas, sandpits, veggie gardens, running spaces and quiet retreats. 

“These spaces encourage children to balance active play with moments of calm and reflection,” Annie says. 

“Indoors, state-of-the-art classrooms are stocked with quality resources that nurture young minds through engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths) activities.

Annie says Edge has a commitment to sustainability through the use of a veggie garden and eco-friendly practices of bamboo nappies, wipes and green cleaning products. 

“These efforts foster environmental awareness and responsibility from an early age,” she says.

In-house chefs prepare nutritious meals for the children. 

“With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, the menu offers variety and caters to all dietary needs, creating opportunities for communal dining and social interaction.” 

Annie says Edge is committed to incorporating cultural learning in its environment. 

“Children explore their connection to Country through engaging with native flora, Aboriginal artwork, and Dreamtime stories, deepening their understanding of Australia’s rich heritage,” she says. 

“Edge Early Learning not only prepares children for school but also for a lifetime of success.”

Edge Early Learning, Higgins, Ngunnawal, and Charnwood. Visit edgeearlylearning.com.au

Social walking for a greater cause

Nordic Walking, or more commonly known as “pole walking”, can universally be identified by walking poles not dissimilar in looks to ski stocks. 

Owner of Capital Nordic Walking, Claudia Martin says it is an accessible, effective and easy sport that can be done by people from all walks of life and ability. 

“It’s a low-intensity, high-impact exercise,” says Claudia. 

“It really can benefit everyone.” 

According to Claudia, Nordic Walking is an excellent cardiovascular workout for those in rehabilitation, with chronic conditions, neurological conditions or those looking for a social experience. 

“It’s a fun and inclusive social sport,” says Claudia. 

“One of our groups even meets up for coffee at the end of each walk.

“I actually think the social element is their favourite part!”

Claudia says the new year is the perfect time to give Nordic Walking a crack as Capital Nordic Working will be collaborating with the University of Canberra on a research project on whether the sport can be beneficial for those with persistent pain. 

“This is a great time to join,” says Claudia. 

“This is the first locally produced piece of research on the benefits of Nordic Walking and we are super excited to help show how it changes lives, but we need your help.

“Participants will receive a $30 gift voucher to the Canberra Centre for their time and dedication to helping out this research.”

Capital Nordic Walking, call 0423 789614, email hello@capitalnordicwalking.com.au or visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au

Fostering a joy in childcare learning

Catering for ages six weeks to six years, Denman Prospect Early Learning Centre owner Lise Percival says their goal is to foster a joy in learning.

“We cater our programs to the children’s needs and interests,” she says. 

“It’s important that the children enjoy and engage with their experience.”

Lise says the centre is committed to providing high-quality care and education to all children that is respectful and nurturing. 

“The program is responsible for the evolving nature of early childhood environments and is supportive of different learning styles,” she says. 

Recently receiving an “exceeding” mark from the National Quality Standards (NQS), Lise says the centre is proud to go above and beyond for its children. 

Acknowledging that leaving home for the first time can be a stressful task for parents and children alike, Lise encourages parents to arrange a tour of the facilities. 

“Once the child has been accepted, I encourage parents to attend orientation sessions with their child to get them used to the environment and talk to the educators,” she says. 

“We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable.”

With more than 25 years of experience in education, Lise says it’s a joy to see the personal growth in a social and academic sense in each child. 

“We prepare the children for their next steps,” she says. 

Lise recommends parents contact them directly or go to the website to book their child in. 

Denman Village Childcare Early Learning Centre. 7 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect, ACT. Call 6287 3648 or visit denmanvillagechildcare.com.au

Promoting Italian culture and language

The Dante Alighieri Society (DAS) of Canberra is a prominent member of the international network of Dante Alighieri Societies dedicated to the promotion of Italian language and Culture throughout the world, says president Franco Papandrea.

“Established 1957, it has been offering an authentic experience of Italian language and culture to the Canberra community for more than 65 years and is widely regarded as the best place to learn Italian in the national capital,” he says.

“It offers the widest range of adult Italian courses available in Canberra at very competitive prices. In addition, fee-paying adult students are able to practice what they learn in the classroom in a welcoming and friendly setting at no extra cost.”

Franco says that, in response to requests from parents, the DAS runs subsidised Italian language classes open to all children on Saturday mornings and after school for children attending Red Hill and Yarralumla primary schools.

“Thanks to generous assistance by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the DAS employs mother tongue Italian language assistants to support the teaching of Italian in Canberra’s primary and secondary schools,” he says.

“Membership of the society is open to anyone with an interest in Italian language and culture. Members are provided with an extensive program of cultural and social activities including weekly social conversation groups, special events and social occasions.”

The Dante Alighieri Society, call 5117 3996 or visit danteact.org.au

Getting a headstart on education

Kidstart is celebrating its 24th year working with children and owner Kristen O’Connor says it’s a privilege to allow parents and carers to have “all the educational fun with children without having to make the fun, just join in!” 

“We are not a childcare centre, but provide classes with opportunities for each child to develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through sequential programs full of fun, structured and stimulating activities

“We bring families together to create relationships and connections within the Canberra community.” 

With classes available for children aged five months to five years of age, Kristen says Kidstart has a program to suit all children before they start school.

“If you want to assist your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, give them the headstart they deserve at Kidstart!” she says.

Operating since 1996, Kristen says Kidstart offers five different age-based programs.

According to Kristen, it’s a privilege to see the children thrive each day, from rolling over on the floor to learning phonics in their literacy program.

“We’re fortunate to have long-serving staff members dedicated to providing the optimum learning environment for all our children at Kidstart.

“There’s a special bond with teaching children, from when they are babies and seeing them grow and develop before heading off to school. 

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Visit kidstart.com.au

Bilingual education opens up new doors

In its 40th year of teaching children to speak both Mandarin and English, the Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia (ALMA) was set up by a group of parents who were keen to start a bilingual early childhood centre. 

Operating a Chinese Australian Early Learning Childhood Centre (CAECC) in Mawson opposite the primary school (one of three bilingual primary schools in the ACT), director of CAECC, Annette Chemin says it has made for a “quality, long daycare for children under six years old in a bilingual and multicultural environment.

“CAECC has demonstrated exceptional commitment to early childhood education, achieving an ‘Exceeding’ rating under the National Quality, [which is] the highest possible level in Australia’s national quality framework.”

Open for 50 weeks over the year, Annette says the centre offers a great number of benefits to learning another language at a young age. 

“Children who learn languages develop a better understanding of English; Strengthen the area of the brain responsible for memory, speech and sensory perception; Learn to analyse information/problem solve and develop their curiosity and openness,” she says. 

Annette says the centre not only teaches language, but teaches a sense of belonging and a respect for diversity.

“The gift of bilingual education has opened doors to new opportunities, strengthened their cultural identity and prepared them for a future where cultural fluency and adaptability are more important than ever,” she says.

Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre. Call 6290 1566 or visit caecc.act.edu.au

 

Industry leader for emergency response training

AS the industry leader for emergency response training, Ferst Training Solutions has a focus on safety throughout the whole year, says director Gary Cheeseman. 

“Our training gives people the skills to not only keep themselves safe, but anyone who visits their workplace or facility,” he says.

“People first” is the catchphrase that drives the team behind Ferst, which offers specialised emergency response training to workplaces in the ACT and NSW.

Since 2007, the family-run business has offered a range of courses to workplaces including: Training of Emergency Response Teams; Emergency Response Chief Wardens and Wardens; General Staff Training; Fire Extinguisher Use Training; and Building Evacuation Training.

“We endeavour to give people the skills so when something does go wrong, they have the tools to get out of that situation safely,” he says. 

All trainers have been in operational positions, in fields including the military, fire services or emergency services, meaning they have real-life experience in dealing with many situations, Gary says.

“Our training is practical and procedural,” he says.

Ferst Training Solutions. Visit ferst.com.au or call 1300 333778.