ATTENTION: give your little one the best possible start!
A Gentle, Play-Based Learning Space for Your Little One, With You By Their Side
Our nurturing, parent-inclusive, educator-guided program focuses on social skills, emotional development, confidence and early learning foundations, giving children aged 1–5 a beautiful first step toward a lifelong love of learning.
Next Step: Book Your Trial Session
TESTIMONIALS
What Parents Are Saying
Does this sound familiar?
Your toddler or preschooler could benefit from time in a gentle, structured environment — with you right there.
You want your child to build confidence, but aren't ready to drop them off just yet.
Social situations or new environments can feel overwhelming for them.
You'd love your child to build early friendships and learn how to connect with others.
You want guidance from qualified educators, in a small, calm and nurturing space.
What We Do
Small, Calm Learning Groups
Groups are kept small so children receive individual attention in a calm, encouraging space. Little ones feel safe and supported as they explore and learn.
Social Skills & Early Friendships
Through guided play and connection, children learn to share, take turns and interact kindly with others, building the social foundations that matter for Kindy and beyond.
Confidence & Independence
Children are gently encouraged to try new things, make choices and back themselves, all in a safe environment where there's no pressure.
Creativity, Music & Exploration
Hands-on activities, music and imaginative play spark curiosity and creativity. Every session is designed to engage little minds and make learning feel joyful and natural.
Gross Motor Development
Climbing, balancing, movement and coordination activities help children develop physical confidence and the body awareness they'll need as they grow.
Emotional Resilience & Regulation
With guidance from our educators, children begin to understand and name their feelings and develop tools that support development.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before enrolling.
What is Foundation Club?
Foundation Club is a play-based educational program for children aged 1–5, guided by experienced educators with parents staying and participating. It's a warm, welcoming space where little ones explore, connect and grow at their own pace.
How is this different from a regular playgroup?
Foundation Club is more intentional than a typical playgroup. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to support social development, emotional regulation, confidence and early learning foundations.
Why do parents stay?
Parent participation is core to what we do. Having you present helps your child feel safe and secure, which allows them to explore and connect with greater confidence. It also helps you understand how your child learns and develops, so you can support them at home too.
My child is reserved / very active / slow to warm up — is this suitable?
Absolutely. Foundation Club is designed to meet children where they are. Our small group sizes and experienced educators mean every child is supported at their own pace, whether they're spirited, gentle, curious or cautious.
How big are the groups?
Groups are kept small to ensure each child receives individual attention and the environment stays calm and nurturing.
Is Foundation Club a school-readiness program?
Foundation Club focuses on early foundations, the confidence, social skills, emotional regulation and love of learning that naturally support children as they grow toward Kindy and Prep. It is often a family's first step before transitioning into our Preparation Club.
How does Foundation Club lead into Preparation Club?
Many families begin their HeadStart journey in Foundation Club and transition into Preparation Club as their child becomes more independent and ready for a structured drop-off setting. It's a beautifully natural progression.
Can I try a session before committing?
Yes! Trial sessions are available so you and your child can experience Foundation Club and see if it feels right before making any commitment.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi! I'm Ali.
HeadStart’s Founder, Ali Carter, is a qualified and experienced primary school teacher with a passion for supporting children in their early years.
Ali has taught across private schools on the Coast and in Brisbane and understands the skills, both academic and emotional, that help children transition confidently into Prep.
Ali believes that school readiness is about much more than letters and numbers. It’s about helping children feel safe, capable and secure in themselves as learners. Her teaching approach is calm, nurturing and highly personalised. She takes the time to understand each child’s individual strengths, needs and learning style so that support feels encouraging and achievable.
After having her daughter, Ali returned to work in a school readiness program and saw first-hand how powerful the right support can be before children begin school. She watched children build confidence, independence, social and emotional skills and develop strong foundations in phonics and early numeracy, all in an environment where they felt supported and celebrated.
After seeing first-hand how much the early years shape a child's confidence and love of learning, Ali created Foundation Club as the first step in the HeadStart journey, a nurturing space where parents and children learn and grow together.
HeadStart only hires qualified teachers, each with many years of classroom experience and a nurturing, encouraging approach. Our team is carefully selected to ensure every child feels understood, supported and proud of their progress.
