My First School Child Care Centre 36 Putland Street, Saint Marys, New South Wales 2760

"Being an parent and educator at this service this is a wonderful place for my daughter and I have seen so much change in her for how far she’s come and it’s because of her wonderful teachers and director of the centre I look forward to her progression as she continues to thrive being in a nurturing , caring environment full of learning and potential"

"I took my original review down when my grandson first left this daycare. I thought I may have been a bit harsh but after letting the waters calm for a few months my opinion has not changed. This place is toxic. It was heartbreaking to see my grandson experience the treatment he did here. One example was when there were cupcakes on offer as it was a child’s birthday and my grandson was not allowed to have one until he ate his packet of biscuits. He didn’t want them but they were adamant that he would not get cake till he had finished his biscuits. By the time he had, all the chocolate ones had run out so he had a tantrum. Then they called me aside because they felt he behaved badly. When I questioned why he had to have the biscuits when he had already had breakfast, fruit for morning tea, a sandwich and yoghurt for lunch the response was rules are rules. I was gobsmacked because making a child eat sweets before a sweet is ridiculous and when I told them my thoughts and said I thought this was setting him up for failure they gaslit me by saying “if it’s so bad why do you want him here anyway?” My grandson also told me on a few occasions that Miss Debbie doesn’t believe him when he told her that the other kids hit him I couldn’t believe it until the day I took him to her to report that he said someone had hit him to which she responded “that didn’t happen”. So disappointing and so wrong. Debbie also told me me my grandson on an occasion hit a little girl so when I got my grandson home I questioned him about it as I was punishing by removing his iPad for the night and he told me that the girl wasn’t even there on the day. I text Debbie and she stated that it was a long week and she had mixed it up because she has been too busy and put lol. I certainly didn’t laugh out loud. A four year old knew more about the day to day happenings than the director. I also mentioned once that he always seemed to have a runny nose to which Debbie responded “that’s because he is aboriginal”. I didn’t say anything as I was shocked to be honest. Nothing like a bit of casual racism. I also will mention that they lost him once and then tried to blame me even though he was in their care. There are no security cameras. They do not communicate with you. It is dated and they are backwards in their thinking. I feel this is a hellish environment for young people and if you want support, a nurturing environment and professionalism then I would look elsewhere. I found Young Explorers on Adelaide Street just wonderful. They even supply lunch. They are helpful and caring and their staff are mature. Unlike this place where they tend to hire young staff. The change in my grandson is amazing. He is happy and well behaved. Even the staff from the local school were impressed when they came in to help my grandson prepare for public school next year. Personally I don’t think the director is happy in her role and it shows. She was always complaining about her employers so I think it’s time she thought about a different career path. The best thing about this place was the last day."

"My daughter Ari’Ana started here when she was 1, great teachers in her room, they have helped her improve in every way, she learnt so much during her time here. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a suitable daycare for their child. We were sad to leave due to moving locations. And thank you to Debbie for always helping us out."

"I enrolled my daughter at My First School when she was 2 so I could return to work full time and as a single parent I was apprehensive about leaving her 5 days a week. My stresses were alleviated within the first few days as the staff were so approachable and I felt constantly kept in the loop with her development, milestones or any issues/concerns which arose. My daughter started kindergarten this year (2021) and I am confident that the reason her transition was so seamless is because of the quality of care and education she received from My First School. The school readiness program which they run really helped to fine tune all the things which she had learned through her 3 years at the Centre. The staff go above and beyond for the students but also for the parents, they will always do all that they can to accommodate the needs of their families. My daughter bonded with some of her teachers so much they still maintain a relationship since we have left the centre, and I also am still in contact with the Director and some of the staff as well. I cannot recommend this centre enough, my daughter is absolutely thriving in Kindy and a big part of that is thanks to this school, the teachers, the curriculum and programs that they have in place."

"do not have anything negative to say about this service! as someone who worked in the childcare industry for many years, i have high standards myself, Debbie and the girls have been incredible with every aspect of my sons development. Debbie is understanding and flexible with my family situation. My son loves his educators and every morning is a breeze on drop off because he is comfortable and loved by his educators and it shows."