Three-year-olds can be joyful, affectionate, imaginative and endlessly curious. They can also be impulsive, determined, emotional and remarkably skilled at turning a seemingly minor disappointment into a very big moment. You may hear this stage described playfully as the “threenage” years. Although three-year-olds are certainly not teenagers, they are experiencing a similar tension: a powerful desire for independence without yet having all the emotional, social and communication skills needed...

by Nicole Sheath On Wednesday 8 July 2026, I had the privilege of visiting Woden Valley Early Learning Centre. I arrived expecting to see an early learning service; I left inspired by a community that has thoughtfully woven nature, sustainability, belonging and children's agency into everyday practice. From the moment I stepped through the small wooden gate at the entrance, there was a sense that this place was different. It felt welcoming, authentic and deeply connected to its community....

It has taken us some time to digest and come to terms with the decision regarding our Excellent Rating application. We poured an enormous amount of work, reflection, passion and heart into this process, and naturally, we had hoped for a different outcome. Although we were not awarded the overall Excellent Rating on this occasion, we are incredibly proud of what the report recognised about Woden Valley Early Learning Centre. The Excellent Rating is described as a very high bar, and while the...