Where curiosity grows, nature nurtures, and every child belongs. We believe children learn best through exploration, play, and connection with nature — in environments that spark creativity, resilience, and care for the world around them. We partner genuinely with families, celebrate the cultures that enrich our community.
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Qualified educators trained in early childhood development.
Keep a close eye on who comes in and out to keep kids safe.
Continuous camera monitoring across all key areas of interest.
Classrooms that are fun, safe, and absolutely perfect for kids!
Given a fresh start, with local owners Debra Gibson and Natasha Carolan opening Poppy Patch Early Learning on Grantham Street. Taking over premises previously operated by a large childcare chain, the pair want to bring a smaller, community-focused approach to early childhood education—one where families know the educators, meet the owners and feel part of the service.
For Debra, who lives in Wembley and has children attending a local school, the centre is a personal investment in her own community. As large corporate operators and purpose-built, double-storey centres become an increasingly familiar part of the childcare landscape, Poppy Patch offers families another choice: a smaller, locally owned and operated service built around relationships and personalised care.
With capacity for 50 children, the owners aim to create a welcoming environment where each child’s routines, interests and individual needs are understood, and parents have time to talk with the people caring for their children. Continuity of educators is central to that vision. Debra and Natasha recognise the importance of familiar faces, both for children developing confidence away from home and for parents building trust in their childcare service. Their focus is on developing a consistent team and strong, lasting connections with families. Having the owners directly involved also means families can meet the people making decisions about the centre and share their feedback with them.
For the owners, opening Poppy Patch is about more than reopening a building. It is an opportunity to create a neighbourhood childcare service where children are known, parents feel welcome and relationships sit at the heart of everyday care.
Children arrive, greet their teachers, and begin the day with free play and friendly interactions that help them settle in comfortably.
Little ones refuel with fresh fruit and water to keep them energised for the day of fun and learning.
Fun learning activities, creative play, and hands-on lessons spark curiosity, boost social skills, and help kids develop important abilities.
Kids absolutely love having healthy meals and then chilling out for a refreshing nap to recharge for the rest of their busy day.
From healthy, shared meals to a peaceful rest period with soft music and comfy beds, we make sure every child feels nourished, settled and ready for the afternoon ahead.
Children spend time outdoors running, climbing and exploring, building strength and confidence through active play.
Keeping the little ones fueled with more fresh fruit and water for the day of fun and learning.
In the afternoon, we have a great time with art, storytelling, outdoor games, and some fun group activities before the kids go home.
Debra is the Co Founder of Poppy Patch Early Learning and brings more than 20 years of experience across both the early childhood and healthcare sectors. As a qualified Paediatric Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Debra has spent over two decades supporting children and families in both hospital and community settings.
As the founder of Poppy Patch Early Learning, Natasha's vision has always been to create a place where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore, grow, and thrive. Having worked as a nurse, including supporting children with disabilities and their families within the community. Natasha has developed a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing relationships, individualised care, inclusion,and creating environments where every child feels valued and supported to reachtheir full potential.
Parents trust us to create a safe and nurturing space where children feel truly valued.
Years of Experience
