Learning, Growing & Belonging​

Ambrose Early Learning provides education and care for children aged 1 to 5, supporting their development and building strong foundations for future learning through engaging, high‑quality programs. Our services are located throughout the Parramatta Diocese.

Our learning is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and inspired by Reggio Emilia practices, valuing each child’s strengths, interests and abilities within rich, play‑based environments.

We are inclusive, nurturing, and open to all families, facilitating and guiding children’s learning based on Catholic teachings. We endeavour to live the values of respect, encouragement, and care in everything we do.

Learning, Growing & Belonging​

Ambrose Early Learning provides education and care for children aged 1 to 5, supporting their development and building strong foundations for future learning through engaging, high‑quality programs. Our services are located throughout the Parramatta Diocese.

Our learning is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and inspired by Reggio Emilia practices, valuing each child’s strengths, interests and abilities within rich, play‑based environments.

We are inclusive, nurturing, and open to all families, facilitating and guiding children’s learning based on Catholic teachings. We endeavour to live the values of respect, encouragement, and care in everything we do.

Find your nearest Ambrose service

Active Play

  • Outdoor play
  • Sport and movement-based activities
  • Group games that build teamwork and confidence

Creative Experiences

  • Arts and crafts
  • Music and drama activities
  • Opportunities for self-expression and creativity

“Ambrose Foundations program provides children with the skills, confidence, and sense of belonging they need to thrive, while offering families a supportive partnership that sets their child on the best possible path. Strong foundations in the early years are critical for lifelong learning and support a positive transition into our Catholic schools.”

— Patrick Ellis, Executive General Manager, Learning Outcomes
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Ambrose Foundations

Ambrose Early Learning delivers a high-quality educational experience through our Ambrose Foundations Pre-Kindergarten Program, a two-year program designed for children aged 3–5 years.

Each day at Ambrose is thoughtfully designed to balance intentional learning, inquiry, play, wellbeing and connection. Children experience structured routines that support confidence, independence and a sense of security, while still allowing flexibility for curiosity, creativity and exploration.

“Through their early years education at Ambrose, children develop kindness, respect, compassion and a strong understanding of being a part of a Catholic learning community. The values they experience at Ambrose provide a strong foundation for their journey into Kindergarten.”

— Linda Currall, Head of School K-4,
Santa Sophia Catholic College (Gables)

Early Learning News

What our families are saying...

Belong to something greater...

Ambrose Early Learning Services are co-located on Catholic Primary School grounds, fostering strong connections with the wider school community.

As part of the Catholic school community, children experience:

  • Familiarity with school environments and routines
  • Meaningful connections with teachers and students
  • Continuity of learning from early childhood into school
  • Intentional transition experiences that support confidence and belonging
  • Kindergarten classroom visits
  • School library experiences
  • Participation in school events and celebrations

Meeting the needs of children and families

Ambrose Early Learning Services operate under two models designed to meet the needs of children and families.

Traditional Preschool

Provides a comprehensive preschool program within school hours and within school terms.

Extended Hours Preschool

Provides the same comprehensive preschool program with the added convenience of operating for longer hours and during school holidays to support working families.

Both models deliver a nurturing, inclusive and play‑based learning environment that supports each child’s learning, development and wellbeing. Qualified educators design engaging programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring children build strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Families can be confident that, whether enrolled in a Traditional or Extended Hours Preschool, their child will experience consistent, high‑quality education, meaningful relationships and a safe, supportive setting where they are encouraged to grow, explore and thrive.

Faith, Belonging and Community

Grounded in the Catholic faith and open to all, our learning communities welcome families from all backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions.

Guided by the values of Respect, Encouragement and Care, educators support children to:

  • Develop kindness, empathy and gratitude
  • Build respectful relationships
  • Care for others and the environment
  • Develop confidence and a sense of belonging
  • Recognise and value diversity within the community

Faith and spirituality are experienced in age-appropriate and meaningful ways through:

  • Prayer and reflection
  • Stories, celebrations and traditions
  • Shared values and respectful relationships
  • Participation in school and community events
  • Experiences of care, inclusion and belonging

Educators nurture children’s natural sense of curiosity, wonder and connection to the world around them while supporting them to grow as caring, thoughtful and respectful individuals.

As part of a Catholic community, children experience opportunities to build connections with:

  • Educators and families
  • School and parish communities
  • Cultural and community celebrations
  • Shared events and experiences
  • The wider world around them

Transitioning to Kindergarten

At Ambrose, transition to school is viewed as a gradual and supportive journey where children build confidence, familiarity and a sense of belonging before their first day of school.

Throughout the year, educators intentionally support children to develop:

  • Confidence participating in group learning experiences
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Independence and self-help skills
  • Emotional regulation and resilience
  • Attention, persistence and flexible thinking
  • Positive relationships and social confidence
  • Familiarity with routines and transitions

 

Families are supported throughout the transition process through:

  • Ongoing communication and transition discussions
  • Parent-teacher interviews and learning updates
  • Transition to School Statements
  • Opportunities to connect with educators and school communities

Social and Emotional Development

At Ambrose, children are part of a connected Catholic school community where relationships, belonging and wellbeing are intentionally nurtured every day.

Grounded in the values of respect, encouragement and care, our nurturing learning environments support children to feel:

  • Safe and supported
  • Confident to participate and try new things
  • Connected to others and their community
  • Valued as capable learners
  • A strong sense of identity and belonging

 

Social and emotional learning is embedded throughout the day through:

  • Collaborative play experiences
  • Group discussions and reflection
  • Intentional teaching moments
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Structured routines and expectations
  • Prayer, wellbeing and relationship building

 

Through intentional play-based learning, structured routines and shared experiences, children develop:

  • Confidence and independence
  • Positive relationships and friendships
  • Emotional awareness and self-regulation
  • Resilience
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Respect, empathy and kindness

Mathematical Thinking and Inquiry

At Ambrose, mathematical thinking is developed through intentional play-based learning, inquiry, investigation and hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, question and problem solve.

The Ambrose Foundations program supports children’s learning about mathematical concepts and applying them in their play and inquiries including STEAM experiences, construction, investigation and collaborative learning.

Children become familiar with:

  • Patterns and predictions
  • Shapes and spatial thinking
  • Measurement and data
  • Quantity and counting

 

Teachers intentionally plan for children’s Mathematical Inquiry and thinking, supporting children to develop:

  • Early number awareness
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Pattern recognition
  • Spatial awareness
  • Reasoning and prediction skills
  • Confidence exploring mathematical concepts
  • Curiosity and inquiry skills

Language and Literacy

Strong literacy foundations begin with language, communication and connection. Children develop literacy skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect learning to their everyday lives, interests and the natural world.

As part of the Catholic school community, Ambrose supports literacy development through a seamless continuum of learning from early childhood into kindergarten and the early years of school.

Through intentional play-based learning and literacy experiences, children build the confidence, communication skills and early learning foundations that support a successful transition into school.

  • This approach fosters the development of:
  • Oral language and communication skills
  • Vocabulary and comprehension
  • Listening and attention skills
  • Confidence participating in group discussions
  • Early literacy understanding
  • Phonological awareness
  • Curiosity about books, stories and language