Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Ashmore, there’s a place where the smell of fresh muffins drifts from the kitchen, where children’s laughter echoes through sunlit play spaces, and where families feel instantly welcome. This is Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Ashmore — more than a centre, it’s an extension of your home.
For the team at Sanctuary Ashmore, caring for children means creating an environment that wraps families in warmth and belonging. It’s a place where children’s learning is proudly displayed, where educators greet you with genuine smiles, and where every corner invites comfort, connection, and care.
“Our relationships go beyond the walls of the centre,” says Sanctuary Ashmore’s Centre Director, Tammy Haynes.
“When families walk through our doors, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped into a second home – one where they’re welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger.”
At Sanctuary Ashmore, caring for children isn’t just a job; it’s a shared commitment. The team are connected not just as colleagues, but as friends and family.
“We have a team that has been connected for almost two years now,” Tammy says.
“They spend time together on weekends, they do dinners, go shopping together – they’re connected personally, not just professionally. It means our children see a team that genuinely likes each other, works seamlessly together, and shares the same values. That consistency builds trust for our families, because they know who we are and what we stand for.”
Kids playing together in outdoor discovery at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore
This strong internal bond radiates outward — shaping how educators connect with families, welcome new enrolments, and nurture each child’s individual journey.
The team are guided by three core behaviours: Assume Positive Intent, Explain The Why, and Ask For and Offer Help.
These behaviours are more than aspirations — they’re lived daily. Families see them when educators choose to approach each situation with kindness and understanding, when clear communication helps everyone know the ‘why’ behind decisions, and when help is offered freely and without hesitation. “It’s important to us as a team that our families feel seen and heard,” says Educational Leader, Sarah Harris.
“Our leadership team and educators make conversations with families a priority because we believe that supporting children in collaboration is the best way to get great results. When families raise concerns, big or small, Tammy and I ensure we arrange a time to sit with them, reassure them with information on what’s considered age-appropriate, and share strategies to help overcome challenges.”
Creating a community that extends beyond the front doors
Ashmore’s home-like culture doesn’t stop at the door, it reaches out into the wider community every day.
“Our bus service to Ashmore State School runs daily,” explains Sarah.
“At the school our educators connect with children who used to attend the centre, and chat to families who are interested in beginning care. Our Seagulls children have regular excursions to the Nerang Library and Benowa Botanical Gardens, and visit Infin8 Care once a month. We also welcome regular guests like First Fives Rugby, Play Skills, Uncle Allan, Miss Kasey from Happy Feet, Little Sports Heroes, and Stuart from Seed the Ground — all of which strengthen our ties with the wider Ashmore community.”
For families, this creates a unique sense of belonging. “We’re not just dropping our child off at care,” says Emma Clarke, a Sanctuary Ashmore parent.
“There’s this genuine feeling that we’re in it together. I can talk to my child’s educators about anything from growth milestones, to behaviours, food and sleep — and know they’ll listen without judgement. That kind of parent support is invaluable.”
Creating collages with natural elements at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore
Living Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore values every day
The values of Respect, Connection, Collaboration, and Inclusion are more than words at the centre; they are embedded into the daily life of every studio.
“The four Sanctuary Values have just this week been written by one of our Seagulls children, and copies have been shared with every studio,” says Sarah.
“Educators have been invited to create their own Sanctuary Values poster, personalising it to their group of children. By having these posters in every space, the values are reinforced and serve as a visual reminder of what we stand for.” And the values aren’t just something the educators practise — the children carry them too.
“Before a recent excursion to the Nerang Library, a few children were upset they weren’t on the list to go,” Sarah recalls.
“Other children stepped in to comfort them, reminding them that everyone gets a turn and they just needed to wait for theirs. It was such a beautiful moment of connection, collaboration, inclusion, and respect — and the educators didn’t need to step in at all.”
Exploring the veggie garden at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore
The ripple effect of feeling at home
When children feel safe, understood, and supported, learning comes naturally. At Sanctuary Ashmore, that’s exactly what happens. Children leave confident, socially capable, and connected to their community. Families often return for our community events, because the relationships built here are lasting.
“When your child spends their day somewhere that feels like home, it changes everything. They’re comfortable enough to be themselves — and that’s when you see them thrive,” says Emma.
A place where educators are part of the family
THe success at Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore is rooted in how it values its educators just as much as the families they serve.
“By having a consistent team of educators, our children feel safe and secure,” says Sarah.
“Visitors often comment on how calm the children are and that’s because they feel safe, seen and heard. The benefit is for the educators too. We’re so connected that we refer to each other as family, and that positivity flows into the environment we create for the children.”
Tammy agrees: “When educators know they can ask for help without hesitation, that honesty will be met with kindness, and that their successes will be celebrated, they can give the very best of themselves every day. That’s when the magic happens for the children.”
Looking forward, staying true
As Sanctuary Early Learning Ashmore grows and adapts to the needs of its families, its heart will always remain the same: to be more than a centre — to be an extension of your home.
As Sarah reflects, “When you create a place where everyone — children, families, educators — feels they belong, you don’t just watch children grow; you grow alongside them. That’s what makes Sanctuary Ashmore special. That’s what makes it home.”
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