What is an ‘Exceeding’ childcare centre? A guide for families

If you've toured a few childcare services lately, you've probably noticed a small certificate near reception — a rating, somewhere between ‘Working Towards’ and ‘Exceeding’ National Quality Standard. Most parents nod, assume it's a good sign, and keep walking. But...

The swim school that’s been making waves for over 8 decades

Almost every detail at Shapland Swim School has been shaped by one simple question: what helps children learn best? From classes capped at just three children and purpose-built multi-depth pools to focused 20-minute lessons and warm 32°C magnesium mineral water, the...

Beat the Heat: Mini Fan in Australia for Toddlers

Key Highlights A portable fan can make a huge difference when your toddler is stuck in extreme heat during travel. The best mini fan in Australia for families is light, simple to charge, and has solid battery life. A personal cooling fan helps sweat dry faster, which...

These 4 kids books will make summer reading your child’s fave thing

Let's be honest, the summer holidays are glorious, but they are loooong. While we love seeing our kids run wild outside, there comes a point (usually around week three) when you might hear the dreaded words: "I'm bored!" or find them glued to a tablet screen. The...

Keep kids reading this summer (without turning it into homework)

It’s one of the great contradictions of the Australian summer: kids finally have time to read, but reading is the last thing they want to do. After a big school year, the break feels well-earned. Days stretch out with beach trips, movie marathons, backyard cricket and...
Summer