Allies Early Learning is a well established centre in Rockhampton – we just celebrated our 17th birthday! Owned by the same family (White/Balson) and run by the same Directors (Amee McQuillan and Amanda Thomas) since it was built in 2004, family is very much at the heart of Allies.

Allies is a place of play, wonder, exploration, nurture and learning. We know that children develop, learn and engage most through the process of play – their work is their play – and so centre our programs around this.

Our teaching approach is intentional and flexible and we facilitate learning through responding to our children’s cues and ideas. Amanda Thomas (Director) and Amee Mcquillan (Education Leader/Director) lead our Educators in creating a nurturing, supportive and encouraging environment for children to extend their thinking, become confident and involved learners, develop a strong sense of belonging, identity and empathy, become effective communicators and of course have fun!

Our strong emphasis on outdoor play and natural learning spaces allows our children to connect with nature and embed sustainable practices. Within that, we encourage the use of a wide range of methods and materials (including loose parts) to inspire, challenge, engage and encourage children to think differently and creatively. At Allies we guide children on how to think, not what to think.

Building relationships with and involving carers and children in decision making is an integral part of our philosophy. We believe that families and staff should feel valued in all aspects within the centre and welcome, support and respect diverse cultures, values and beliefs.

”Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Youer than You. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those that mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Lessons in Life from Dr Seuss