Every child is unique, capable, curious and full of potential
Sakura Early Learning Centre opened in Prahran in 2026. We are a small centre with a big commitment: a warm, inclusive place where every child feels safe, valued and respected, and every family feels they belong.
Childhood is a precious time of discovery, connection and growth
Children learn best when they feel secure, have trusting relationships and can explore the world at their own pace. We nurture each child's curiosity, confidence, creativity, independence and love of learning through meaningful experiences, responsive relationships and intentional teaching.
Our philosophy was written with our educators and is reviewed every year with input from educators, families and children. It is part of every educator's induction and is on display at the centre.
Capable and confident learners
Children are active participants in their own learning. Through play, exploration and problem-solving they ask questions, make choices and discover new possibilities. We value the process as much as the outcome.
Relationships and belonging
Strong, respectful relationships are the foundation of quality education. Nurturing care and consistent educators give children the security to explore.
Partnerships with families
Families are children's first and most important educators. We welcome your knowledge, culture, traditions and goals, and build them into our program.
Inclusion and respect
We celebrate the diversity of our children, families and educators, and make sure every child can participate, learn and thrive, whatever their abilities, background or language.
Learning through play
Engaging indoor and outdoor spaces invite children to imagine, create, investigate and collaborate, with nature, movement, music and sensory play part of every day.
Reflective, caring educators
Our team reflects on its practice, keeps learning and works together. As a new centre we see our growth as a journey, and we welcome your feedback.
Sarah Verrusio
“I'm genuinely passionate about early childhood education, and I care deeply about creating a place where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn, and where families feel just as welcome.”
Sarah leads Sakura's team of dedicated educators. Together they nurture each child through respectful, play-based learning, follow the Early Years Learning Framework, and work hand in hand with families to support every child's strengths, interests and cultural identity.
“Whether you have questions, concerns or just want to chat about your child's journey, my door is always open. I'm really looking forward to welcoming you into the Sakura community.”
“Our educators and teachers use theory to guide what they do every day. From Erikson, we know young children first need to build trust, so we respond to them warmly.”Tory, Educator
“Through safe and meaningful relationships with both families and children, we aspire to create a warm and welcoming community here in Prahran.”Annie, Educator
Our vision
A place where every child feels a sense of belonging, every family feels welcomed and valued, and every educator feels inspired to make a difference. We aspire to nurture curious minds, kind hearts and confident learners. At Sakura, we grow together, learn together and belong together.
A curriculum built on play, guided by Australia's learning frameworks
Our program follows two approved learning frameworks: the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), updated in 2026, which supports children's learning from birth to eight years.
The five learning outcomes
Through the year our program focuses on each EYLF outcome in turn, so every child learns and is assessed across all five:
- Identity: children have a strong sense of identity
- Community: children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Wellbeing: children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Learning: children are confident and involved learners
- Communication: children are effective communicators
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
Every day begins with an Acknowledgement of Country. First Nations perspectives, including the 8 Ways learning framework, are woven through our program all year, not saved for celebration days.
How we plan and share learning
Educators observe children, reflect on what they see, and plan the next experiences from children's interests, strengths and families' input. You will see this in:
- Daily snapshots on the OWNA app, with photos of the day's learning
- A weekly program for each room, displayed in the room and shared on OWNA
- Floor books where children reflect on and record their own learning
- Individual observations and summative assessments in your child's portfolio
- Partnership conversations where we set goals for your child together
- A Transition Learning and Development Statement for every child starting school
Qualified, caring and always learning
Early Childhood Teacher
Our kindergarten room, Hana, is led by a university-qualified Early Childhood Teacher together with a Diploma-qualified educator.
Diploma-qualified room leaders
Yuri and Peony are each led by a Diploma-qualified early childhood educator, supported by Certificate III educators.
Safety first
Every educator holds a current Working with Children Check. Educators with first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training are on site whenever children are present.
| Room | Ages | Educator-to-child ratio | Led by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuri | 6 months – 2 years | 1 educator to 4 children | Diploma-qualified educator |
| Peony | 2 – 3 years | 1 educator to 4 children, plus one extra educator in the room | Diploma-qualified educator |
| Hana | 3 – 5 years | 1 educator to 11 children | Early Childhood Teacher |
These are the ratios Victoria requires for each age group. In Peony, a condition of our service approval means one extra educator works above the ratio so toddlers can move freely between indoors and the garden.
Approved, regulated and committed to quality
Sakura Early Learning Centre is approved under the Education and Care Services National Law and regulated in Victoria by the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA).
- Service approval number: SE-00018431
- Approved: 29 April 2026, as a long day care service
- Approved places: 52 children
- National Quality Standard rating: Provisional – Not yet assessed under the National Quality Framework
Every new service starts with a provisional rating until its first assessment and rating visit. We are working towards that visit through our Quality Improvement Plan, which covers all seven areas of the National Quality Standard and is reviewed with educators and families.
You can look up any approved service, including ours, on StartingBlocks.gov.au and the ACECQA national registers.
The National Quality Standard's seven quality areas
- Educational program and practice
- Children's health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership
Child safety
We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child. We follow Victoria's Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme, and all educators complete child protection training. More about child safety
We'd love to meet your family
Book a tour to see the rooms, meet our educators and talk about your child.