Steps was established in partnership with Mayfield Childcare Limited (ASX:MFD), an ASX-listed leading provider of childcare in Australia. Our leadership team brings extensive experience in early education, with our CEO previously leading Mayfield Childcare across 45 locations serving 4,000 children. This combination of industry expertise and corporate backing will provide a solid foundation for delivering exceptional early education services once our centres are approved and operational. Additionally, Steps has secured funding from Finexia Limited (ASX:FNX), a leading non-banking financier in the childcare sector, further strengthening our financial capability.
In December 2024, we entered into agreements to acquire a number of new and existing centres. We anticipate our official launch to be in April 2025, when our centres will begin operating under the Steps Early Learning brand. We're currently in the transition phase, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience for children, families, and educators when we officially open our doors.
Rather than simply providing childcare, we will design comprehensive developmental journeys tailored to each child's needs and potential. Our approach emphasises uncompromising quality standards, empowered educators, technology-enabled connection, and data-driven decision-making to create learning environments where children can thrive today while building the foundation for tomorrow's success.
Our philosophy centres on five key pillars: uncompromising quality, empowered and expert staff, data-driven innovation, integrity in action, and meaningful relationships. We believe in developing thoughtful learning journeys where every experience builds into a larger story that prepares children for infinite possibilities. Our approach balances structure with creativity, helping children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed for future success.
Our vision is "to spark a better tomorrow." We live by five core values: Put Children First (every decision starts with the child's well-being), Own the Outcome (responsibility for quality and impact), Move with Purpose (focused actions that drive meaningful impact), Lead with Integrity (trust, honesty, and transparency), and Empower Growth (continuous learning and development).
At Steps, we will provide comprehensive early education programs designed for long-term development. Our planned services include Long Day Care and Kindergarten Programs that will operate five days per week. Each programme will be carefully crafted to support your child's individual learning journey, incorporating technology-enabled connection and data-driven approaches.
Our daily fee will be all-inclusive, covering nutritious meals, bedding, nappies, wipes, and sun protection. We plan to enhance the learning experience through thoughtfully planned excursions and incursions that expand your child's horizons and create meaningful developmental opportunities.
Most Steps centres will operate from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday. However, opening hours may vary between locations to best serve each community's needs.
Our kindergarten programs will be led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers who will design thoughtful learning journeys for each child. Rather than focusing on short-term activities, we will develop comprehensive educational pathways that prepare children for school and beyond. Our approach will balance structured learning with creative exploration, helping children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they'll need for future success. Through our kindergarten program, we aim to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and resilience.
We will provide a rich variety of experiences designed to nurture your child's development across multiple domains. Our centres will incorporate excursions, incursions, and special programs that expand children's horizons and create meaningful developmental opportunities. These activities will be carefully selected to complement our core educational approach and enhance your child's learning journey.
Quality will be at the foundation of everything we do at Steps. We will implement proven operational frameworks and standardised staff training to ensure consistent, high-quality care across all our centres. Our approach is data-driven, using analytics and technology to enhance service quality and drive continuous improvement. We will maintain rigorous compliance with all regulatory requirements while going beyond the minimum standards to deliver exceptional educational experiences for every child.
We believe that exceptional early education begins with exceptional educators. Steps will attract and retain high-quality staff through comprehensive professional development opportunities, career advancement pathways, and a supportive work environment that values innovation and fresh thinking. Our approach to staff wellbeing and growth will directly benefit your child, as they will experience consistent relationships with engaged, passionate educators who are committed to delivering the highest standards of care and education.
Technology plays a key role in our approach, but always as a tool to enhance human connection rather than replace it. We will implement smart workflows that streamline administrative processes, allowing our educators to focus more time on meaningful interactions with children. Our digital systems will support efficient rostering, ensuring appropriate educator-to-child ratios at all times, while our family experience platform will facilitate seamless communication between home and centre. All technology implementations will prioritise child safety and data security.
Connection is at the heart of our approach. Steps will utilise advanced technology to keep you informed and involved in your child's daily experiences. Through our digital platform, you'll receive real-time updates about your child's activities, meals, rest periods, and learning milestones. This technology will bridge the gap between home and our centres, allowing you to be an active participant in your child's educational journey.
We will thoughtfully cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Whether your child has allergies, cultural food requirements, or follows a specific diet such as vegetarian or vegan, our nutrition plans will be adapted accordingly. We will work closely with families to ensure each child's nutritional needs are met with care and consideration.
We'll be delighted to welcome your family to Steps once we're operational! The enrolment process will begin with a personal tour of your local centre, where you can experience our learning environment firsthand and discuss your child's unique needs. To express interest in a future tour, simply contact our support team here. Following your visit, our team will guide you through the enrolment process, ensuring a smooth transition for your child into our community when we open in April 2025.
We understand that transitions can be challenging for both children and families. Our educators will be experienced in supporting smooth transitions, creating welcoming environments that help children quickly feel secure and comfortable. We will take time to learn about each child's unique preferences, routines, and interests, ensuring continuity in their care while gradually introducing them to our Steps approach. Families will receive regular updates during this transition period, and we will encourage open communication to address any concerns promptly.
At Steps, we are committed to providing transparent information about our fee structure. Any changes to fees would be communicated well in advance, with clear explanations of the reasoning behind them. We will strive to deliver exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards of care and education for your child.
We're excited about introducing our new identity across all centres. The rebranding process will be implemented thoughtfully to ensure minimal disruption to children's routines. We'll keep families informed about specific timelines for these changes at your local centre.
Still have questions? Contact us
