Our Facilities & Locations

about_2-1-1080x750

About Our Centres

We aim to provide an inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging to each child, their family members, our staff and the members of the wider community.

We value the individuality of all people involved with our centres and respect, welcome and encourage their involvement, feedback and support.

We aim to provide you with a nurturing environment that is innovative, safe and extremely clean so you and your child enjoy walking through our doors.

We educate children through their senses and embrace the Montessori method and philosophy which promotes balance and deeper absorption of information.

All Precious Cargo Montessori Early Learning centres are purpose-built and carefully designed to literally represent a home away from home. All of our centre floors are carpeted and aesthetically pleasing, and we intentionally use soft pastel colours to ensure we are not overstimulating children at all times.

We pride ourselves on the excellence of our facilities, and providing children with the calm, clean, nurturing, safe spaces they deserve.

Depending on your child’s schedule, we also provide breakfast, lunch & dinners, as well as morning & afternoon tea. We ensure all meals are extremely nutritional, and utilise fresh ingredients from our onsite vegetable patches.

buildings_2

Blackwood

South Australia

Every Precious Cargo centre is unique, and Blackwood is no exception. Located a short distance from Wittunga Botanic Gardens, this centre has 2 large verandahs, a kitchen cooking platform, and a purpose-built music room. The Montessori focus on sensorial and practical life is evident, with a vegetable garden, Grow Free cart, and a pet turtle! They also learn about empathy and consideration through their strong Community Links with Happy Feet Dance, Oz Harvest, CFS, and the indigenous community.

Blackwood’s Next Open Day

Saturday 12 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Blackwood

Vanessa Webb
Director and Montessori Mentor

I have worked in early childhood education since 2003 and I’ve been working here at Precious Cargo Blackwood since April 2018.

Building meaningful connections with children and their families is what I am really passionate about as I believe that a strong sense of belonging helps children become confident and active learners.

Montessori learning encompasses the whole child, allowing them to learn and develop at their own pace. It gives children the chance to be fully involved in exploring and contributing to their environment giving them the sense of ownership, responsibility and respect that sets them up for life.

Director
Get In Touch
Address:

346-348 Shepherds Hill Rd
Blackwood, SA 5051

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Collinswood

South Australia

Our two-storey Collinswood centre is purpose-built, with a dining room, music room, kitchen cooking platform, outdoor verandah, and balcony with shade. There are also two outdoor play areas, one of which has a spider web climbing frame and a rock mound with a slide! The culture within this centre is extremely diverse and is equipped with educators that speak multiple languages.

 

The Montessori focus on sustainability and sensory education is evident in the agricultural practices available for children, including pet frogs, vegetable and herb gardens, compost bins, and Grow Free cart! The centre also boasts strong community links with St Monica’s Primary School, Australian Broadcasting Station, Happy Feet Dance and Ready Steady Go. We also have a First Nations Library in the reception area with a great collection of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders authors that families can borrow.

 

Our School Readiness Program for children aged 3-6 in ELC 1 and ELC 2 is provided by our qualified Bachelor’s and Master degree-holding Early Childhood Teachers. The program is designed to prepare children with the essential skills and abilities that they need to succeed in their future learning.

 

We can’t wait to have you and your family at our centre! Reach out to us now to schedule your tour and experience the quality service firsthand.

Collinswood’s Next Open Day

Saturday 26 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Collinswood

Suneha
Suneha Gill
Director

I began my journey in early childhood education 18 years ago as a primary school teacher and have enjoyed working in a range of positions since then such as educational leader and team leader. Joining Precious Cargo in July 2022 as the Director, I love the simplicity of the Montessori curriculum where it coherently teaches children about the skills needed for life and enables them to become competent and independent learners.

Read More

I am guided by the simple philosophy of

connection = cooperation

disconnection = disruption.

We at Collinswood aim to provide positive, engaging, stimulating learning environment for children and families. We strongly emphasize in building connections and relationships with children and their families in our centre.

We look forward to learning more about your family and would love to discuss how we can work together, fostering the independent learners that all your children are.

Lynette
Lynette Franco
Assistant Director

One of the most amazing things that happened when I moved to Australia in 2014 was when I changed career from an engineer to working with children in childcare services. Even prior to completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, I started to work as an educator in 2015 and this opened my eyes to the joys of seeing children succeed in their learning and development. I worked in City West Tafe SA for five years. I started as a qualified educator and left the centre as Lead Educator. Prior to working here in Precious Cargo Collinswood, I was with Annesley Junior College as Qualified Educator.

Read More

For more than five years I have been in the industry, I believe that for a child to reach their full potential they need to lead their development with the guidance of teachers and educators. This is what I love about Montessori approach. The environment is prepared to provide the children holistic, inclusive, and fun activities that involve real-life skills. Children are respected to work at their own pace and to choose what experiences they want to have for the day. That is why I am proud to be part of the Precious Cargo family in supporting the children, together with their family, in their journey to independence and prepare them for life.

staff_placeholder
Donna Brine
Director

I have been working in childcare for over twenty years; eight of these years have been with Precious Cargo. My journey began as an Educator and have worked my way through to…

Read More

…Operations Manager. Since working with the Montessori philosophy, I continue to get excited with the level of independence children develop when given the opportunity.

collinswood_despina
Despina Nimpis
Assistant Director

What inspired me to work in childcare is my love for children, and the joy they bring. I have been in the industry now for 7 years, (Nearly 2 years now at Precious Cargo). I had little to no knowledge of…

Read More

…Montessori when I started, but soon grew to love it!

I believe the Montessori method benefits a child in many ways. The key aspects I love most about Montessori is how it fosters a child’s independence as well as caters to each child’s individual levels/needs. Every child is unique; therefore we must guide each child to their potential.

collinswood_stella
Stella Giglio
Assistant Director

I have been working in the industry for four years and commenced with Precious Cargo in November 2018 where I began my journey with the Montessori Philosophy and since then have enjoyed being…

Read More

…part of a team who strive to provide the best Montessori practices and a supportive, carefully designed environment for the children.

staff_placeholder
Tracy Taylor
Montessori Mentor

I have been working as a qualified educator in child care since 2003 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with children of all ages. I have been with the Precious Cargo community for almost 10 years.

Read More

As a teacher I highly value the Montessori materials that provide children with a strong foundation of concrete concepts in maths and literacy, preparing them for future learning at school.

staff_placeholder
Ali Lee
Montessori Mentor

I have been with Precious Cargo since 2015. The Montessori style of teaching fosters beautiful, independent growth for children at their own pace. My work at Precious Cargo allows me to be…

Read More

…more of a “guide” than a traditional teacher.

I keep aiming toward integrity and poise as a teacher in this environment. I am supported to create a peaceful, engaging and comforting classroom where children seem happy, healthy and express their love of learning.

Get In Touch
Address:

91 North East Rd
Collinswood, SA 5081

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Lockleys

South Australia

Equipped with two outdoor play areas, a kitchen cooking platform, music room and book library, Precious Cargo at Lockleys is ideal for kids with all kinds of interests and skills.

Our sustainability and agricultural focus is demonstrated through our vegetable gardens, where children are involved with the planting process, maintaining and finally picking and cooking with their produce. We have a Grow Free Cart in our foyer for families and educators to contribute to. As a centre we are continually looking at ways that we can improve on our sustainability and recycling items to reduce waste.

This centre has very close connections with the local nursing home, Happy Feet Dance and Vinnies through our much loved Community Links program. We also have an arrangement for a monthly book swap with the West Torrens Library.

Lockleys’s Next Open Day

Saturday 2 November, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Lockleys

Betine
Betina Pfeil
Director

I have been part of the Precious Cargo family for nearly 10 years and have spent over 9 of those years at St Peters before moving to our service at Lockleys.

Read More

Through helping out at the school with reading and other support over many years a passion was ignited inside me, a desire to make a difference in early childhood education and my journey with Precious Cargo began. Now after working in all rooms as an educator and most recently as a Montessori Mentor and WHS Representative I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to join our Lockley’s service and become part of their family first as Assistant Director and now Director.

This position will allow me to continue to inspire staff to offer children in our care the best possible start to their education, to learn life skills that set the foundation for their future in an ordered, caring and prepared environment during what is our children’s most formative years.

Tami
Tarni
Assistant Director

Growing up, I had a passion for Early Childhood Education and I was fortunate enough to begin my career at Precious Cargo Lockleys in 2012 when the Centre was established. I immersed myself in learning the Montessori method and was instantly inspired about the child-focused environment and supporting children’s independence. As I have grown and learned, I have fulfilled roles as an Educator in Nursery, Waddlers and Pre-Kindy, Team Leader in Kindy, and now Assistant Director and Educational Leader. Each day I remain grateful that I continue to have the opportunity to nurture, support and build relationships with the children, families, and educators to make a difference in our community.

lockleys_pat
Pat Lewis
Director

When I first learnt about the Montessori Philosophy and teaching methods I was sceptical, however after nearly 13 years with Precious Cargo my respect and admiration for Dr Maria Montessori…

Read More

…is stronger than ever.

The respect and humility that is part of the Montessori Philosophy has really resonated with my own personal and professional philosophy and has been the basis of my teaching. During my time with Precious Cargo, I have observed children flourish using the Montessori Teachings – when given the opportunity to engage in real meaningful work, using the child sized materials children’s concentration and confidence builds.

I have been working in the early years education for nearly 20 years and have had the pleasure of working with numerous families. The Montessori Method is so much more than working with the pink tower, it is about developing independence through hands on learning and teaching respect: not just for the environment but most importantly for yourself. Dr Maria Montessori’s teachings have played an influential part in building confident young people who have a love of learning. My love for the Montessori Method will always support my teaching practises and will guide me as I navigate through my own parenting.

lockleys_emily
Emily Luderer
Assistant Director

I have always been passionate about working with children. I started working in Early Childhood Education when I finished high school in 2008. Since then I have been an educator…

Read More

…a team leader and now an assistant director.

I have been part of the Precious Cargo family since 2016 and love educating children through the Montessori method. I think what resonates the most with me in  Montessori is the way that children are set up to succeed and are given freedom to learn through routine and practice.

staff_placeholder
Bek Atkinson
Montessori Mentor

I have been a Precious Cargo employee since 2011. During this time I have completed both Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education through Precious Cargo; both certificates were greatly…

Read More

…influenced by Montessori; this is when I learnt my passion for the Montessori style of teaching. One of my favourite things about Montessori is the amount of individual learning and development that happens on each child as educators extend on each individual interest through hands on experiences. Everything about our Montessori classrooms fosters independence; the environment is beautifully prepared, calm with a great sense of order. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Precious Cargo family.

Get In Touch
Address:

390 Henley Beach Rd
Lockleys, SA 5032

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Marion

South Australia

The newest addition to our family of Precious Cargos is our lovely Marion centre! This centre boasts an amazing, free-flowing & natural outdoor space which is ideal for child play and collaboration. With a kitchen cooking platform and large music room, this centre also has everything a child needs to develop their sensorial and practical skills.

Marion’s Next Open Day

Saturday 16 November, 9am – 11am

Meet the Staff at Marion

Bek Atkinson
Assistant Director
Get In Touch
Address:

15 Finniss St
Marion, SA 5043

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Woodville Park

South Australia

This two-storey, purpose-built centre is equipped with a verandah, alfresco eating facilities, and a unique play area with various adventure-based equipment. There is also an eclectic sawtooth structure covering part of the outdoor area. Precious Cargo’s emphasis on sustainability and agricultural is exercised in a practical sense, with pet rabbits and a turtle, vegetable gardens, and a worm farm.

Woodville Park centre has formed very strong connections with local businesses and organisations as part of Precious Cargo’s Community Links program. These include; Paint the Westside REaD, Salvation Army, Via Dance, Little Tennis Stars, and the local library. 

Woodville Park’s Next Open Day

Saturday 19 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Woodville Park

woodvillepark_jacqui
Jacqui Lee
Director

I commenced my childcare experience in Victoria where I began as an Educator working my way through to a Director position.

Read More

I have worked in the industry for over 20 years including some time as a Family Day Carer.
I then relocated in December 2018 to Precious Cargo Woodville as an Assistant Director. I strive to provide a welcoming learning environment for children so it feels like home. I love the simplicity of the Montessori curriculum where it logically teaches children about the skills needed for life and enables them to gain self-confidence.

Get In Touch
Address:

699 Port Road
Woodville Park, SA 5011

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Westbourne Park

South Australia

Westbourne Park Precious Cargo’s purpose-built centre is equipped with a kitchen cooking platform, a separate garden area, a music room, as well as two large outdoor play areas. A number of pets also live onsite which the children help to care for.

There is a strong sense of community at Westbourne Park Centre which has been created through developing relationships with external organisations such as Goodwood Library, Ready Steady Go, Happy Feet, St Vincent De Paul, The Australian Dental Clinic, Nature Play SA, The Nature Education Centre, the local vet and more!

To ensure children’s learning and sharing can continue outside of the Centre, children can also borrow books from the Little Library or share produce on the Grow Cart in Reception!

Westbourne Park’s Next Open Day

Saturday 2 November, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Westbourne Park

westbournepark_amy
Amy
Assistant Director

I began working in Early Learning Sector 15 years ago. Early in my career, I was fortunate to discover Precious Cargo, where the vision to realise the potential in every child, strongly resinated…

Read More

…with my personal philosophy for children’s education and care. I have now been part of the company for 10 years.

My interest in child development was ignited by my mother, who was a teacher at a Montessori Primary School. As a child, I also attended a Montessori Preschool and I flourished in the hands-on learning environment.  Later in life, as a young adult, I was given  the opportunity to learn and to work as a Teacher’s Aid in a Montessori School, which further enlivened my curiosity for the Montessori pedagogy; a child-focussed educational approach based on scientific observation of child development. Since then, I’ve gone on to study my Assistant Certificate in Montessori and I still remain passionate about observing children grow and develop through this amazing method.

Get In Touch
Address:

183 Cross Rd
Westbourne Park, SA 5041

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

St Peters

South Australia

Precious Cargo at St Peters is equipped with three outdoor play areas, a playground built in 2019, two verandahs, and numerous established trees. The centre also boasts a kitchen cooking platform and a music room. We are also passionate about celebrating diverse cultures through various celebrations and learning experiences.

Precious Cargo’s environmental and agricultural focus is evident at St Peters, with compost bins, pet fish , and vegetable gardens Additionally, our much praised Community Links program has seen this centre form strong connections with the local library, Woolworths and Happy Feet Dance.

St Peters’s Next Open Day

Saturday 19 October, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Meet the Staff at St Peters

Rabia
Rabia Nagpal
Director

Hello, my name is Rabia Nagpal and I have been with Precious cargo since 2016. I have had many roles within the company…

Read More

including Assistant Educator, Team leader, working my way up to the role of an assistant director/Educational Leader. I hold Masters in English literature and I possess Diploma in Early childhood education and care.

“Play is the work of child”. I believe that children constantly learn from the world around them. Therefore, here at Precious cargo, we aim to provide a prepared environment, which is child centred and promote freedom for children to explore the materials of their choice. I enjoy every part of my job as it is very rewarding, providing the opportunity to influence and shape the lives of young children. I strongly believe in working with partnership with the families, as children are much more likely to reach their full potential in their life when their family and education and care services work together. I look forward to keep coaching and mentoring my team to ensure that we provide safe, secure and nurturing environment to all our children. It is a joy to be a part of children’s journey each day.

Get In Touch
Address:

79-83 Stephen Tce
St Peters, SA 5069

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Blackwood

Blackwood

South Australia

Every Precious Cargo centre is unique, and Blackwood is no exception. Located a short distance from Wittunga Botanic Gardens, this centre has 2 large verandahs, a kitchen cooking platform, and a purpose-built music room. The Montessori focus on sensorial and practical life is evident, with a vegetable garden, Grow Free cart, and a pet turtle! They also learn about empathy and consideration through their strong Community Links with Happy Feet Dance, Oz Harvest, CFS, and the indigenous community.

Blackwood’s Next Open Day

Saturday 12 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Blackwood

Vanessa Webb
Director and Montessori Mentor

I have worked in early childhood education since 2003 and I’ve been working here at Precious Cargo Blackwood since April 2018.

Building meaningful connections with children and their families is what I am really passionate about as I believe that a strong sense of belonging helps children become confident and active learners.

Montessori learning encompasses the whole child, allowing them to learn and develop at their own pace. It gives children the chance to be fully involved in exploring and contributing to their environment giving them the sense of ownership, responsibility and respect that sets them up for life.

Director
Get In Touch
Address:

346-348 Shepherds Hill Rd
Blackwood, SA 5051

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Collinswood

Collinswood

South Australia

Our two-storey Collinswood centre is purpose-built, with a dining room, music room, kitchen cooking platform, outdoor verandah, and balcony with shade. There are also two outdoor play areas, one of which has a spider web climbing frame and a rock mound with a slide! The culture within this centre is extremely diverse and is equipped with educators that speak multiple languages.

 

The Montessori focus on sustainability and sensory education is evident in the agricultural practices available for children, including pet frogs, vegetable and herb gardens, compost bins, and Grow Free cart! The centre also boasts strong community links with St Monica’s Primary School, Australian Broadcasting Station, Happy Feet Dance and Ready Steady Go. We also have a First Nations Library in the reception area with a great collection of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders authors that families can borrow.

 

Our School Readiness Program for children aged 3-6 in ELC 1 and ELC 2 is provided by our qualified Bachelor’s and Master degree-holding Early Childhood Teachers. The program is designed to prepare children with the essential skills and abilities that they need to succeed in their future learning.

 

We can’t wait to have you and your family at our centre! Reach out to us now to schedule your tour and experience the quality service firsthand.

Collinswood’s Next Open Day

Saturday 26 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Collinswood

Suneha
Suneha Gill
Director

I began my journey in early childhood education 18 years ago as a primary school teacher and have enjoyed working in a range of positions since then such as educational leader and team leader. Joining Precious Cargo in July 2022 as the Director, I love the simplicity of the Montessori curriculum where it coherently teaches children about the skills needed for life and enables them to become competent and independent learners.

Read More

I am guided by the simple philosophy of

connection = cooperation

disconnection = disruption.

We at Collinswood aim to provide positive, engaging, stimulating learning environment for children and families. We strongly emphasize in building connections and relationships with children and their families in our centre.

We look forward to learning more about your family and would love to discuss how we can work together, fostering the independent learners that all your children are.

Lynette
Lynette Franco
Assistant Director

One of the most amazing things that happened when I moved to Australia in 2014 was when I changed career from an engineer to working with children in childcare services. Even prior to completing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, I started to work as an educator in 2015 and this opened my eyes to the joys of seeing children succeed in their learning and development. I worked in City West Tafe SA for five years. I started as a qualified educator and left the centre as Lead Educator. Prior to working here in Precious Cargo Collinswood, I was with Annesley Junior College as Qualified Educator.

Read More

For more than five years I have been in the industry, I believe that for a child to reach their full potential they need to lead their development with the guidance of teachers and educators. This is what I love about Montessori approach. The environment is prepared to provide the children holistic, inclusive, and fun activities that involve real-life skills. Children are respected to work at their own pace and to choose what experiences they want to have for the day. That is why I am proud to be part of the Precious Cargo family in supporting the children, together with their family, in their journey to independence and prepare them for life.

staff_placeholder
Donna Brine
Director

I have been working in childcare for over twenty years; eight of these years have been with Precious Cargo. My journey began as an Educator and have worked my way through to…

Read More

…Operations Manager. Since working with the Montessori philosophy, I continue to get excited with the level of independence children develop when given the opportunity.

collinswood_despina
Despina Nimpis
Assistant Director

What inspired me to work in childcare is my love for children, and the joy they bring. I have been in the industry now for 7 years, (Nearly 2 years now at Precious Cargo). I had little to no knowledge of…

Read More

…Montessori when I started, but soon grew to love it!

I believe the Montessori method benefits a child in many ways. The key aspects I love most about Montessori is how it fosters a child’s independence as well as caters to each child’s individual levels/needs. Every child is unique; therefore we must guide each child to their potential.

collinswood_stella
Stella Giglio
Assistant Director

I have been working in the industry for four years and commenced with Precious Cargo in November 2018 where I began my journey with the Montessori Philosophy and since then have enjoyed being…

Read More

…part of a team who strive to provide the best Montessori practices and a supportive, carefully designed environment for the children.

staff_placeholder
Tracy Taylor
Montessori Mentor

I have been working as a qualified educator in child care since 2003 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with children of all ages. I have been with the Precious Cargo community for almost 10 years.

Read More

As a teacher I highly value the Montessori materials that provide children with a strong foundation of concrete concepts in maths and literacy, preparing them for future learning at school.

staff_placeholder
Ali Lee
Montessori Mentor

I have been with Precious Cargo since 2015. The Montessori style of teaching fosters beautiful, independent growth for children at their own pace. My work at Precious Cargo allows me to be…

Read More

…more of a “guide” than a traditional teacher.

I keep aiming toward integrity and poise as a teacher in this environment. I am supported to create a peaceful, engaging and comforting classroom where children seem happy, healthy and express their love of learning.

Get In Touch
Address:

91 North East Rd
Collinswood, SA 5081

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Lockleys

Lockleys

South Australia

Equipped with two outdoor play areas, a kitchen cooking platform, music room and book library, Precious Cargo at Lockleys is ideal for kids with all kinds of interests and skills.

Our sustainability and agricultural focus is demonstrated through our vegetable gardens, where children are involved with the planting process, maintaining and finally picking and cooking with their produce. We have a Grow Free Cart in our foyer for families and educators to contribute to. As a centre we are continually looking at ways that we can improve on our sustainability and recycling items to reduce waste.

This centre has very close connections with the local nursing home, Happy Feet Dance and Vinnies through our much loved Community Links program. We also have an arrangement for a monthly book swap with the West Torrens Library.

Lockleys’s Next Open Day

Saturday 2 November, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Lockleys

Betine
Betina Pfeil
Director

I have been part of the Precious Cargo family for nearly 10 years and have spent over 9 of those years at St Peters before moving to our service at Lockleys.

Read More

Through helping out at the school with reading and other support over many years a passion was ignited inside me, a desire to make a difference in early childhood education and my journey with Precious Cargo began. Now after working in all rooms as an educator and most recently as a Montessori Mentor and WHS Representative I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to join our Lockley’s service and become part of their family first as Assistant Director and now Director.

This position will allow me to continue to inspire staff to offer children in our care the best possible start to their education, to learn life skills that set the foundation for their future in an ordered, caring and prepared environment during what is our children’s most formative years.

Tami
Tarni
Assistant Director

Growing up, I had a passion for Early Childhood Education and I was fortunate enough to begin my career at Precious Cargo Lockleys in 2012 when the Centre was established. I immersed myself in learning the Montessori method and was instantly inspired about the child-focused environment and supporting children’s independence. As I have grown and learned, I have fulfilled roles as an Educator in Nursery, Waddlers and Pre-Kindy, Team Leader in Kindy, and now Assistant Director and Educational Leader. Each day I remain grateful that I continue to have the opportunity to nurture, support and build relationships with the children, families, and educators to make a difference in our community.

lockleys_pat
Pat Lewis
Director

When I first learnt about the Montessori Philosophy and teaching methods I was sceptical, however after nearly 13 years with Precious Cargo my respect and admiration for Dr Maria Montessori…

Read More

…is stronger than ever.

The respect and humility that is part of the Montessori Philosophy has really resonated with my own personal and professional philosophy and has been the basis of my teaching. During my time with Precious Cargo, I have observed children flourish using the Montessori Teachings – when given the opportunity to engage in real meaningful work, using the child sized materials children’s concentration and confidence builds.

I have been working in the early years education for nearly 20 years and have had the pleasure of working with numerous families. The Montessori Method is so much more than working with the pink tower, it is about developing independence through hands on learning and teaching respect: not just for the environment but most importantly for yourself. Dr Maria Montessori’s teachings have played an influential part in building confident young people who have a love of learning. My love for the Montessori Method will always support my teaching practises and will guide me as I navigate through my own parenting.

lockleys_emily
Emily Luderer
Assistant Director

I have always been passionate about working with children. I started working in Early Childhood Education when I finished high school in 2008. Since then I have been an educator…

Read More

…a team leader and now an assistant director.

I have been part of the Precious Cargo family since 2016 and love educating children through the Montessori method. I think what resonates the most with me in  Montessori is the way that children are set up to succeed and are given freedom to learn through routine and practice.

staff_placeholder
Bek Atkinson
Montessori Mentor

I have been a Precious Cargo employee since 2011. During this time I have completed both Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education through Precious Cargo; both certificates were greatly…

Read More

…influenced by Montessori; this is when I learnt my passion for the Montessori style of teaching. One of my favourite things about Montessori is the amount of individual learning and development that happens on each child as educators extend on each individual interest through hands on experiences. Everything about our Montessori classrooms fosters independence; the environment is beautifully prepared, calm with a great sense of order. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Precious Cargo family.

Get In Touch
Address:

390 Henley Beach Rd
Lockleys, SA 5032

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Marion

Marion

South Australia

The newest addition to our family of Precious Cargos is our lovely Marion centre! This centre boasts an amazing, free-flowing & natural outdoor space which is ideal for child play and collaboration. With a kitchen cooking platform and large music room, this centre also has everything a child needs to develop their sensorial and practical skills.

Marion’s Next Open Day

Saturday 16 November, 9am – 11am

Meet the Staff at Marion

Bek Atkinson
Assistant Director
Get In Touch
Address:

15 Finniss St
Marion, SA 5043

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Woodville Park

Woodville Park

South Australia

This two-storey, purpose-built centre is equipped with a verandah, alfresco eating facilities, and a unique play area with various adventure-based equipment. There is also an eclectic sawtooth structure covering part of the outdoor area. Precious Cargo’s emphasis on sustainability and agricultural is exercised in a practical sense, with pet rabbits and a turtle, vegetable gardens, and a worm farm.

Woodville Park centre has formed very strong connections with local businesses and organisations as part of Precious Cargo’s Community Links program. These include; Paint the Westside REaD, Salvation Army, Via Dance, Little Tennis Stars, and the local library. 

Woodville Park’s Next Open Day

Saturday 19 October, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Woodville Park

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Jacqui Lee
Director

I commenced my childcare experience in Victoria where I began as an Educator working my way through to a Director position.

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I have worked in the industry for over 20 years including some time as a Family Day Carer.
I then relocated in December 2018 to Precious Cargo Woodville as an Assistant Director. I strive to provide a welcoming learning environment for children so it feels like home. I love the simplicity of the Montessori curriculum where it logically teaches children about the skills needed for life and enables them to gain self-confidence.

Get In Touch
Address:

699 Port Road
Woodville Park, SA 5011

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Westbourne Park

Westbourne Park

South Australia

Westbourne Park Precious Cargo’s purpose-built centre is equipped with a kitchen cooking platform, a separate garden area, a music room, as well as two large outdoor play areas. A number of pets also live onsite which the children help to care for.

There is a strong sense of community at Westbourne Park Centre which has been created through developing relationships with external organisations such as Goodwood Library, Ready Steady Go, Happy Feet, St Vincent De Paul, The Australian Dental Clinic, Nature Play SA, The Nature Education Centre, the local vet and more!

To ensure children’s learning and sharing can continue outside of the Centre, children can also borrow books from the Little Library or share produce on the Grow Cart in Reception!

Westbourne Park’s Next Open Day

Saturday 2 November, 10am – 12pm

Meet the Staff at Westbourne Park

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Amy
Assistant Director

I began working in Early Learning Sector 15 years ago. Early in my career, I was fortunate to discover Precious Cargo, where the vision to realise the potential in every child, strongly resinated…

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…with my personal philosophy for children’s education and care. I have now been part of the company for 10 years.

My interest in child development was ignited by my mother, who was a teacher at a Montessori Primary School. As a child, I also attended a Montessori Preschool and I flourished in the hands-on learning environment.  Later in life, as a young adult, I was given  the opportunity to learn and to work as a Teacher’s Aid in a Montessori School, which further enlivened my curiosity for the Montessori pedagogy; a child-focussed educational approach based on scientific observation of child development. Since then, I’ve gone on to study my Assistant Certificate in Montessori and I still remain passionate about observing children grow and develop through this amazing method.

Get In Touch
Address:

183 Cross Rd
Westbourne Park, SA 5041

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

St Peters

St Peters

South Australia

Precious Cargo at St Peters is equipped with three outdoor play areas, a playground built in 2019, two verandahs, and numerous established trees. The centre also boasts a kitchen cooking platform and a music room. We are also passionate about celebrating diverse cultures through various celebrations and learning experiences.

Precious Cargo’s environmental and agricultural focus is evident at St Peters, with compost bins, pet fish , and vegetable gardens Additionally, our much praised Community Links program has seen this centre form strong connections with the local library, Woolworths and Happy Feet Dance.

St Peters’s Next Open Day

Saturday 19 October, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Meet the Staff at St Peters

Rabia
Rabia Nagpal
Director

Hello, my name is Rabia Nagpal and I have been with Precious cargo since 2016. I have had many roles within the company…

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including Assistant Educator, Team leader, working my way up to the role of an assistant director/Educational Leader. I hold Masters in English literature and I possess Diploma in Early childhood education and care.

“Play is the work of child”. I believe that children constantly learn from the world around them. Therefore, here at Precious cargo, we aim to provide a prepared environment, which is child centred and promote freedom for children to explore the materials of their choice. I enjoy every part of my job as it is very rewarding, providing the opportunity to influence and shape the lives of young children. I strongly believe in working with partnership with the families, as children are much more likely to reach their full potential in their life when their family and education and care services work together. I look forward to keep coaching and mentoring my team to ensure that we provide safe, secure and nurturing environment to all our children. It is a joy to be a part of children’s journey each day.

Get In Touch
Address:

79-83 Stephen Tce
St Peters, SA 5069

Centre Hours:

Long Day Care: 6:30 am to 6 pm (all year)

Pre-School: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Get in Touch with a Centre Near You!