Key Facts:
Community Open Day 11th April 10-1pm
Built by Mums for parents of Perth
Families and community at the heart of everything
ELK Early Learning & Kindergarten opens in Bedford — unhurried mornings, educator-owned, and built around your child.
Bedford, Perth — Choosing your child's first childcare centre is one of the biggest decisions a new mum and dad will make — and for many Perth families, it's also one of the hardest. A new early learning centre in Bedford has been built by Mum's to make it choice a little easier.
Built by educators — Built by mums themselves
ELK is proudly educator-owned, founded by experienced early childhood teachers who wanted to create the kind of centre they'd happily send their own children to. That means small, considered details: secure bonds with consistent educators, natural light, real materials, and plenty of time outside in nature.
The centre draws on internationally recognised approaches — Circle of Security, Slow Pedagogy and the Reggio Emilia philosophy — but in everyday terms, that means: your child builds a secure, trusting relationship with their educator (so drop-offs get easier), they're given time and space to explore things deeply rather than being rushed through activities, and the environment itself is set up to spark curiosity and creativity.
A home away from home — for your child, and for you
ELK Early Learning & Kindergarten, has opened this year in the leafy Bayswater pocket of Bedford, ELK has been designed by early childhood teachers who know exactly what today's parents are looking for: a calm, nurturing space where their child is truly known, and where drop-offs never feel like a goodbye in a hurry.
Step inside ELK and the first thing you notice isn't a reception desk. It's a warm, light-filled lounge with relaxed seating, a coffee bar and breakfast on offer. Mums are welcome to linger, chat with educators, and settle their little one in at their own pace.
"At ELK, families are never rushed," says Jenna one of the owners and Director for the centre. "We know mornings are busy and emotions are big. We've created a space where you can take a breath and know your child is in the best possible hands before you walk out the door."
Nature, play and real early learning
Expansive outdoor environments encourage children to climb, dig, explore and build confidence through open-ended play — the kind of childhood Perth parents remember. Indoors, flexible learning spaces support creativity, collaboration and early STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), all guided by educators who follow your child's interests rather than a rigid timetable.
Come and see it for yourself — Community Open Day, Saturday 11 April
To celebrate its opening, ELK is hosting a Community Open Day on Saturday 11 April. Families are invited to wander through the centre, meet the educators, let the kids play in the outdoor spaces, and enjoy a coffee on the house. Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti and MP Frank Paolino will also be on hand to help unveil a commemorative plaque marking the official opening.
It's a relaxed family morning out — no pressure, no sales pitch, just a chance to experience the space and see whether it feels right for your family.
Bookings, tours and waitlist
Private tours and waitlist places are available now. Families can book online, send a DM on Instagram, or call the team directly.
About us:
New state of the art childcare centre opened in Bedford mid January 2026, owned by two mums, made for families and community
