A Family of Montessori-Inspired Child Care Centres in Perth
nurture love inspire
At Sagewood, we warmly welcome your family into a nurturing community where every child is truly known and celebrated. As a privately owned, Perth-based family of seven boutique early learning centres, we provide care and education for children from eight weeks through to 5 years. Our story began with a simple belief that every child is born with unique gifts, ready to be discovered, nurtured, and inspired. Today, that belief continues to guide everything we do across each of our centres. We create gentle, enriching environments where children feel safe, loved, and supported to explore the world around them at their own pace. Through our thoughtfully designed educational program, we foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. At the heart of Sagewood are our three values nurture, love, inspire. These values shape every interaction, every learning experience, and every moment we share with your child.
We would be honoured to be part of your child’s early learning journey.
from one vision to seven centres
Sagewood was founded in 2019 by a passionate team of experienced early childhood professionals who believed there was a more meaningful way to support children and families. Rather than becoming a large corporate chain, we chose to grow thoughtfully creating a small network of boutique centres where every child is truly known, every educator is supported, and every family feels a genuine sense of belonging. What began as a single centre in Joondalup has grown into a close-knit family of seven purpose-built early learning centres across Perth. While we’ve grown, our approach has remained the same, personal, intentional, and deeply connected. We own and operate every centre in WA with a centre-based leadership team. As owners we are actively involved in each service. This hands-on approach allows us to build strong relationships with our educators and families, and to ensure that every child receives the care, attention, and consistency they deserve.
For families, this means peace of mind knowing the people guiding your child’s early learning journey are present, approachable, and genuinely invested in their development. At Sagewood, you’re not just joining a centre you’re becoming part of a caring community built on trust, connection, and shared values.
our journey so far
We're registered and approved by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) under provider approval PR-40020572, and every Sagewood centre is individually assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard. You can verify any of our centres on the national ACECQA register.
| 2019 | Sagewood was registered. |
| 2021 | Joondalup was acquired in January, Dayton opened in February, and Canning Vale opened in June. |
| 2022 | Sagewood Success opens on Wentworth Parade, bringing boutique early learning to the southern corridor. |
| 2023 | Sagewood Harrisdale and Sagewood Woodvale open, growing the family to six purpose-built centres across Perth. |
| 2024 | Woodvale was officially rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard. |
| 2026 | Sagewood Baldivis opens, making us a family of seven centres serving Perth's northern, eastern, and southern suburbs. |
boutique early learning tailored to each child
The word “boutique” is often used, but at Sagewood it carries a deeper meaning one that families feel from the very first visit.
For us, it means being intentionally small, so we can take the time to truly know your child their personality, their interests, their needs and build meaningful relationships with your whole family. It means environments that are thoughtfully designed for curiosity, play, and discovery, rather than simply accommodating large numbers.
Most importantly, it means staying closely connected. Our owners and leadership team are actively involved in each of our centres, supporting educators, engaging with families, and ensuring every child’s experience reflects the care and quality we promise. We understand that choosing an early learning service is a big decision, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
At the heart of everything we do are our three guiding values nurture, love, inspire. These values shape the way we welcome your family, support your child, and create a sense of belonging from day one.
nuture
Creating safe environments where children play, discover, and explore under the guidance of nurturing and passionate educators.
love
Sparking a genuine love of learning - in a loving atmosphere - by encouraging curiosity, imagination, and creativity through all play and activities.
inspire
Blending credible learning methodologies to inspire and equip children as they learn, in a way that suits their learning style, likes and personality.
a blended philosophy that honours every child
At Sagewood, we follow the national Early Years Learning Framework and blend three of the world's most respected early childhood philosophies. Each one brings something different to the way we care for and teach children — and together, they let us meet every child exactly where they are.
Montessori - Inspires our focus on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and beautifully prepared environments. Children work in mixed-age groups with uniquely designed materials that build independence, concentration, and a sense of purpose from the earliest years.
Reggio Emilia - Shapes how we observe and respond to each child's curiosities. This Italian-born philosophy honours the 'hundred languages' children use to express themselves — painting, sculpting, drama, music, building, storytelling — and uses their interests to shape meaningful, project-based learning.
Waldorf (Steiner) - Grounds our belief in learning through imitation, rhythm, sensory experience, and respect for childhood as a distinct and precious stage. Our environments provide structure and protection, while also inviting children to take age-appropriate risks and meet real challenges.
Want to read more about how these philosophies come together at Sagewood?
supporting development across five learning outcomes
At Sagewood, your child’s learning journey is thoughtfully guided by Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework a nationally recognised approach that helps ensure every child receives a high-quality, well-rounded start to life.
This framework shapes everything we do, focusing on five important outcomes that support your child’s growth, confidence, and wellbeing:
A strong sense of identity
Connection to and understanding of their world
A healthy sense of wellbeing
Confidence as an active, capable learner
The ability to communicate and express themselves
While these outcomes provide the foundation, what truly matters is how your child experiences them each day.
From our youngest babies through to our school-ready children, every moment at Sagewood is carefully planned with intention and care. Whether your child is exploring practical life skills, engaging in creative arts, developing language and literacy, or discovering the joy of nature play, cooking, gardening, music, and movement, each experience is designed to nurture their development in a gentle, meaningful way.
For families, this means you can feel confident that your child is not only cared for but also guided, supported, and inspired to grow into a capable, curious, and confident learner.
At Sagewood, learning is never rushed, it is nurtured with care, guided by expertise, and shaped around your child.
meet the team behind Sagewood
Experienced leaders who are hands-on in our centres, on our playgrounds, and at our family events — not just on a website.
greg
chief executive officer
I'm Greg. I'm the Chief Executive Officer at Sagewood Early Learning. I look after the business side of Sagewood, making sure our staff have the support they need so they can stay focused on the children and families in our centres.
I'm a qualified Chartered Accountant with 19 years' experience across various industries — the last nine of them in the education sector. Most of my work happens at our head office, but I visit our centres regularly to check in with the team.
Outside of work, my wife Dayle and I love spending time at the beach with our two daughters, cheering them on at their sport, swimming, and music lessons. I also play soccer with the masters team at UWA Nedlands when I can.
jay lee barr
chief operating officer
I'm Jay. I'm the Chief Operating Officer at Sagewood Early Learning, and I've worked in the early childhood education and care sector since 1997. My work is shaped by both my professional background and my personal experience as a working Mum, including a genuine understanding of the trust involved in choosing early learning and care for your child.
At Sagewood, I'm responsible for the operational leadership of the organisation, overseeing the planning and establishment of new services and the ongoing support of our seven centres across Perth. I work closely with all of our staff to make sure every centre is well-led, thoughtfully designed, and supported by clear policies, procedures, and training, including child safety and safeguarding practices guided by regulatory requirements and recognised sector standards.
I hold qualifications in children's services, business, and leadership and management, and I bring decades of hands-on experience across early learning settings. Alongside my role at Sagewood, I contribute to the broader early childhood sector as Secretary of the Australian Childcare Alliance WA, our state's peak body for early learning services, and as a committee member with Play Active through The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Returning to full-time work when my daughter was just 11 weeks old was one of the hardest things I've ever done. That experience is exactly why I do what I do, to make sure every parent feels supported and every child is given the opportunities I'd want for my own little one.
tara henry
executive operations manager
I'm Tara. I'm the Executive Operations Manager at Sagewood Early Learning. Originally from Ireland, I completed an Honours Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education before moving to Perth in 2017. Since then, I've worked as an Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader, Assistant Director, and Centre Director.
My experience across every level of early childhood care means I understand what it takes to support both our educators and our families. I'm present in each of our centres, offering guidance, advice, and hands-on help. By being actively involved in daily operations, I can make sure our values of nurture, love, and inspire aren't just words on a wall - they're the foundation of everything we do.
I'm currently studying a Diploma in Leadership and Management to continue growing in my role. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, keeping active at the gym, and catching up with friends over coffee.
cj
area manager
I'm CJ. I'm the Area Manager at Sagewood Early Learning. Originally from Ireland, I completed an Honours Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education before moving to Perth in 2017. Since then, I've worked as an Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader, Assistant Director, and Centre Director.
My experience across every level of early childhood care means I understand what it takes to support both our educators and our families. I'm present in each of our centres, offering guidance, advice, and hands-on help. By being actively involved in daily operations, I can make sure our values of nurture, love, and inspire aren't just words on a wall - they're the foundation of everything we do.
I'm currently studying a Diploma in Leadership and Management to continue growing in my role. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, keeping active at the gym, and catching up with friends over coffee.
we’re parents too
As both owners and parents, we understand that choosing an early learning centre is more than just a practical decision , it’s an emotional one. It comes with trust, questions, and at times, a sense of uncertainty. We deeply respect that, because we’ve been there too.
We know how important these early years are not only in preparing children for school, but in shaping their confidence, wellbeing, and love of learning for life. That’s why we approach every child’s journey with care, intention, and genuine commitment.
At Sagewood, we believe strong partnerships with families are at the heart of a child’s success. We prioritise open, honest communication and take the time to build meaningful relationships with you, so you feel informed, supported, and connected every step of the way.
When you join Sagewood, you’re not simply enrolling in a centre you’re becoming part of a warm, supportive community. A place where your child feels safe and known, and where you feel welcomed, understood, and at ease.
Our hope is that Sagewood becomes more than a childcare provider that it feels like a second home for your child, and an extension of your family.
going beyond the fundamentals
Beyond high-quality everyday care, we invest in specialist programs and partnerships that deepen what children learn and how they're supported — at Sagewood and at home.
Safe4Kids Protective Education
A Perth-developed child protection program teaching children age-appropriate personal safety, body autonomy, and help-seeking skills. Our educators are personally inducted into the Safe4Kids method by its founder Holly-ann Martin OAM, and families receive regular newsletters so the learning continues at home.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan guides how we teach, celebrate, and engage with First Nations cultures, perspectives, and histories. From acknowledging country to weaving Aboriginal perspectives through our arts and cultural programs, reconciliation is part of daily life at Sagewood.
Storypark Community Platform
A secure online community that lets our educators share real-time updates, photos, and videos with families throughout the day. When there isn't time for a chat at drop-off, Storypark keeps you part of your child's journey at the centre.
Play Active Program
Developed by The Kids Research Institute Australia, the Play Active Program supports physical activity, bone health, cardiovascular fitness, and cognitive and psychosocial development through structured daily movement. Physical activity is critical in the early years, and we take it seriously.
ELMA — Emotional Literacy for Every Child
ELMA is a social and emotional development program delivered as part of our staff training by Tenille Bentley, and woven into daily life at Sagewood. Through ELMA, children build resilience, empathy, and healthy emotional self-expression, with tools for families to continue the work at home.
what makes us special?
Choosing a child care centre comes with a lot of questions. These pages are designed to answer them.
Learn more about the emotional literacy program we've woven into daily life.
Purpose-built natural playgrounds designed for exploration, risk, and joy.
Read the full Sagewood philosophy and our beliefs about children, families, and early learning.
Meet our in-house nutrition team and see how we feed little bodies and minds each day.
See all seven Sagewood centres across Perth and find your closest.
Everything you need to know about enrolment, rooms, ratios, and day-to-day life at Sagewood.
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our centres stand, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
We commit to working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, and to inspiring and supporting those in the early childhood profession to do the same.
acknowledgement of country
Ready to visit Sagewood?
The best way to understand what makes us different is to walk through our doors, meet our team, and see our environments in action.