Ph. (08) 8362 7614 | E. admin@margaretives.com.au 
Ph. (08) 8362 7614 | E. admin@margaretives.com.au
The most important assets at Margaret Ives are our caring, experienced and enthusiastic staff team. We have a high educator-to-child ratio and qualified educators in each room. We are committed to professional and personal staff development - we believe it is integral to providing a high quality service.
Our policies and practice reflect a commitment to the safety and protection of children and to providing a child-safe environment. All educators and staff undergo a Child Related Screening every 3 years. Many of our staff have been at the Centre for more than 10 years.
Our Director, Joanne Waterhouse, joined Margaret Ives in 2016 after moving to Australia from England. She has worked with children for over 20 years, including 15 years as Director at a community based childcare centre in one of the most disadvantaged areas in Britain. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Teacher Status. During her time working as a Director in England she mentored Early Years Educators from other local childcare centres, supported centres in preparing for inspection and developed and delivered training programmes to educators and staff working in the early year’s sector.
Our Assistant Director, Sarah Rendell, has more than 20 years’ experience working with young children and families. She currently works throughout the Centre and also has some administrative duties. She is committed to building strong working relationships with the children, their families and the Centre Staff.
In the Jacaranda and Bottlebrush room, our educators have extensive qualifications and experience working with young children; primary caregiving, attachment and infant mental health.
In the Preschool we employ three early childhood teachers and three early childhood educators with a range of qualifications and experience.
Our Educational Leader, Hayley Sidelik, has been working in Early Education since 2004. She is commited to continuous development and has completed a Bachelor of Early Years Education, a Diploma of Children's Services, Certificate IV of Training and Assessment, and a Certificate of Infant Mental Health. As the Educational Leader, Hayley’s role is to lead the development and implementation of education programs in the service, which includes the creation of the curriculum, establishing clear goals and expectations for teaching and learning, and the development of the implicational program and planning cycles. She is also responsible for positively influencing educators' work with children and families, and mentoring, guiding and supporting Educators in the ongoing cycle of planning and reflecting to drive quality, continuous improvement and excellence in pedagogy and practice.
Our Administrator, Ellen Papadothomakos, has worked at Margaret Ives since 2022. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Management, and a Certificate III in Finance. Ellen is our first point of contact for more information about the Centre.
Our Cook, Crisy, has over 40 years’ experience in cooking for children and the elderly. We invite you to view our sample menu. Margaret Ives follows food safety standards as set by the Department of Health.
We have a team of regular relief staff, some of whom have been contributing to our Centre for many years which helps provide continuity for the children.
Comprehensive orientation procedures for all new staff, including relief staff, ensure consistent practice and continuity for children and families.
Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre was built in 1978, adjacent to a large park in Norwood. It was originally built as a childcare centre and preschool. In 1996 we added the Jacaranda Room, specially designed to facilitate high quality care for babies.
We are licensed to educate and care for 82 children and have spacious, well-designed rooms to provide an ideal setting for young children to grow and develop. Each room is well-appointed with comfortable furniture and appropriate equipment, and a wide, shady veranda which can be used in all weather. We have a modern kitchen and equipment to ensure the provision of nutritious meals and the safe storage of food.
Each section of the Centre has a large playground developed to meet the needs of the particular age group of children, with appropriate challenges and stimulation, as well as beautiful trees, plenty of shade in summer, areas for active play and quiet relaxation. All of our outdoor spaces create opportunities for children and staff to connect with nature through sand, water, garden beds, bird feeders and plants. Children learn about sustainability and caring for their environment.
The Centre is fortunate to have a Library with excellent resources and books, including a range of books on relevant topics for parents.
There is a small off street car park with a covered walkway to the Centre. Staff and parents ensure the building and grounds are safe and secure, well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing to promote a high standard of care.
Our Centre, established in the mid-70s, is named after Margaret Ives, an Early Childhood Educator, Director of St Giles Crèche in Norwood and a friend to many families in the community. Located on Kaurna Yerta in a beautiful, tranquil park setting in the near-city suburb of Norwood, South Australia, our Centre has an outstanding reputation for providing an enriched, inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Centre and staff are fortunate in being nominated for several awards over recent years, including:
We are extremely proud of these acknowledgements and continue to strive for excellence.
At Margaret Ives Community Children's Centre we embrace the philosophy that each child is unique, developing at his or her own rate and with individual needs and interests. Our curriculum is inspired by many Early Childhood principles including Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori, Marte Meo, and like our philosophy holds the child as the central focus. It reflects the childrens’ strengths and interests, and includes their voice in all areas of planning. We collaborate with families to ensure our program is respectful and inclusive to all.
Hours of Operation
Childcare sessions
7.30am-6.00pm Monday-Friday
Preschool Sessions (during school terms)
Children are entitled to 15 hours preschool per week. We offer the preschool entitlement over 2 days - 8.30am-4pm.
If a tour date is not available please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be notified when our next round of tour dates is released.
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Kaurna People as the first peoples on this land, where we play, learn and grow. We respect all Aboriginal people, and we will look after the land, the sun, the animals, the creeks and the oceans.
Niina Marni Land, Niina Marni Sun, Naa Marni Everyone
Please visit our careers section for our current employment opportunities.
