Early Childhood

For Little Hands and Minds

Join us at Fahan School's very own play-based learning program, for families with children from birth to four years. Hosted in Fahan's early learning classrooms and grounds, families are welcome to come for casual visits or attend each week during term time - there are no fees to attend.

Hosted by our Head of the Junior School, Mrs Tania Gath, families can enjoy participating in the many fun, playful, messy, noisy, active and delightful activities on offer, both indoors and outdoors. Fahan's enchanting gardens and playgrounds are an immersive experience for our Little Sparks to explore.

Term 2, 2026

The first Little Sparks session for Term 2, 2026 will be held on Friday 8 May. Children do not need to be enrolled at Fahan School to participate, and all children aged 0–4 years are welcome to join in. Tea and coffee will be provided for parents.

View the full Term 2, 2026 program →

The Reggio Emilia Approach

Lady Gowrie Tasmania, in partnership with Fahan School, operates a unique and innovative education and care program, based on the principles of Reggio Emilia, within the school grounds for children from three to five years of age. This small, boutique program prepares children for the first years of school.

Children collaborate, think and construct their own knowledge of the world through play-based experiences including music, art, storytelling, movement and excursions in the local community.

On the Fahan Campus

This unique program operates on the Fahan School grounds, giving children access to school facilities including the Travers Morphett Junior Library, play equipment, gardens and the Early Learning Centre Artist‑In‑Residence. Children also join in many Junior School activities, including time with visiting specialists and the annual Book Week celebrations.

The program is designed and implemented by qualified, experienced and dedicated educators from Lady Gowrie Tasmania, with staff ratios above the minimum standard to ensure every child's needs are met.

National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework (NQF) was the result of an agreement between all Australian governments to provide better educational and developmental outcomes for children. The NQF includes:

• The National Law and Regulations
• The National Quality Standards
• Assessment and Quality Rating Process
• National Learning Frameworks

The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) oversees the NQF and works with state authorities to administer it. Fahan and Lady Gowrie's Pre-Kinder have a service approval issued by the Department of Education Child Care Unit, which undertakes an Assessment and Rating process to assess service quality. For more information, visit acecqa.gov.au.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Federal Government provides financial support to reduce the cost of education and care through the Child Care Subsidy. For further information, visit the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website or phone 13 6150.