kirsty lake

I’m so excited to be working with a team of educators that are passionate in supporting your child reach their full potential as they embark on their learning journey full of discovery and wonder.
I have had great opportunities to experience different positions within the sector for over 20 years from educator, assistant director to director. I strive to create a culture within the service that is warm and caring. An environment where you feel and know as parents that your child is safe, secure and listened to.
At Ashgrove House we believe childhood is a time for discovery, exploration, investigation and imagination. Play based educational programs and natural environments that engage your child’s five senses, provoking wonder, curiosity and intellectual engagement.

We look forward to sharing our space with you and embark on a magical learning journey for you and your child. ”

ERIN Matthews

I am delighted to embark on the journey as the Centre Director at Wanslea Nursery School and ELC, driven by my passion for nurturing the growth and development of young minds. My journey within the Early Childhood Education Sector has encompassed roles as an educator, room leader, assistant director and director. This has provided me with a profound understanding of the critical role relationships with both children and families play in nurturing young minds.

 My personal pedagogy has been strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, which I consider to be a powerful and holistic framework for early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia philosophy resonates with my core beliefs such as viewing children as capable and independent learners, with an innate curiosity and desire to explore their world.

Along with the Wanslea team, we are committed to building meaningful relationships with children, families and the wider community. Our mission is to create an enriching and nurturing learning environment that feels like a second home for every child, where they not only feel safe and secure but also are celebrated for their unique capabilities and independence.

We believe that childhood is a time for endless discovery, exploration and wonder, and our programs are thoughtfully designed to be play-based, encouraging children to engage all five of their senses, sparking curiosity, and fostering learning dispositions.

 I look forward to welcoming you at Wanslea and embarking on a shared journey of building strong, nurturing relationships with you and your child.

MEL ANGEL

I am proud to be joining Bower Education in 2022 as the Director of Wendy’s Nursery Kensington House. I have had extensive experience as an early childhood teacher working in a range of settings in Adelaide and most recently, in London. I am also a researcher, writer and presenter seeking to advocate for the early childhood sector and the right of all children to high quality care and education. The Reggio Emilia Approach inspires and informs my practice, and I was fortunate to further my understanding of this approach by participating in a study tour to Reggio Emilia in 2019. My passions include supporting the process of Reconciliation in the early years through fostering strong relationships with Aboriginal people and actively embedding local language and culture. I am committed to connecting and working closely with families to provide rich opportunities for all the stakeholders within the service. I embrace nature-based pedagogy as one that strongly supports children’s well-being and that incorporates learning in natural environments with open-ended resources and materials. I also have a special interest in the creative and performing arts as languages for children’s expression. 

I am looking forward to getting to know the children and families at Wendy’s.