Explore & Develop North Richmond is a purpose-built, high-quality service designed to meet the news of local children and families in the North Richmond Community
At Explore & Develop North Richmond, we foster an emergent curriculum, meaning our educators plan learning experiences based on children’s interests. This approach values children as capable, confident learners and ensures learning is meaningful and engaging.
Our play-based learning environment encourages children to explore, wonder, and be curious. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and resilience as they learn through trial and error. Educators play an active role in guiding and extending learning, supporting each child’s individual development.
Through shared interests and play, children build independence and confidence, while learning to recognise when they need support. Educators intentionally scaffold learning experiences to deepen understanding and extend thinking.
Building strong relationships with families is an essential part of our curriculum. We create time and space for families to feel welcomed and connected, strengthening the link between home and the learning environment. This partnership supports children’s sense of belonging, identity, culture, and ongoing communication.
OPEN DAY & COMMUNITY MARKETS
Saturday 16 May 2026
11am – 3pm
Join us for a welcoming Open Day & Community Market at Explore & Develop North Richmond, where curiosity leads to learning.
This special event is an opportunity for families to experience our play-based, child-centred environment, where children are supported to explore, discover, create and imagine through meaningful learning experiences.
Come and explore our beautiful, home like, purpose-built learning spaces, meet our experienced educators, and see how our emergent curriculum is guided by children’s interests—supporting them to grow as capable, confident learners.
The centre is guided by owners Diane and Rachael with over 30 years of combined experience in early childhood education, leadership, and centre management.
With a deep understanding of the EYLF and emergent curriculum, our team supports high-quality, intentional teaching that is responsive to children’s interests and development.
A strong belief in play-based learning ensures children are supported to explore, problem-solve, and develop independence within a nurturing and engaging environment.
Our centre is owner-operated, meaning leadership is directly involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring consistency, care, and a personal touch in every aspect of your child’s experience.
Extensive experience working closely with families underpins our focus on open communication, trust, and meaningful partnerships that support each child’s identity, culture, and wellbeing.
Drawing on years of experience, the centre has been thoughtfully designed to feel safe, welcoming, and supportive for children, families, and educators alike.
Diane Pelle – Owner & Director
Diane Pelle has owned and operated Explore & Develop Penrith for over 15 years, bringing extensive leadership and early childhood expertise to the centre. Alongside her skilled and experienced team, Diane has created a holistic, nurturing learning environment that supports children’s development and fosters a professional, collaborative culture within the community.
Diane is an active member of the Hawkesbury Chamber of Commerce, where she engages with local businesses and community initiatives to strengthen connections and advocate for quality early childhood education. Through this involvement, she contributes to shaping a supportive, thriving community for families, children, and educators.
For Diane, building trusting, respectful, and collaborative relationships with children, families, educators, and staff is central to her philosophy. She believes these strong connections are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children and driving the ongoing success of the centre. Diane is passionate about guiding her team to deliver intentional, meaningful learning experiences while creating an environment where every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to learn.
Rachael Sydir – Owner & Director
Rachael Sydir brings over 20 years of experience in the early childhood sector and holds a Master of Early Childhood Education. In 2019, she became a partner in Explore & Develop Penrith, where she had previously been a valued team member for over 10 years, and currently serves as the service’s Approved Provider.
Rachael’s leadership has been widely recognised. In 2022, she played a pivotal role in Explore & Develop Penrith being named Outstanding Organisation at the HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards for innovative programs supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing through the ‘Key Resilience, Mental Health and Trauma’ initiative. Earlier, in 2016, she was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Award for her work in strengthening children’s understanding of Aboriginal culture and practices through the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Passionate about play-based and emergent learning, Rachael is dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence, and resilience in every child. She is equally committed to supporting her team and building strong partnerships with families, creating welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring environments where children feel valued and confident to explore.
0-2 years
Our Honey Eaters room (0-1 yrs) provides a calm, home-like environment designed for our youngest learners. Soft, textured furnishings and cozy spaces create a comforting atmosphere where babies feel safe and secure. We respect each child’s individual sleep, feeding, and home routines, ensuring continuity between home and the centre. Our Honey Eaters are beginning to explore the world around them, developing early language, sensory, and social skills. Educators are here to guide and support their discoveries, providing gentle interaction and care throughout their busy and inquisitive days.
The Lorikeets room (1-2 yrs) is a warm, engaging environment where toddlers can explore and develop independence. The space is designed with soft textures, inviting areas, and stimulating play opportunities that encourage curiosity, language, and social-emotional growth. We continue to respect each child’s individual routines while supporting them to engage in new experiences, build confidence, and strengthen their emerging skills. Our educators are present to scaffold learning, encourage exploration, and nurture each child as they grow through their busy, active days.
2-3 years
The Cockatoos room provides toddlers with their own space to explore, create, and imagine through play-based learning. Our environment and programs are vibrant, flexible, and responsive to each child’s interests, abilities, and developmental stage.
Children engage in a wide range of experiences, including puzzles, literacy and numeracy activities, construction, creative arts, music, and movement, supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. The Cockatoos also focus on language development, learning to communicate with peers and use their growing vocabulary to build social skills.
3-5 years
The Rosellas room is designed for children aged 3–4 years, providing a nurturing and engaging environment where children can explore, discover, and develop at their own pace. The room is organised into small, shared spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and independent thinking.
Purposeful learning areas are thoughtfully set up to allow children to extend their strengths, interests, and abilities across a variety of key learning areas, including Literacy, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Science, and Technology. Children are supported to engage in hands-on experiences that stimulate curiosity, problem-solving, and imagination.
Educators guide and scaffold learning while encouraging children to take the lead, fostering self-expression, resilience, and social competence. Through these experiences, the Rosellas develop a strong foundation for their ongoing learning journey, building the skills and confidence they need as they grow.
The Kookaburras room is for children aged 4–5 years and focuses on preparing children for a smooth transition to primary school. Children have their own dedicated play spaces, designed to allow seamless access between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging exploration, creativity, and physical development.
Learning areas are set up to support problem-solving, independence, and curiosity, while building on each child’s strengths, interests, and abilities across key learning areas. School readiness is embedded throughout play, helping children develop literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, self-regulation, and collaboration.
Educators guide children to confidently navigate both structured and self-directed learning experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
Our outdoor play areas are thoughtfully designed to be natural, sustainable, and versatile, offering a variety of spaces for children to explore, play, and learn. The environment encourages open-ended play, curiosity, risk-taking, and discovery, while fostering a strong connection with nature.
Children can engage in active, energetic play, or enjoy quiet, peaceful moments, whether individually or in small or large groups. Every area is intentionally created to support imagination, creativity, and meaningful interactions, giving children the freedom to explore and learn in a safe, stimulating, and inspiring outdoor environment.
6 Keda Circuit
North Richmond NSW 2754
7:00am -6:00pm
Monday – Friday
