A space of our own

Forty-five years ago, a group of intrepid Kensington women met in the lounge room of a house in Bellair Str to discuss ways they could support one another. 

At the time, Kensington had a relatively small population of 7000 residents – one third living in public housing. A high proportion of families were single-parent and low-income. 

Bringing up children in small flats without backyards or play areas was hard. Trying to keep children quiet and contained so as not to annoy neighbours was stressful. Many women didn’t have any family nearby and felt isolated. They were looking for breathing space away from children and a bit of time to sort out their lives. Their vision was a “home away from home” – a drop-in house for women of all backgrounds and a childcare space for their kids. 

In 1976 this vision became reality and the “Kensington Women’s Group Child Care Co-operative” was born. Home was a heritage house on Kensington Hill, opposite Kensington Primary School. In the mid ‘80s, the group became the Kensington Neighbourhood House, offering activities for men, women and children. 

Times have changed and Kensington has grown and gentrified. House prices are through the roof and many residents are relatively wealthy. Yet a lot of things stay the same. It is still difficult bringing up young children in apartments and townhouses. Parents still need a break from time to time and all people – young and old – need the opportunity to meet neighbours and make friends. 

Luckily, Kensington Neighbourhood House is still going strong! The little house on the hill continues to open its doors to more than 1000 participants every year and offers Morning Childcare every week day. 

Both of Bianca Muscat’s daughters have been enrolled in KNH Morning Childcare in recent years and she plans to enrol her soon-to-be-born third baby in the future. 

“The staff are so friendly and warm,” Bianca said. “I like the fact that it is occasional care – it suits my lifestyle and it suits the needs of my children.”

“My niece and nephew attended here about 10 years ago and loved it and now my kids love it too.”

With two large play rooms and a backyard shaded by an enormous Elm tree, KNH Morning Childcare is a haven for children. Highly qualified and experienced educators work hard to get to know each child and the small group size (maximum 14 children) means no-one gets lost in the crowd. When asked what they liked best about attending Kensington Neighbourhood House, this is what some of the children had to say …

• “The dinosaurs! I like the dinosaurs best” – Luka
• “I like playing with friends and making stuff, like lanterns.” – Margo
• “I like snack time. And playing outside.” – Easton
• “I like dressing up!” – Elly

Unlike long day care, Kensington Neighbourhood House hosts different age groups together – offering opportunities for learning and friendship between older and younger children. Sessions from Monday to Thursday are designed for children aged 18 months to five years. On Fridays, a longer kindergarten-style session caters for children aged three and over.

The special place created by those intrepid Kensington mothers four decades ago continues to give children and parents a space to play, create and connect.

If your small person would like to join in the fun at Kensington Neighbourhood House, we have Morning Childcare vacancies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays •