The Infants' Home

The Infants' Home We have 3 beautiful childcare centres in Ashfield, with spaces available now! Our aim is to provide each child every opportunity.

Our learning and support programs help young children and their families meet life’s challenges, embrace opportunities, and reach their unique potential – whatever their background or circumstance. Since 1874 we have challenged conventional wisdom to protect children at risk and strengthen families in vulnerable situations so they can break the cycle of hardship, fear or hopelessness.

05/06/2026

The children in Johnson House have been creating their own version of our Outdoor Classroom, inspired by the real space they have been exploring.

With support from Educator Andrew, the children began by mapping their ideas before building their own features, including a Tree House, Rope Bridge, Sensory Play area, Tunnel, Yarning Circle and Scramble Climb.

They also added a bird egg to the Tree House, inspired by a bird nest they noticed while playing outdoors. This thoughtful detail shows the value of nature play. When children spend time in natural environments, they observe closely, ask questions, make connections and bring their discoveries into their play.

A beautiful example of child-led learning, creativity, problem solving, collaboration and care for the natural world.
We look forward to seeing how the children continue to explore, imagine and shape their learning through play in the Outdoor Classroom.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, communicate and thrive, but for some families, therapy is simply out of reach....
02/06/2026

Every child deserves the chance to learn, communicate and thrive, but for some families, therapy is simply out of reach.

This EOFY, we’re raising funds to provide 60 speech and occupational therapy sessions for children aged 0–9 experiencing developmental challenges, with no access to other funding.

Your support can help change a child’s future, one session at a time.

💛 Donate today and make your impact count before 30 June: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vPrVm0.

🍓 FUN WITH FOOD – Therapy Group (July School Holidays) Our ‘Fun with Food’ group helps children build confidence with fo...
01/06/2026

🍓 FUN WITH FOOD – Therapy Group (July School Holidays)

Our ‘Fun with Food’ group helps children build confidence with food, explore new tastes and textures, and learn skills through fun, play-based activities.

Led by The Infants’ Home’s Senior Speech Pathologist Jennifer Leong and Occupational Therapist Julia Foundouradakis, the group is:
✅ Ideal for fussy eaters and children of all abilities
✅ Great for NDIS goals (social skills, fine motor, self-care).

This group is open to children aged 4 to 8 years.

📅 13–17 July 2026 (Mon–Fri, Week 2 Winter School Holidays)
🕤 9.30am–12.00pm
📍 The Infants’ Home, 17 Henry Street, Ashfield

Register your interest via the Fun with Food EOI form: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vCr4Q0

Not sure if this group is right for your child? Contact Sophie Li on 9799 4844 or email us at [email protected]

Costs align with NDIS price limits (2025–2026). Group goes ahead with a minimum of 4 children—please tell a friend!

The Infants’ Home was established as the ‘Sydney Foundling Institute’ in 1874. Uniquely for its time, the organisation w...
28/05/2026

The Infants’ Home was established as the ‘Sydney Foundling Institute’ in 1874. Uniquely for its time, the organisation was founded and managed entirely by women.

However, due to the laws of the day, the Board required we have a male Trustee. This role was first filled by politician, merchant banker and philanthropist Mr Thomas Walker. He became a long-time benefactor of The Infants’ Home, paying £3,000 in 1876 to buy and donate to us our current 4.5 acre property and house called ‘Gorton’, on Henry Street in Ashfield.

At the time of his death in 1886, Mr Walker was one of the wealthiest and most influential colonialists in New South Wales.

While many great men donated their time in the roles of honorary lawyers, doctors and architects, The Infants’ Home’s board of management remained entirely female right up until the 1970s.

28/05/2026

At The Infants’ Home, learning happens through play, movement and connection.

Our preschool children love taking part in Soccajoeys, where they practice soccer skills while building confidence, listening skills, social connection and teamwork.

With a strong focus on inclusion and fun, the program creates opportunities for children to participate, cheer each other on and enjoy being active together.

It was wonderful to welcome former CEO (2001-2004) of The Infants’ Home, Marie Lewis, for a visit and a tour of our new ...
27/05/2026

It was wonderful to welcome former CEO (2001-2004) of The Infants’ Home, Marie Lewis, for a visit and a tour of our new Outdoor Classroom this week. Marie, pictured at left in the Outdoor Classroom Tree House with our CEO Elizabeth Robinson and Head of Children’s Services Luke Touhill, is a long-term friend and advocate for our work at The Infants’ Home. She was delighted with our exciting new outdoor space and the amazing learning opportunities it will create for our children. Marie also caught up with staff members Thu Zar (pictured at left) and Vasuki, who she worked with at The Infants’ Home over twenty years ago and who are still with us!

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is 27 May – 3 June. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared...
26/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is 27 May – 3 June.

This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements—and to explore how we can each contribute to reconciliation.

This year's theme is "All In", a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

💬 How are you supporting reconciliation? Share your thoughts, actions, or ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Today is National Sorry Day. Observed annually on 26 May, today commemorates the Stolen Generations and acknowledges the...
25/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day.

Observed annually on 26 May, today commemorates the Stolen Generations and acknowledges their ongoing healing journey. It’s a time to reflect on the impact of past policies and to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation.

National Sorry Day marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a time for all Australians to learn, share, and grow together towards a more inclusive future.

🍓 FUN WITH FOOD – Therapy Group (July School Holidays) Our ‘Fun with Food’ group helps children build confidence with fo...
25/05/2026

🍓 FUN WITH FOOD – Therapy Group (July School Holidays)

Our ‘Fun with Food’ group helps children build confidence with food, explore new tastes and textures, and learn skills through fun, play-based activities.

Led by The Infants’ Home’s Senior Speech Pathologist Jennifer Leong and Occupational Therapist Julia Foundouradakis, the group is:
✅ Ideal for fussy eaters and children of all abilities
✅ Great for NDIS goals (social skills, fine motor, self-care).

This group is open to children aged 4 to 8 years.

📅 13–17 July 2026 (Mon–Fri, Week 2 Winter School Holidays)
🕤 9.30am–12.00pm
📍 The Infants’ Home, 17 Henry Street, Ashfield

Register your interest via the Fun with Food EOI form: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vw8yN0

Not sure if this group is right for your child? Contact Sophie Li on 9799 4844 or email us at [email protected]

Costs align with NDIS price limits (2025–2026). Group goes ahead with a minimum of 4 children—please tell a friend!

Today’s (25 May) Red Bug Playgroup is being held at Rigby House at The Infants’ Home due to the wet weather. Enter via G...
24/05/2026

Today’s (25 May) Red Bug Playgroup is being held at Rigby House at The Infants’ Home due to the wet weather. Enter via Gate 4 at 17 Henry Street, Ashfield. We hope you can join us!

Address

17 Henry Street
Ashfield, NSW
2131

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+61297994844

Website

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