BFS Children's Services

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Wollongong, NSW
BFS Children's Services

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Not-for-profit. BFS Children's Services have served children and families with distinction since 1981.

We enrich the lives and minds of children and families in their communities. Big Fat Smile is a not-for-profit organisation that plays an important part in the lives of thousands of children and families. With a network of 26 Community Preschools, 15 Fun Clubs (out of school hours care), and a portfolio of community and inclusion programs across Australia. We focus on delivering the best possible staffing ratios, highly qualified teachers and centre staff, play environments that nurture children and facilitate their creative expression, and world-class early education and care. We know you value the ‘BIG’ little extras like meals in long day care, nappies, sunscreen, not paying for public holidays and creative programs.

05/11/2026

Children's Week at Bingara Gorge Early Learning!

As part of Children's Week, the educators of Bingara Gorge asked the children how they would like to celebrate, and their answer was clear: Crazy Hair & Sock Day!

From wild hairstyles to colourful socks, the children loved sharing their creative looks with their peers and celebrating together. We love seeing children's ideas brought to life and their voices valued in meaningful ways.

But the fun didn't stop there! 🎉 The Children's Week celebrations continued with Superhero Day and Grandparents Day, bringing even more opportunities for imagination, connection and community. From dressing up as favourite heroes to sharing special moments with grandparents and loved ones, it was a wonderful week of celebrating childhood and the important people in children's lives. 💙

30/10/2026

BFS Children’s Services has both humble beginnings and solid foundations. Our organisation has supported children and families since 1981, first as Illawarra Children’s Services, then as Big Fat Smile. Each name reflected a moment in time. We sought to bring positive, lasting change to the Illawarra region through active campaigning for the rights of families to affordable early education and care.

30/10/2026

Guided by safety, integrity, inclusion, connection, leadership and a child-centric approach, our values are reflected in practice every day. From Head Office to our educators in services, they’re at the heart of everything we do because we always ask: Is this the best for children?

30/10/2026

BFS stands for Birth to Five and School‑aged Children’s Services, a name that clearly reflects the children we support across early learning and Outside of School Hours care (OOSH). 👉 Swipe to learn more about the services.

22/10/2026

Throughout term 3, the BFS Children’s Services Community Programs and Reconciliation teams came together with Jesse Lowe, from Yindyamarra Walkabouts to facilitate Challenge to Change, a 10-week Aboriginal health and wellbeing program, supported by NSW Health.

Jesse developed a program grounded in culture, that saw the children engage in physical activity, healthy eating, gardening, mindfulness, leadership, and cultural experiences, designed to provide opportunities to develop healthy habits, connection to peers and community, a positive sense of self and cultural wellbeing.

Throughout the term, the children ran and played games on the field, made a delicious dip with warrigal greens, threw boomerangs, told stories, painted, gardened, drank bush teas, walked on Country, participated in ceremonies, decorated their own set of clap sticks, shared their respect and gratitude, connected with each other and deepened their personal identity and connection to culture.

Throughout the program, Uncle Kevin Butler, Aunty Leila Constable, and Uncle Peter Button also generously shared their time, knowledge, and culture with us. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with them and to learn from them.

We would also like to thank Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, the amazing venue for our Challenge to Change, and the heart of the Bellambi community.

Our program was also supported by Sharyn and Bunnings Bellambi, who generously donated plants, tools, and time, to help create our community garden.

Bellza Kids Challenge to Change was a true team effort, from beginning to end, and we are so proud to have been able to provide this opportunity for the children and community.

21/10/2026

Our Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) services provide supervised care, play and learning opportunities before and after school, as well as during school holidays. It is a place where children can unwind after a busy day, connect with friends, discover new interests, and enjoy experiences that support their growth and wellbeing.

For parents, peace of mind comes from knowing their child is supported by qualified educators who create engaging programs filled with creativity, active play, exploration, and opportunities for social and emotional development. Because OOSH is more than child care. It is a place where children belong, build friendships, develop confidence, embrace challenges, and learn skills beyond the classroom.

21/10/2026

Experts in after-school excursions and sea-side expeditions. 🌊

20/10/2026

☀️ The summer holidays are closer than you think...

19/10/2026

Advocacy for our community. Advocacy for children. Banding with fellow NFPs to raise our voice to ensure change does not exclude anyone.

15/10/2026

🫖 Cheers to that!

Address

276 Keira Street
Wollongong, NSW
2500

Website

http://www.bfscs.org.au/

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