What ages do you accept?

We accept children from babies through Kindy. Our rooms are age-appropriate: Babies (infants), Toddlers, Pre-Kindy, and Kindy programs for preschool-aged children.

Where are you located and which suburbs do you serve?

Our centre is at 185 Morley Drive, Nollamara WA 6061. Many families come from nearby suburbs including Nollamara, Yokine, Morley, Stirling, Bayswater, Ashfield, Westminster, Dianella, Tuart Hill and Mirrabooka.

How do I book a centre tour?

You can book a personalised tour by clicking the “Book a tour” button on our website, calling us at (08) 6189 1616, or emailing admin@read2grow.com.au. Tours are by appointment to ensure you have a dedicated staff member to answer questions.

What are your opening hours?

Please contact the centre directly at (08) 6189 1616 or email admin@read2grow.com.au for our current daily opening and closing times, including holiday schedules.

Do you offer a preschool/Kindy program?

Yes. Our Kindy program focuses on school readiness using a play-based, literacy-focused curriculum that integrates Jolly Phonics and multi-sensory learning.

What is the Read 2 Grow curriculum and how is it different?

Our curriculum blends literacy-first approaches (including Jolly Phonics), multi-sensory play, and individualised nurturing care. It’s designed to promote early literacy, curiosity, and social-emotional skills in the critical first five years.

How do you support children with allergies or special dietary needs?

We follow strict policies for food safety and allergy management. Families must inform us of allergies upon enrolment; we create individual care plans and coordinate with parents to ensure a safe mealtime environment.

What qualifications do your staff have?

Our educators are qualified in early childhood education and meet or exceed the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations. We also provide ongoing professional development for the team.

How do you communicate with parents?

We use face-to-face discussions at drop-off/pick-up, phone and email (admin@read2grow.com.au), and may use digital communication tools to share updates, photos, and children’s progress. We encourage open two-way communication.

Can I inspect your policies and procedures?

Yes. Our Policies and Procedures, including the Grievance Policy and Education and Care Services National Regulations, are available for perusal at reception.

What is your approach to sleep and rest for babies and toddlers?

Sleep and rest routines are individualised to match each child’s home routine and needs. Educators follow safe sleep guidelines and coordinate with parents to ensure consistency.

Do you provide meals and snacks?

Please contact the centre for details about meals, menus, and whether meals are provided or if families supply food. We prioritise nutritious choices and safe handling.

How does Read 2 Grow support transitions to school?

Our Kindy program emphasises school readiness — early literacy, social skills, self-help skills and confidence. We prepare children for a smooth transition by working on routines, group activities, and foundational learning skills.

What are your enrolment fees and CCS (Child Care Subsidy) processes?

For current fee schedules and assistance with Child Care Subsidy (CCS) enrolment, please contact reception or call (08) 6189 1616. We can guide you through required documentation and Centrelink processes.

How do you handle illness and infection control?

We follow health and wellbeing guidelines, ask parents to keep unwell children at home, and have documented infection-control procedures. Sick-child policies and exclusion periods align with public health advice.

Is security and child safety a priority at your centre?

Absolutely. We maintain secure access to the building, supervise all children closely, and adhere to robust child protection, safety and emergency procedures.

Do you offer part-time and full-time care options?

We provide flexible care arrangements including full-time and part-time bookings, subject to availability. Contact us to discuss your scheduling needs.

How do you foster children’s learning and development?

Through play-based learning, structured activities, literacy programs (Jolly Phonics), routines, and individual learning plans that support each child’s interests and developmental stage.

Can I leave personal belongings and what should I bring?

We advise labelled, minimal personal items such as a change of clothes, a comfort item for younger children, and any required feeding or medication items. Avoid bringing valuables or toys from home unless agreed with your child’s educator.

How can I apply for a job or join your team?

To join our team, visit the “Join Our Team” section on the website or contact us at admin@read2grow.com.au for current vacancies, application details and required qualifications.

What Imaginary Friends Reveal About Your Child’s Development

The Magic of Imaginary Friends: What They Say About Your Child’s Development

30 December 2025

Posted by: Read2Grow

If your toddler introduces you to someone invisible sitting beside them — congratulations! They’ve reached a beautiful stage of imagination and emotional growth. Imaginary friends are common among children aged 2–7, and they can tell us a great deal about a child’s development.

Here at Read 2 Grow Nollamara, we regularly meet “pretend friends,” “superhero buddies,” and even imaginary animals that join the group. These companions are more than cute — they support emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Table of Contents

Why Children Create Imaginary Friends

Imaginary friends often appear when a child’s imagination blossoms but before social skills fully develop. Children create them to:

Explore ideas and emotions
Practice conversations
Gain confidence
Feel companionship
Make sense of the world

For many children, imaginary friends help them feel empowered in situations where they have little control.

What Imaginary Friends Teach Us About Development

1. Creativity and Cognitive Growth
Pretend play helps children develop language, storytelling, problem-solving, and symbolic thinking — all essential early literacy skills.

2. Emotional Processing

Imaginary friends help children:

Express feelings safely
Address fears
Talk through worries
Build resilience

3. Social and Communication Skills
Even without a real partner, children practice turn-taking, politeness, empathy, and conversation.

How Parents Can Support Imaginary Friends

Acknowledge Without Over-Investing

You don’t need to pretend the friend is real — simply respect your child’s play.
Example:
“Oh, your friend wants to join us? Okay, let’s make space.”

Use the Friend as a Teaching Tool
You can guide behaviour gently by referencing the imaginary friend:
“Does your friend use kind hands too?”

Encourage Creativity
Provide materials that support imagination:

Dress-ups
Blocks
Puppets
Storybooks

When to Be Concerned
Imaginary friends are typically healthy. Seek guidance only if:

Your child becomes distressed without the imaginary friend
The friend is used to avoid responsibility long-term
The friend encourages harmful actions
These scenarios are rare.

Imaginary Friends in Early Learning Settings
At Read 2 Grow Nollamara, our educators embrace imaginative play. We incorporate pretend companions into: