Our Team

Senior Management Team

Sam Johnson

Owner / Director

We are Ian and Sam Johnson; the owners and approved providers of Childs Play ELC

Child’s Play is a family-run childcare, operated by Samantha & Ian Johnson. Samantha was a teacher in the UK and in Australia, with a specialism in special needs (14 years) and Ian was an accountant (20 years),. Sam and Ian have been a couple since 1999 and married in 2006, and have 2 daughters – Millie born in 2007 and Alexa born in 2011. Sam and Ian Combined their skill set we were able to create and develop Childs Play Early Learning centres. We opened our first service in October 2014, and have gradually over time expanded the brand. Sam and Ian have been assessed and rated by the department of education multiple times and have achieved the ‘exceeding’ in all 7 areas in there Tarneit service. Sam has won the International Women’s day award – business category for her work in the early childhood and childcare sector in 2021

Currently we own and operate 3 purpose-built facilities 2 in Tarneit and 1 in Torquay which are licensed to have over 130 children each per day. These are equipped with age-appropriate learning resources and have inviting and interesting play spaces to support children’s development. We plan to open and operate more services in these areas and expand the group without losing the family aspect and relationships we have developed over time. In the next 2 years, Sam and Ian are building 2 further services. Wyndham Vale is scheduled late 2023/early 2024 and we have another service in Tarneit opening up in mid-2024.

We currently employ over 180 staff and work with a number of suppliers that are all local to the area. We are very proud and value our employees and understand that they are our most important assets, their love, loyalty and dedication and commitment to give the highest quality care is of the utmost importance to us.

What is something you love?

We love spending time with our 2 girls, and they were the reason we got into this sector. We are migrants from the UK and had to rely heavily on childcare and saw this as an extension to our family and the difference you could make at such a crucial time in children’s lives. We are incredibly family-orientated people … this extends into our culture as we genuinely care and support everyone who is part of our community – family.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Like family, it is a home away from home. Ran by a family and feels like family. When we started we reflected and decided we wanted to make a difference to other families that may not have family just like us, and give them support. We are guided by our philosophy; “Every child matters”; we feel honoured that people choose us to look after their children and be part of this incredible time when so much growth and development take place. Every single child is important and matters to us and we want to ensure that they are supported, guided, nurtured and are able to achieve their full potential in our services with trusted and highly educated and caring educators. Parents can rely on us to make a difference and create relationships built on trust and communication.

Ian Johnson

Owner / Director

We are Ian and Sam Johnson; the owners and approved providers of Childs Play ELC

Child’s Play is a family-run childcare, operated by Samantha & Ian Johnson. Samantha was a teacher in the UK and in Australia, with a specialism in special needs (14 years) and Ian was an accountant (20 years),. Sam and Ian have been a couple since 1999 and married in 2006, and have 2 daughters – Millie born in 2007 and Alexa born in 2011. Sam and Ian Combined their skill set we were able to create and develop Childs Play Early Learning centres. We opened our first service in October 2014, and have gradually over time expanded the brand. Sam and Ian have been assessed and rated by the department of education multiple times and have achieved the ‘exceeding’ in all 7 areas in there Tarneit service. Sam has won the International Women’s day award – business category for her work in the early childhood and childcare sector in 2021

Currently we own and operate 3 purpose-built facilities 2 in Tarneit and 1 in Torquay which are licensed to have over 130 children each per day. These are equipped with age-appropriate learning resources and have inviting and interesting play spaces to support children’s development. We plan to open and operate more services in these areas and expand the group without losing the family aspect and relationships we have developed over time. In the next 2 years, Sam and Ian are building 2 further services. Wyndham Vale is scheduled late 2023/early 2024 and we have another service in Tarneit opening up in mid-2024.

We currently employ over 180 staff and work with a number of suppliers that are all local to the area. We are very proud and value our employees and understand that they are our most important assets, their love, loyalty and dedication and commitment to give the highest quality care is of the utmost importance to us.

What is something you love?

We love spending time with our 2 girls, and they were the reason we got into this sector. We are migrants from the UK and had to rely heavily on childcare and saw this as an extension to our family and the difference you could make at such a crucial time in children’s lives. We are incredibly family-orientated people … this extends into our culture as we genuinely care and support everyone who is part of our community – family.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Like family, it is a home away from home. Ran by a family and feels like family. When we started we reflected and decided we wanted to make a difference to other families that may not have family just like us, and give them support. We are guided by our philosophy; “Every child matters”; we feel honoured that people choose us to look after their children and be part of this incredible time when so much growth and development take place. Every single child is important and matters to us and we want to ensure that they are supported, guided, nurtured and are able to achieve their full potential in our services with trusted and highly educated and caring educators. Parents can rely on us to make a difference and create relationships built on trust and communication.

Lucy Holmes

Group Compliance Officer

Lucy Holmes embarked on her journey in early childhood education in 2006 possessing the NNEB (UK), and Diploma of children services (Australia). With a rich background in leadership roles, including Director, Operations, and Compliance, Lucy has consistently worked within the Victoria and Tasmanian early childhood sector, and along the way completed a Training and Assessment Certificate (TAE4).

Her extensive experience spans operations management for multi-site centres within the corporate sector of early childhood, establishing shared visions for the health and safety of children and community, along with creating strong relationships with the Department of Education and Training.

Child’s Play has embraced paperless solutions across all areas within the business. This comprehensive approach brings numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact and improved compliance reporting formations. This successful process has been embraced by the regulatory authorities, as evidence in efficiency, transparency and sustainability is evident. It’s a positive development for all stakeholders involved within the education sector. Compliance can be effectively managed remotely and securely, regardless of location. On-site solutions also provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring adherence to regulations and standards are collaboratively discussed with relevant team members.

Being able to support and inspire staff members across all levels, in relation to compliance and conformity, allows Lucy to maintain a culture of growth, learning, and consistency, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference, whilst adhering to regulatory requirements which are compliance driven.

What is something I love?

Absolutely love watching Basketball along with supporting our local teams.

How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Collaboration within all the centres is embedded and evident, there is a family feeling, along with a sense of belonging and support from all who work at Child’s Play. The team spirit is so apparent, with a “can do” attitude throughout the whole company.

Tarneit

Tarneit West

Savita Nadin

Educational leader Tarneit West

Meet our Educational leader!

Hi my name is Savita.

1) Do you have a nickname?

I don’t have a nickname, but sometimes Children call me Vita because they can’t pronounce Savita.

2) Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience

I’ve had the privilege of caring for and educating children for the past five years. I began my journey as the Room Leader for babies, where I developed a deep love for nurturing young minds. More recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work in older rooms, broadening my experience across different age groups.

3) How long have you worked at Child’s Play?

I have recently joined the role of Educational Leader at Child’s Play. My focus remains on creating enriching, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, growth, and a sense of belonging for each child. I’m passionate about guiding children through play, exploration, and positive, caring interactions that help them thrive.

4) How would other people describe you?

Always ready to help and very friendly.

5) What hobbies do you have?

I enjoy learning new things, Dancing and exploring new places.

6) Why do you work in early childhood education?

Early childhood education is incredibly rewarding because it offers the chance to witness the growth of young learners as they explore new concepts and develop foundational skills. Knowing that you play a role in shaping their future is a powerful and motivating aspect of this field.

7) How would you describe Child’s Play ELC?

Child’s Play is a place where EVERY CHILD MATTERS and described as a nurturing and dynamic environment dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young children. Child’s Play focuses on creating a safe and stimulating space where children can build foundational skills, develop their curiosity, and grow emotionally and socially.

8) What are you most excited about working at Child’s Play Tarneit West ?

I’m looking forward to building strong, welcoming partnerships with families. Together, we can create a nurturing community where every child feels valued and empowered. I’m excited to be on this journey with you and to make each child’s experience joyful and fulfilling!