The Willows Story

On April 21st, 1997, Trevor and Cathy Carroll opened Perfect Angels with 3 staff and just 27 children. Today, their centre has blossomed into The Willows Preschool and Early Learning Centre, a thriving hub of over 30 passionate staff working alongside 104 children and their families daily!

Trevor boasts 21 years of experience as a primary school teacher, including leadership roles, and nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in preschool settings. His diverse background also includes a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, with a focus on landscape architecture’s impact on human development, his specialised training in working with children with disabilities from the University of New England; and impressive musical and creative achievements, showcasing his commitment to a well-rounded and enriching educational environment. After completing a Master of Early Childhood and recently a Master of Research, Trevor keeps himself busy working on his PhD and presenting his findings to the early childhood community in Australia and internationally.

Cathy Carroll brings a rich tapestry of knowledge to The Willows Preschool. With a background in Psychology, Human Bioscience, and Nutrition from the University of New England, she ensures a holistic approach to early childhood development. She holds an Associate Diploma in Children’s Services, coupled with 35 years of hands-on experience working with children under five, demonstrating her deep commitment to nurturing young minds.

Together, Trevor and Cathy have nurtured countless children at The Willows and four of their own. Their youngest, Alex, officially joined the family business in 2005, and now acts as assistant director and educational leader. Alex – also a proud mother of two Willows graduates – earned her Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) with Distinction in 2023 and is poised to further her studies, continuing the family’s legacy of educational excellence.

The Willows boasts an exceptional team of educators and staff, including a marvellous management team of 7 diverse and dedicated individuals, holding over 150 years of collective wisdom and experience in early education and service at The Willows. Together, they work towards a beautiful and ambitious shared vision of the best possible early childhood experience for the children and families of Orange.

Our Philosophy

The Willows Preschool is deeply committed to a child-centred approach, where the rights and best interests of each child are paramount. They foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, emphasizing strong relationships between children, families, educators, and the community. Play-based learning is central, encouraging exploration, risk-taking, and a lifelong love of learning. They prioritize connecting children with nature, treasuring childhood, and nurturing community-minded citizens.

Key elements include:

• Respect for the Child: Recognizing children as capable, creative, and worthy of respect.
• Inclusive Community: Celebrating diversity and ensuring equal opportunities.
• Relationship-Focused: Building strong connections between all stakeholders.
• Play as Learning: Emphasizing child-led play for development and wellbeing.
• Nature Connection: Fostering a love for the Earth and sustainability.
• Treasuring Childhood: Protecting and celebrating the joy of childhood.
• Community Engagement: Developing responsible and caring local and global citizens.
• Strong Family Partnerships: Families are respected, consulted partners.
• Educator Excellence: Educators are diverse, unified, passionate professionals and advocates.
• Holistic Curriculum: A focus on the whole child, with play-based, emergent learning.
• Environment as Teacher: Rich, thoughtfully planned, and natural environments.