Astute Early Years Specialists
More than
childcare consultants
In an ever-changing sector, Astute is your discreet, reliable partner. We simplify complexity and balance compliance with culture to ensure children remain at the centre of every decision.
Astute Early Years Specialists
Our strategic foundation
Solving at the source
Long-term success in early learning management requires more than reacting to everyday challenges. Astute looks beneath the surface to trace operational questions to their origins and deliver meaningful, permanent solutions.
Trusted discreet partnership
We act as your behind-the-scenes partners, working quietly to strengthen your operations and compliance so your leadership, team and service take centre stage. This trusted support ensures your service thrives.
A tailored approach
Every early learning service is unique. We shape our expertise around your context, providing the specialised insight you need to navigate the nuances of management.
A future-ready focus
Stability requires foresight. By balancing the rigidity of compliance with a healthy service culture, we help you stay ahead of policy shifts and sector changes, always keeping the wellbeing of children as the ultimate measure of success.
Steady heads. Open minds.
Meet our experts
Mel Comerford
Chief Doer of Hard Things (a.k.a. Director & Founder)
Mel is an experienced early childhood professional with more than 25 years working in the early years sector and is passionate about and dedicated to the quality of education & care for all children.
Chris Kyranis
Chief of Getting Stuff Done (a.k.a. Chief Operating Officer)
Chris Kyranis is an accomplished executive leader with more than 15 years’ experience driving operational transformation, service excellence, and cultural reform in complex, highly regulated not-for-profit environments.
Natalie Hopkins
Chief of Magic & Beginnings (a.k.a. Chief Marketing Officer)
Natalie is an accomplished Senior Marketing Leader with over 20 years of expertise in brand development, marketing strategy, CRM, and customer experience, across diverse sectors both nationally and internationally.
Carlee Baldwick
Chief of Numbers & No! (a.k.a. Chief Financial Officer)
With 25 years of experience transforming corporate performance across diverse industries, Carlee is a resourceful finance leader and accounting professional who is passionate about driving financial excellence.
Jackie Alesi
Chief of Everything Else (a.k.a. Chief of Staff)
Jackie is an experienced, results driven executive assistant with over 10 years experience in administration, customer service and executive support. Jackie thrives in a fast paced environment.
Kylie Dawson
Chief Rule Keeper (a.k.a. GM Policy & Governance)
Kylie is an experienced early childhood professional who is passionate about supporting centre communities to work together to provide their children with high-quality learning experiences in a supportive environment.
Astute Early Years Specialists
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead approved providers, empower educators, nurture children and strengthen communities through expert guidance, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Astute Early Years Specialists
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the ECEC sector's most trusted partner in creating environments where children thrive, educators excel, and communities flourish.
Astute Early Years Specialists
Our values & how we live them
Lead
- We lead with our values in everyday actions and interactions
- We think strategically and aim to be a systems-led business
- We collaborate, build and value trust
- We are agile and flexible, leading others through challenging times
- We welcome feedback and opportunities for growth
Nurture
- We nurture growth and are committed to lifelong learning
- We prioritise and nurture relationships with all stakeholders
- We are kind, especially when delivering tough news
- We interact with compassion and thoughtfulness, striving to be helpful
- We create safe environments for all, seeing child safety as paramount
Empower
- We respect and listen to each individual, regardless of their title
- We aim to build each person’s capability and are committed to lifelong learning
- We encourage our team to make decisions, providing guidance where needed
- We are honest and bring a variety of perspectives to discussions
Strengthen
- We work to build strong relationships with all stakeholders
- We strive to strengthen the capability of each individual
- We are resilient and don’t back away from challenges
- We act ethically and are committed to our work
Start the conversation
Lean on our early years specialists’ expertise and experience.
