
A once-forgotten heritage building on Marion Road has been thoughtfully reimagined into a vibrant early learning destination, as Emali Early Learning Centre – North Plympton prepares to open in early 2026, blending history, innovation and community connection.
A vibrant new hub for families and little learners is set to open its doors in early 2026 with the arrival of Emali Early Learning Centre – North Plympton, an exciting addition to Adelaide’s childcare landscape. Emali’s latest centre transforms an elegant heritage building on Marion Road into a purpose-built early learning environment — marrying historical charm with contemporary design and exceptional facilities that nurture growth, curiosity and play.

Locally owned and proudly South Australian, Emali has been a trusted name in early childhood education for nearly two decades, with thoughtfully designed centres across Adelaide & Adelaide Hills. The North Plympton site marks its 10th centre and reflects Emali’s ongoing commitment to community-focused, safe and inclusive learning.
The site, once long-abandoned and impacted by fire damage, has been completely refurbished by the Emali Early Learning team. Rather than starting from scratch, Emali made the intentional decision to honour the building’s original heritage architecture — retaining key features, character and façade — while sensitively repurposing and expanding the space with modern extensions. The result is a striking blend of old and new, where heritage charm meets contemporary functionality, creating a unique and inspiring setting for children to learn and grow.

One of the standout features Emali has consistently incorporated in their centre designs continues at their new North Plympton centre. The expansive, free-flowing indoor and outdoor learning environments encourage exploration and holistic development. Drawing on feedback from families, experienced educators and childhood specialists, spaces are crafted to support every stage of early learning — from babies and toddlers through to Pre-kindy and Pre-school.

A cornerstone of the new centre is Emali’s signature Sensory Space, developed in collaboration with specialist occupational therapists. This dedicated area will offer tailored sensory experiences that support children’s regulation, emotional development and physical engagement. Building on the success of sensory spaces at Emali’s other centres, Emali Salisbury and Emali Campbelltown, North Plympton’s sensory room levels up learning yet again, even including an exciting first-of-its-kind rock-climbing wall — helping children build confidence, coordination and joyful discovery.

Complementing this is a brand-new, dedicated Music & Movement Space where young learners can express themselves rhythmically and develop motor skills through structured group activities. Throughout the centre, every nook and learning zone is intentionally designed to inspire creativity, exploration and a lifelong love of learning.
Emali’s approach goes beyond innovative spaces. Fresh, nutritional meals are prepared in-house daily in the Emali Kitchen using seasonal, culturally inclusive and locally sourced ingredients that support healthy growth and South Australian suppliers. Mealtime becomes an extension of learning, with children encouraged to develop confidence through gaining key life-skills as well as autonomy around food – imperative for preparing children for the school years ahead.

Extra-curricular offerings, included complimentary as an extension to regular programming, bring even more value: from Sports & Activity sessions to Music & Movement classes and more, every day presents opportunities to strengthen physical, social and emotional skills.

As North Plympton and surrounding local families look ahead, Emali Early Learning Centre is delivering yet another inspiring, nurturing environment where children can flourish — backed by intentional innovation and a heartfelt belief in every child’s potential.
Families are invited to visit all Emali Early Learning Centres by booking a centre tour. Now is the best time to enquire about enrolments and, for families not yet fully ready to start care, Emali suggests joining the waitlist to secure your child’s spot.
With locations in Brighton, Broadview, Campbelltown, Findon, Littlehampton, Morphett Vale, Prospect, Salisbury Underdale, and North Plympton coming soon, experience a world of imagination at Emali.
To find out more about Emali Early Learning Centre, book a centre tour or join the waitlist, visit emali.com.au.