At Mother Duck, families often ask what makes us different from other childcare providers. The answer comes back to our story, our people, and the way we choose to operate our services.

Our founder, Denis Hinton, started out as a young farmer. He was hardworking and determined, and it was a local pilot who first gave him the chance to step into business, investing in a farm with him. Denis made the most of that opportunity, learning what it means to build something from the ground up with care, commitment, and courage.

In 1990, Denis entered the childcare sector, bringing these same values with him. But he didn’t just want to build childcare centres; he wanted to build a community where educators could have the opportunity to own and operate their own centres, creating places where children and families came first.

At Mother Duck, every one of our services is owned and operated by qualified early childhood educators who chose this career because they truly care about children and families. Our owners aren’t answering to distant corporate boards or shareholders; they are there each day in their services, ensuring that quality, safety, and genuine care are never compromised.

This means that when it comes to recruiting and supporting our educators, we don’t cut corners. We take time to get to know the people who join our team, to train and support them, and to ensure they share our commitment to children’s wellbeing. It’s not about expanding as fast as possible; it’s about growing in a way that keeps our focus on children and families, every single day.

This ownership model is Denis’ legacy and the heart of Mother Duck. It’s why we can confidently say that when you walk through the doors of a Mother Duck service, you’ll feel the difference that comes when people are invested, present, and truly care about your family.