Key Information & FAQ's

Begin by submitting an enrolment or waitlist enquiry through our website. When a suitable position becomes available, we will contact you with an offer and guide you through the enrolment documents, deposit, Child Care Subsidy requirements and orientation process.

Yes. Families can join our waitlist through the online form. When vacancies arise, offers are made with consideration of the date of application, required days and applicable priority-of-access requirements.

Most enrolments commence at the beginning of the year so children can experience the full program with their class. Children may also commence during the year when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

Yes. Our minimum enrolment is two days per week. For children in the Lady Bugs school-readiness program, we recommend at least three days per week so they can participate fully and build consistency in their learning and relationships.

Yes. Enrolment days must be consecutive and must either begin on a Monday or end on a Friday. Our team can explain the available attendance patterns when discussing vacancies with you.

Yes. Children can commence during the year when a suitable position is available. Places are offered from our waitlist according to availability and the days required.

Families are generally asked to provide completed enrolment forms, parent and child details, authorised collection contacts, birth and immunisation records, medical information and action plans where relevant, and Child Care Subsidy details.

Families must provide their child’s current Australian Immunisation Register statement when enrolling. Immunisation and Child Care Subsidy requirements are governed by current legislation, so please speak with us if your child has a recognised medical exemption or you need guidance about the required documentation.

Orientation gives your child and family time to become familiar with our educators, classroom, routines and learning spaces before the first full day. We use this time to learn about your child’s interests, routines, comfort needs, health requirements and family background so we can support a positive transition. Once your child’s enrolment is confirmed, orientation is booked for the week before they commence.

We welcome family involvement during orientation and will work with you on a settling-in approach suited to your child. On regular attendance days, a warm and confident goodbye usually helps children become engaged in the program; educators will provide reassurance and keep you updated.

Our experienced and consistent educators take time to build secure, trusting relationships with every child. We maintain predictable routines, offer comfort and reassurance, encourage familiar settling strategies and communicate with families about how the child is progressing. Families are welcome to contact us after drop-off for an update.

No. Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend the Bumblebees room. Although toilet independence is encouraged for children in the preschool room, our educators will work respectfully and consistently with your family to support your child’s individual toileting journey.

Four weeks’ written notice is required to change or end an enrolment. Please speak with the Director before making a change so we can explain any applicable fee and Child Care Subsidy requirements, including rules relating to absences at the beginning or end of an enrolment.

Our current fee is $161 per booked day, before any Child Care Subsidy or eligible NSW preschool fee relief is applied. Please contact the Starting Blocks website for an estimate of your likely out-of-pocket cost.

The daily fee covers your child’s education and care during our operating hours, including our learning program, individual planning and centre-based experiences. Families provide their child’s food and nappies.

Yes. A deposit equal to two weeks of fees is required when an enrolment offer is accepted. The deposit is credited to your child’s fee account when they commence. It is not held as a bond, as it is allocated to your child’s fee account on their first day and is non-refundable if the family cancels before commencement. No administration fee is charged. If you already have a child currently enrolled, a $200 deposit is only required for siblings.

Fees are paid fortnightly by direct debit. Families receive an invoice showing fees and any Child Care Subsidy or eligible fee relief applied to the account.

Yes. Eligible families can receive the Child Care Subsidy, which is generally paid directly to the service and passed on as a reduction in fees. Families remain responsible for paying the gap amount.

Apply through your Centrelink online account linked to myGov before your child commences. You will need the Customer Reference Numbers for the claiming parent and child. Once we submit the enrolment, you must confirm the arrangement through Centrelink before the subsidy can be applied.

Start Strong fee relief is NSW Government funding that may reduce preschool fees for eligible children. The amount and eligibility rules can change each year. Families must complete the required declaration, and the approved reduction will appear on their account in addition to any Child Care Subsidy. Contact us for the current arrangements.

Yes. Fees remain payable when a child is absent from a booked day because the place and staffing have been reserved. Child Care Subsidy may apply to allowable absences, subject to current government rules and the child’s eligibility.

Fees are charged for public holidays but fees are not collected during the four-week New Year closure.

Under current Australian Government rules, eligible children generally receive 42 allowable absence days per financial year. Additional absences may be available in specified circumstances and may require supporting documents. Families can monitor their absence balance through Centrelink.

Full fees are payable until your Child Care Subsidy claim and enrolment are confirmed. If Centrelink later applies the subsidy retrospectively and the payment is received by the centre, the resulting credit will be reflected on your account in accordance with government rules.

Child safety is our highest priority and is embedded in our philosophy, daily practices and every decision we make. We maintain comprehensive policies, risk assessments, active supervision, secure arrival and collection procedures, regular emergency drills, strong hygiene practices and ongoing educator training in child protection, first aid, CPR and anaphylaxis.

We consider children’s safety, rights, dignity and wellbeing when planning experiences, arranging environments, recruiting and supervising educators, communicating with families and reviewing incidents or concerns. Our leaders and educators share responsibility for maintaining a culture in which child safety is openly discussed, continually reviewed and never taken for granted.

Educators build warm, responsive relationships and take children’s feelings, words, behaviour and non-verbal communication seriously. Children are encouraged to make age-appropriate choices, express their views, set personal boundaries and identify trusted adults who can help them.

Through age-appropriate conversations, stories and everyday interactions, we teach children that they have the right to feel safe, be listened to and say when something feels uncomfortable. We reinforce body autonomy, respectful relationships, consent and help-seeking in ways suited to each child’s age and understanding.

Children and families can speak with any trusted educator, the Room Leader or the Director. Concerns are listened to respectfully, documented where required and managed promptly under our complaints policy, with a focus on the child’s safety and wellbeing. Families can raise concerns without fear of negative consequences. Families can find a copy of our complaints policy on Storypark.

All educators complete child-protection training annually and take part in ongoing professional development relating to child safety. Educators are supported to recognise indicators of harm, respond appropriately to disclosures and meet their legal reporting obligations.

Yes. Every educator holds a valid Working with Children Check, and required checks are verified as part of recruitment and ongoing employment processes.

Yes. Our educators maintain current training in first aid, CPR and anaphylaxis management. Training is renewed in line with applicable requirements, and emergency procedures and children’s individual medical plans are regularly reviewed.

Educators use active supervision, positioning themselves so they can see and hear children, anticipate risks and respond quickly. Supervision plans consider the children’s ages and abilities, the activity, the environment and transitions between spaces. Ratios and attendance are monitored throughout the day.

Visitors sign in and are supervised while children are present. Volunteers, students and contractors receive relevant safety information and must follow our Code of Conduct and child-safe policies. Required screening and Working with Children Check obligations are verified before a person undertakes child-related work.

Children are released only to a parent, guardian or authorised nominee recorded on the child’s enrolment. Educators may request photo identification when they do not know the person collecting. Families must notify the centre of changes, and legal orders affecting collection must be provided to the Director.

Photographs and learning records are created and shared only in accordance with family permissions, our policies and applicable privacy requirements. Images are used for genuine educational or authorised communication purposes and are shared through approved systems. Families must not copy or distribute images of other children. We follow the National Model Code.

Educators provide immediate care and first aid, contact families as soon as practicable and seek emergency assistance when required. Incidents are documented, reported to relevant authorities when required and reviewed so that risks can be reduced and practices improved.

We maintain risk-assessed emergency and evacuation procedures for events such as fire, lockdown and other local hazards. Emergency equipment, contact information, roles and evacuation routes are regularly checked, and procedures are reviewed after drills or actual events.

Emergency and evacuation rehearsals are conducted regularly in accordance with regulatory requirements and our risk assessments. Drills are planned sensitively, explained to children in an age-appropriate way and reviewed afterward. Families are informed about the centre’s drill schedule.

Families can access our policies and procedures electronically through Storypark and can request a hard copy at the centre. Please ask an educator or the Director if you would like help locating a particular policy.

Our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety explains the responsibilities we accept as a child-safe organisation. Our child-friendly Promise to Children tells children how we will help them feel safe, respected and heard. Both documents can be found in the Child Safety tab of this website.

Our educators hold recognised early childhood education and care qualifications appropriate to their roles. Our team includes ECT’s, Diploma-qualified educators and Certificate III-qualified educators. You can meet our team and view individual qualifications on the Our Team page.

We meet all legislated educator-to-child ratios and intentionally roster above the minimum ratio each day when possible. Exact requirements vary according to the children’s ages and the educators’ approved qualifications.

Yes. Staffing above the minimum ratio supports active supervision, smaller-group learning, individual attention and emotional support, particularly while children are settling into the centre.

Yes. Our educators are permanent and work consistent days, so children and families see familiar faces at arrival and departure. This continuity helps children feel secure and supports strong communication and trusting relationships. As you’ll see on our Our Team page, our educators have been with us a long time — being family owned and operated, we have low staff turnover and retain high-quality educators, a quality we are very proud of.

We do not rely on unknown agency casual educators. Our permanent team provides consistency and familiarity for children and families.

Recruitment considers qualifications, experience, values, references and suitability to work with children. Required Working with Children Checks are verified, and new team members complete an induction covering child safety, the Code of Conduct, policies, supervision and reporting responsibilities.

Educators participate in ongoing professional development covering child safety, child protection, first aid, CPR, anaphylaxis, educational programming and other areas relevant to children’s learning and wellbeing. Professional learning is informed by regulatory requirements, reflective practice and the needs of our children and community.

Your child’s educators are available at drop-off and pick-up for everyday updates. For a longer or private conversation, please arrange a suitable time with the Room Leader or Director so we can give the matter our full attention.

Our child-centred, play-based program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. Educators combine children’s interests, family input, observations, intentional teaching and individual goals to create meaningful experiences that support learning across all areas of development.

Play-based learning gives children opportunities to explore, experiment, create, solve problems and build relationships while educators thoughtfully extend their thinking. It allows important literacy, numeracy, language, physical, social and emotional skills to develop in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

Our Lady Bugs program builds the foundations children need for a confident transition to school. It supports independence, self-help skills, communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, conflict resolution and early literacy and numeracy through play, intentional teaching and meaningful group experiences.

Educators model empathy and respectful communication, help children recognise and manage emotions, support collaborative play and guide them through conflict and problem-solving. Consistent relationships and predictable routines help children develop belonging, resilience and confidence.

Yes. Each child has an individual learning plan that is updated monthly and shared with their family through Storypark. Goals reflect the Early Years Learning Framework, developmental information, educator observations and family input.

Educators observe and talk with children, listen to families and reflect on each child’s strengths, interests, culture and emerging skills. These insights shape experiences, environments and individual goals so the program remains relevant and engaging.

Educators observe children during everyday play and routines, document significant learning, assess progress against individual goals and plan meaningful next steps. Documentation may include observations, photographs, learning stories, program reflections and updates to the individual learning plan.

Families receive weekly updates when their child attends, learning observations, snapshots, the monthly classroom program and the child’s individual learning plan through Storypark. Educators are also available for face-to-face conversations.

Families are children’s first teachers, and their knowledge is central to our planning. You can share interests, strengths, cultural knowledge, family events, concerns and goals through Storypark or directly with educators. This information helps us create a connected and individualised program.

We work in partnership with families and, with consent, relevant professionals to understand each child’s strengths and support needs. Educators make reasonable adjustments to routines, environments and experiences wherever possible. Please discuss your child’s needs early so we can consider how the service can support safe and meaningful participation.

We welcome and respect the diversity of our children, families and educators. Family knowledge, home languages, traditions, identities and community perspectives are incorporated meaningfully into the program, and we actively promote inclusion, equity and respect.

Outdoor learning and nature play are important parts of our daily program. Children have regular opportunities to use our large natural environment, subject to weather, air quality, individual needs and safety considerations. We are fortunate to be situated in a large natural area and aim to eat all meals at the outside picnic tables, use the yarning circle for group times, and use the outdoor playground as much as possible.

Our vast outdoor setting gives children daily opportunities to explore native flora and fauna and develop respect for the natural world. Sustainability and environmental awareness are incorporated into routines, learning experiences and conversations about the connections between people, plants and animals.

Each day balances indoor and outdoor play, intentional learning experiences, small and large group activities, meals, rest and routines. The program is structured enough to provide security and continuity while remaining flexible to children’s interests, energy levels and emerging learning opportunities.

Please bring clearly labelled containers for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, each in separate containers, a water bottle, a hat, weather-appropriate spare clothing and any required comfort or medical items. Bumblebee children will also need to bring nappies if required and cot-sized sheets for rest time.

Yes. Families provide their child’s morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in three separate, clearly labelled containers. Educators supervise mealtimes and work with families to support individual dietary and medical needs.

Pack nutritious, age-appropriate food that will sustain your child throughout the day, along with a filled water bottle. Choose foods your child can manage as independently as possible and follow the centre’s allergy-aware requirements. Our Family Handbook and recommended lunch-box resources provide further guidance, and will be emailed to you before your child’s first day.

To protect children with serious allergies, families must follow our current allergy-aware food requirements. Please also avoid foods that create a choking risk unless prepared appropriately for your child’s age.

Families must advise us of allergies and provide a current medical management or ASCIA Action Plan, required medication and completed risk-minimisation and communication plans before attendance. Educators receive anaphylaxis training, follow allergy-aware procedures and review each child’s plan and medication regularly.

Children in the younger room are offered an age-appropriate opportunity to rest or sleep. The Lady Bugs school-readiness program does not include a routine nap; however, individual needs are considered. Please discuss your child’s rest requirements during enrolment or orientation.

Children who do not sleep are supported to rest or participate in a calm, quiet experience without being forced to sleep. We work with families to understand each child’s needs while also responding to signs of fatigue during the day.

Children should wear comfortable, sun-safe clothing that allows active and messy play. Please provide secure, practical footwear suitable for climbing and outdoor exploration, together with labelled spare clothing appropriate to the weather. We ask that children do not wear crocs or thongs.

We provide sunscreen and wipes; we ask that families provide nappies if required.

We approach toileting respectfully, positively and without shame. Educators work with families to follow consistent cues and routines, encourage independence, protect each child’s dignity and respond to accidents calmly. Children are never punished or embarrassed during the learning process.

We follow a sun-protection policy that includes sun-safe clothing and hats, sunscreen, shaded play areas and consideration of UV conditions when planning outdoor experiences. Children are supported to apply sunscreen if the UV is above 3; this application is recorded on the sunscreen application chart that can be viewed upon pick up.

Yes. A small, clearly labelled comfort item can help a child feel secure while settling or resting. Please speak with educators about the item so we can manage it safely and help your child use it in a supportive way.

We assess conditions and adapt the program to protect children’s health and safety. This may include changing the timing or intensity of outdoor play, increasing access to water and shade, moving experiences indoors or following relevant health and emergency advice.

Please keep your child at home and notify the centre as soon as possible. Children should attend only when they are well enough to participate comfortably in the full program and do not pose an avoidable infection risk to others.

Children must remain at home when they have symptoms or a diagnosed condition covered by our exclusion guidelines — for example, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or a contagious illness — or when they are not well enough to participate. Exclusion periods vary, so contact us and refer to our current illness policy for guidance.

A child may return when the applicable exclusion period has passed, symptoms have resolved sufficiently for full participation and any required medical clearance has been provided. Please check with the centre because requirements differ by illness and public-health advice.

Educators will comfort and closely supervise your child, assess their symptoms and contact a parent or authorised person to arrange collection when necessary. Emergency assistance will be sought if required. The illness and actions taken will be documented in accordance with our policy.

We follow our infectious-diseases policy and current public-health guidance. Measures may include hygiene and cleaning controls, exclusion periods, confidential notification to families, risk assessment and reporting to relevant authorities when required.

Yes, when medication is required and all authorisation, labelling, storage and documentation requirements have been met. Medication must generally be in its original container, within its expiry date and prescribed or intended for the child. Emergency treatment may be provided without prior authorisation where permitted by law.

Children with asthma, anaphylaxis, allergies or another diagnosed medical condition require a current medical management or action plan completed by an appropriate health professional. Families and the centre also develop risk-minimisation and communication plans, and required medication must be available and in date before attendance.

We work with each family to assess risks and develop individual management, risk-minimisation and communication arrangements. Relevant educators are informed and trained, medication is stored for prompt access, and plans and expiry dates are reviewed regularly.

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We combine face-to-face communication with updates through Storypark. Families receive information about their child’s day, learning and individual goals, as well as newsletters, classroom programs, centre notices and policy updates. As a small centre, we get to know all of our families very well and value face-to-face communication on a daily basis.

Storypark is our secure digital communication and learning platform. Before your child’s first day, you will receive an email invitation to download the app and join our community. We use it to share daily updates, learning observations, individual plans, newsletters, programs and important centre information.

Families receive a weekly update when their child attends, together with learning observations and snapshots over time. Monthly classroom programs, individual learning plans and centre communications are also shared through Storypark.

Yes. As a small centre with permanent educators rostered at both ends of the day, we value regular face-to-face communication. Brief updates can be shared at arrival and departure; for longer or confidential discussions, we will arrange a suitable time.

Urgent or individual matters are communicated directly by telephone, in person or through an appropriate private channel. General notices, program information, policy updates and planned changes are usually shared through Storypark, email or centre communications.

Families can speak with an educator or the Director, send a private message through Storypark, email, put feedback in the “Feedback Box” in the foyer or use the centre’s feedback process outlined in our policies. We send out regular feedback surveys to families and we welcome feedback because it helps us reflect, strengthen our practices and respond to the needs of our community.

We are always here to listen, help and provide whatever assistance we can. Please raise the matter with your child’s educator, Room Leader or the Director as soon as possible. We will listen respectfully, protect privacy, document and investigate the concern where required, communicate the outcome and prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing throughout. We follow the complaints policy and procedure available to parents in the foyer or on Storypark.

Families can contribute ideas, culture, skills and feedback; participate in events and meetings; share information about their child’s interests and goals; and volunteer for suitable experiences by prior arrangement. All involvement is managed in accordance with our child-safety and visitor requirements.

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