Kotara South Childcare and Early Learning

Vista Pde, Kotara, 2289

(02) 4979 1110 contactus@stnicholasmn.org.au Book a tour Enquire now

Child and educator playing outside at Muswellbrook early education centre

About St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South

St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South is a proposed 79-place early education and care centre, co-located with St James’ Primary School, just a short two-minute drive from Westfield Kotara Shopping Centre.

We are preparing to welcome families to St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South — a thoughtfully designed, purpose-built centre offering a convenient and modern learning environment in the heart of the Kotara community.

Key features of the proposed centre include engaging indoor and outdoor play spaces that incorporate natural elements such as trees, garden beds, large sandstone sandpits, and a mud kitchen. The centre is intended to be staffed by a passionate and dedicated team of educators, committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for every child.

Conveniently located alongside St James’ Primary School, the centre is designed to offer families an easy one-stop drop-off and pick-up experience for children attending both sites. As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the proposed service supports a connected educational journey, including *greater priority enrolment at nearby Catholic primary schools such as St James’, alongside our highly regarded Transition to School program.

The curriculum is planned to align with the Early Years Learning Framework, promoting play-based learning, relationship-building, and the development of essential skills. It will also support inclusion and equity, encourage strong family partnerships, and be tailored to meet the individual needs and potential of each child.

We look forward to keeping the Kotara community updated as we progress with plans for this exciting new addition to the St Nicholas Early Education network.

Gallery
Fees and inclusions

Fees

Coming soon

For personalised fee information, you can contact our friendly Admin and Client Services Team on (02) 4979 1110

Inclusions

Priority enrolment at Catholic schools
Meals
Onsite parking
Nappies
Cot linen
Sunscreen
Transition to School program (Preschool only)
Natural outdoor play environments
Breast feeding areas

Out-of-pocket cost

It only takes a few minutes to estimate your Child Care Subsidy. Use Services Australia’s Child Care Subsidy estimator to find out how much your family could claim – click here.

Make an enquiry

Early Education
OOSH
Pathways

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Before and After School Care

Vacation Care

Submit an enrolment request for Before and After School Care or Vacation Care. One of our friendly team members will be in touch as soon as possible.

Please note:

Submitting an enrolment request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed enrolment or booking. No enrolment or booking is confirmed until you have received confirmation from St Nicholas.
For casual and Vacation Care bookings, we have a 5-day cancellation policy, after which the parent/carer will be liable for their full fees for that session. For permanent bookings, we have a 2-week cancellation policy.
One-off cancellations for permanent bookings still require the parent/carer to pay their full fees for that session, unless the cancellation is permanent, in which case the family will forfeit their permanent place for that session.

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Employment expression of interest

Are you interested in embarking on an exciting adventure as a inaugural team member at our brand-new Kotara South centre?

Click below to express your interest.

Click here

Why choose us?
Our approach
Our commitment

Why choose St Nicholas Early Education?

At St Nicholas, we are committed to delivering exceptional early childhood education and care. Here’s what makes us stand out as a daycare provider in our community: 

Contemporary learning environments: Our centres are designed to foster creativity and learning, with both indoor and outdoor spaces that include natural features such as trees, garden beds, and mud kitchens.
Seamless transition to school: As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, we offer families priority enrolment and a seamless transition to Catholic schools, including St James’ Primary School.
Passionate and experienced educators: St Nicholas educators are dedicated, experienced, and provide a nurturing and enriching environment that supports each child’s unique learning journey.
Play-based learning: Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and is designed to foster growth, development, and a love of learning through play.

To learn more about why families prefer St Nicholas Early Education, visit our ‘Why choose St Nicks?’ page.

Comprehensive early childhood education in Kotara South

St Nicholas Early Education provides comprehensive early childhood education and care, combining quality childcare with a focus on development, play, and learning. Our approach to early education is designed to foster growth and curiosity in young children.

Developmentally appropriate curriculum: Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, our curriculum is designed to support the development of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills.
Holistic approach: We take a holistic approach to early childhood education, focusing not just on academics, but also on nurturing children’s creativity, social skills, and emotional well-being.
Inclusive learning environment: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Strong family connections: We value family involvement in the learning process and encourage parents and carers to participate in their child’s educational journey.

Educator and children playing in gardens together outside at Newcastle West early education centre

Our commitment to Kotara South families

At St Nicholas Early Education, our commitment to families is at the core of everything we do. We understand that choosing the right childcare provider is a significant decision, and we aim to provide an environment where children feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging. Our dedicated team of educators works closely with families to ensure that each child’s needs are met and their learning journey is personalised.

We believe in fostering strong relationships with families and the wider community, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children. Our close connection with Catholic Schools, including St James’ Primary School, provides families with a seamless educational pathway, ensuring that children transition smoothly from preschool to primary school.

At St Nicholas Early Education, we are committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing environment where every child can develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Our educators are not only passionate about early childhood education but also about creating a strong sense of community for both children and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enrol my child at St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South?

You can express your interest by completing the St Nicholas Kotara South Expression of Interest form on this page. Once submitted, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your early education needs and answer any questions you may have.

We are currently preparing for the launch of our Kotara South centre and are gathering expressions of interest from families ahead of opening. Places will be offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, with priority given to those who have enquired early. We will keep you informed as we move closer to opening and share the next steps in the enrolment process in due course.
What age group does St Nicholas Early Education cater to?

St Nicholas Early Education provides care and education for children aged 0-5 years.
What are the operating hours of St Nicholas Early Education?

Our centres are open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday, offering flexible hours to suit the needs of busy families.
Is there a Transition to School program?

Yes! We offer a Transition to School program to ensure that your child has a smooth and supportive transition from preschool to primary school.
What safety measures are in place at the centre?

St Nicholas Early Education follows strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all children in our care. Our facilities are secure, and our educators are trained in first aid and child protection practices.