Childcare Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Why choose St Nicholas for childcare in Newcastle?

Families trust St Nicholas for our dedication to providing exceptional early education and care. Our childcare centres in Newcastle are more than just facilities; they are vibrant, inclusive communities where children grow, learn, and develop the skills needed for a bright future. 

What sets us apart: 

• Comprehensive services: From infancy to school age, we provide continuity of care through our early education centres and OOSH services. 

• High-quality early education and care: Our play-based programs based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and My Time, Our Place (MTOP) Framework for School-Aged Care encourage every child’s development, equipping them with the social, emotional, and cognitive tools they need to succeed. 

• Purposefully designed environments: Our services feature thoughtfully crafted spaces that inspire creativity and provide quality learning opportunities, ensuring children engage with their surroundings and flourish in nurturing, safe environments. 

• Experienced educators: Our experienced and dedicated educators foster warm relationships, create supportive environments, and encourage active engagement in our learning programs. 

• Affordable care: All our services are Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved, allowing families to access up to 90% subsidised care. 

• Convenient locations and hours: With centres across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie operating extended hours 51 weeks of the year, we make it easier for local families to balance work and family life. 
• On-site centre cooks: Our talented and engaging cooks prepare nutritious, delicious meals, morning tea, afternoon tea and snacks. 

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

Our Newcastle early learning centres

At St Nicholas Early Education, we understand that early childhood is a vital period for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Our Newcastle early learning centres are designed to nurture the potential of children aged 0-5 through child-led, play-based learning, fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence. 

Through tailored learning experiences, we empower children to: 

• Develop socially and emotionally 

• Explore their interests and natural curiosity in safe, nurturing environments 

• Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

To learn more about St Nicholas Early Education, visit our Early Education page. 

Nursery program (0-2 years) 

The nursery program at St Nicholas Early Education is designed to support infants and toddlers in the early stages of their development, ensuring optimal care and enrichment for your little one. Our childcare Newcastle services provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where babies can explore their world through sensory play and early communication activities. With a focus on building strong relationships and promoting motor and social development, we lay the foundation for healthy growth and learning in a trusted and supportive environment. 

To learn more about the nursery program at St Nicholas Early Education, visit our nursery page. 

Toddler program (2-3 years) 

Our toddler program at St Nicholas Early Education centres in Newcastle is focused on fostering the growing independence and curiosity of children aged 2-3. Through engaging activities that promote physical, cognitive, and emotional development, toddlers develop essential skills such as coordination, communication, and self-regulation. At our childcare centres in Newcastle, we create an environment that encourages exploration, creative play, and social interaction, all designed to support each child’s unique developmental journey. 

To learn more about the toddler program at St Nicholas Early Education, visit our toddler page. 

Preschool program (3-5 years) 

The preschool program at St Nicholas Early Education prepares children for school by supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Our early learning centres in Newcastle focus on developing foundational skills in early literacy and numeracy, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Through group activities and collaborative projects, preschoolers learn to problem-solve, work together, and communicate effectively, ensuring they are well-equipped for a smooth transition to primary school. 

To learn more about the preschool program at St Nicholas Early Education, visit our preschool page. 

Newcastle OOSH programs

For families with school-age children, our Newcastle and Lake Macquarie OOSH programs offer the perfect balance of care and growth. St Nicholas provides before and after-school care tailored to meet the needs of busy families while ensuring children stay engaged in meaningful activities. 

At St Nicholas OOSH, we support families through: 

• Flexible scheduling to support working parents. 

• Enriching activities, including a mix of creative arts, sports, and collaborative projects. 

• Inclusive environments, offering safe spaces where children can play and grow. 

To learn more about St Nicholas OOSH, visit our OOSH page. 

Newcastle Vacation Care 

School holidays are an opportunity for fun and adventure, and our Newcastle vacation care programs make every break memorable. Tailored for school-age children, our vacation care services offer diverse activities, from creative arts to exciting excursions and STEM-based projects. 

Vacation care at St Nicholas: 

• Keeps children active and engaged during holidays. 

• Provides opportunities for skill-building and social development. 

• Offers peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are in safe and experienced hands. 

Day Camps  

Our vacation care programs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie provide fun, enriching activities for children aged 5–12 onsite at our services: 

• Creative arts and crafts: Encourage imagination and self-expression with hands-on art and craft activities suitable for all ages. 

• Themed days: Experience fun and engaging days like Heroes and Villains Day, cultural celebrations, and more, where children explore new adventures and learn about the world around them. 

• STEM: Introduce children to science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities and challenges. 

• Physical activities and sports: Keep kids active with team sports, games, and fitness challenges designed for fun and development. 

• Mindfulness and wellbeing: Incorporate yoga, relaxation exercises, and storytelling for a balanced, calming experience during their day. 

Incursions 

Our vacation care services host professional facilitators and engaging programs to create unforgettable experiences: 

• Interactive animal encounters: Children can learn about animals through hands-on sessions with wildlife experts. 

• Live performances: Enjoy live entertainment, including theatre, music, or dance performances that captivate and inspire children. 

• Sports workshops: Engage children in fun and skill-building sports workshops, helping them develop teamwork and fitness. 

• Science experiments: Spark curiosity with hands-on science experiments and demonstrations that engage young minds. 

• Gaming and technology installations: Introduce children to interactive gaming and technology installations, combining fun with problem-solving. 

Excursions 

Our vacation care programs also include exciting outings to explore the Newcastle area: 

• Museum visits: Explore local museums, where children can engage with history, science, and culture through interactive exhibits. 

• Entertainment centres: Enjoy action-packed fun at local entertainment centres, including activities like mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games. 

• Movies: Take in a family-friendly movie at the local cinema, offering entertainment and a chance to relax and enjoy together. 

• Cultural visits: Immerse children in cultural experiences, including visits to local landmarks and cultural centres to learn about diverse traditions and history. 

• Adventure parks: Get active with excursions to adventure parks, offering rock climbing, zip lines, and obstacle courses for children to challenge themselves and develop physical skills. 

To learn more about St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care, visit our Vacation Care page. 

Thoughtfully designed daycare and OOSH services in Newcastle 

Our Newcastle daycare centres are thoughtfully designed to inspire and engage. Features include: 

• Architecturally designed daycare centres: Inspiring creativity, fostering exploration, and providing a safe, welcoming environment for children. 

• Natural outdoor play spaces: Encouraging exploration and connection with nature 

• Spacious indoor environments: Perfect for collaborative and independent learning 

• Quality resources: Enhancing play-based and intentional learning. 

• Powered by 100% green energy: Fostering environmental awareness and instilling sustainable values. 

Join our Newcastle community today

Choosing childcare is an important decision, and we’re here to help. At St Nicholas, we combine a passion for early learning with a dedication to nurturing every child’s potential. 

Discover how our programs can support your child’s development. Visit one of our centres today to experience the St Nicholas difference. From infants to school-age children, we’re here to guide your family through every stage of their learning journey. 

Supporting families and communities in Newcastle 

At St Nicholas, we believe in the power of partnerships. Raising children is a collaborative effort, and we work closely with families to ensure every child receives the best care and support. Our commitment to supporting families and communities drives us to: 

• Provide flexible care options, including long day care, OOSH, and vacation care 

• Offer resources to help parents navigate the challenges of early childhood 
• Create lasting change through high-quality education and professional learning opportunities. 

Conveniently located childcare services in Newcastle 

With multiple centres across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, St Nicholas makes it easy for families to access our services. 

Whether you’re looking for daycare, preschool, OOSH programs, or vacation care, our centres are conveniently located to meet your needs. 

To find your local St Nicholas service, visit our ‘Find a service’ page. 

Contact us 

Ready to find the perfect childcare solution for your family? Contact a St Nicholas service in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie today. 

Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, provide more information about our programs, or schedule a tour at one of our childcare services in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie. Allow us to support your family and set your child on the path to a bright future. 

To contact St Nicholas, visit our enquiry page.