St Nicholas Early Education

Welcome to St Nicholas Early Education

Welcome to St Nicholas Early Education, our region’s leading provider of early childhood education services and care for children aged 0-5 years. With a network of high-quality early learning centres, we are dedicated to supporting local families across Newcastle, Maitland, and the Hunter.

Our education and care centres offer more than just care; they provide an enriching environment where children embark on a learning journey tailored to their unique interests and developmental needs. From infants to preschoolers, every child is nurtured in a safe, inclusive, and engaging setting designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.

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Service offerings

Nursery program (0-2 years)

St Nicholas’ Nursery program is focused on supporting children aged 0-2 as they take their first steps on their lifelong learning journey.

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Toddler program (2-3 years)

St Nicholas’ Toddler program is designed to support children aged 2-3 as they begin to develop a sense of identity, become confident and involved learners, and understand the world and their place within it.

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Preschool program (3-5 years)

St Nicholas’ Preschool program provides children aged 3-5 with the foundations necessary to embark on the next stage of their learning journey at school.

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Make an enquiry

Early Education
OOSH

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By entering your details you are registering your interest in enrolling your child. One of our friendly staff will be in touch shortly.

Are you interested in Before and After School Care or Vacation Care?

Before and After School Care

Vacation Care

Submit a booking 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 a booking request or enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No booking is confirmed until you have received email 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.

Quicklinks

Curriculum

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Testimonials

‘The best early childhood centre around. We’re over the moon with the quality provided by St Nicholas.’

Cherie Early Education Parent

‘The educators really made us feel comfortable about going back to work.’

Chris Early Education Parent

‘Brilliant early education. The educators are the best we have experienced.’

Debbie Early Education Parent

‘The quality of care is amazing and the staff are warm, friendly and welcoming’

Jo Early Education Parent

‘My child loves the environments and experiences that St Nicholas provides.’

Leanne Early Education Parent

‘All of my children went through St Nicholas and I couldn’t be happier.’

Leigh Early Education Parent

‘We are so thankful to St Nicholas for always making our family feel welcome and supported.’

Lisa Early Education Parent

‘Everyone greets us with a smile and knows us by name. It’s great to be part of such a caring community.’

Paul Early Education Parent

‘St Nicholas has exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We couldn’t be happier.’

Sandy Early Education Parent

‘I trust that my children are not only learning, but are also having a lot of fun.’

Therese Early Education Parent

‘We truly appreciate the meaningful relationships the educators have developed with our children.’

Trudie Early Education Parent

‘We are so appreciative of the beautiful educators at St Nicholas, who every day in their roles are caring and nurturing towards our children!’

Emilia Early Education Parent

‘Since day 1 at St Nicholas, our family has felt welcomed and loved. The loving and caring nature of the educators make the centre feel like family and one that we are so happy to belong to.’

Jaclyn Early Education Parent

‘I can’t thank the St Nicholas Early Education Maitland team enough for all the hard work they put in to building a safe and happy place for my children.’

Tegan Early Education Parent

‘It takes a village and St Nicholas Early Education Maitland is that village, I couldn’t recommend them enough!’

Chloe Early Education Parent

‘My son loves St Nicholas Early Education Maitland! All the educators are amazing and provide such a fun, caring environment for children to grow and be themselves. We couldn’t thank them enough for the effort they put in every day!’

Candice Early Education Parent

Why choose us?
Our approach
Families and communities
Join our community

Why families choose St Nicholas

Local families trust St Nicholas Early Education for our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality early education that supports working parents and empowers children. Our professional team is dedicated to providing personalised and engaging experiences that ensure every child feels valued and supported.

Families choose us because of our:

Child-led, play-based approach: We encourage children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace.
Natural outdoor play spaces: Our centres feature thoughtfully designed environments that inspire creativity and connection with nature.
Long day care hours: With schedules that accommodate busy parents, our daycare centres provide reliable and flexible care.
Commitment to supporting families and communities: We understand the unique needs of local families and work to foster strong connections within the community.
*Greater priority enrolment at Catholic Schools: We offer our families *greater priority enrolment at Catholic Schools, making the transition from early education to primary—and beyond—seamless.

A career Early Childhood Educator with St Nicholas Early Education interacting with a child

The St Nicholas Approach to Early Childhood Education

At St Nicholas Early Education, our philosophy is rooted in creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for every child. We embrace a child-led approach, where learning is guided by each child’s interests and curiosity, empowering children to develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Our programs focus on:

Play-based learning: Through purposeful play, children build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Individualised education: Every child’s learning journey is unique, and our educators tailor activities to meet their specific needs and abilities.
Inclusive environments: We celebrate diversity and ensure all children feel safe and included, laying the groundwork for positive social development.

Supporting families and communities

As a trusted partner for local families, we go beyond education to provide valuable support for parents and caregivers. We understand the importance of balancing work and family life, which is why our childcare centres are designed to support working parents with flexible schedules and engaging programs.

Our commitment to supporting families and communities drives us to:

Offer resources and guidance to help families navigate the early years of their child’s development.
Build strong partnerships with local organisations and community groups to foster a sense of belonging.
Provide accessible and affordable care through our network of education and care centres, ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive.

Join our community today

Discover why St Nicholas is the preferred choice for families seeking early education and care. Our daycare centres are more than just care facilities – they are places where children grow, explore, and flourish.

By choosing St Nicholas Early Education, you’re giving your child the gift of a strong educational foundation and the chance to develop into a confident, capable learner. Whether you are looking for a care centre for your infant or an engaging preschool program for your child, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a tour at one of our early learning centres and experience firsthand the difference our programs can make in your child and family’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I enrol my child at St Nicholas Early Education?

Start by completing our enrolment expression of interest form. Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you to guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions you may have.
Do St Nicholas Early Education centres provide meals?

Yes, our centres offer nutritious meals and snacks prepared daily to support your child’s health and wellbeing.
What facilities are available at St Nicholas Early Education centres?

Our centres feature natural outdoor play spaces, purpose-built indoor environments, and resources designed to inspire creativity, learning, and exploration.
Does St Nicholas Early Education offer care during school holidays?

Yes, our long day care hours are available 51 weeks a year, including during school holidays, providing consistent support for working families.
Can I tour a St Nicholas Early Education centre before enrolling?

Absolutely! We encourage families to book a tour of their local centre to see our facilities and meet our professional team.