Branxton Childcare and Early Learning

39-45 Station St, Branxton, 2335
(02) 4931 1220 Book a tour Enquire now
Branxton StNics 2685

Branxton Preschool and Child Care Centre

St Nicholas Early Education Branxton is a 104-place early education and care centre, ideally located in East Branxton and co-located with Rosary Park Primary School. Our centre features a thoughtfully designed mix of natural and built play environments where children can explore, take risks, and solve problems, providing a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 years.

Serving the local community since 2020, St Nicholas Early Education Branxton was created with the needs of local families in mind. As the nearby Huntlee housing development continues to grow, so too does the demand for high-quality early childhood education. Our Branxton childcare centre meets this demand with excellence, offering both childcare and preschool services to support children’s growth and development.

Key features of our Branxton childcare and preschool services include immersive outdoor play spaces with large sandstone sandpits, a mud kitchen, bike tracks, garden beds, and a sustainability station. We also provide spacious open-plan rooms designed to enhance learning through play. The centre’s prime location next to Rosary Park Primary School ensures a smooth transition for children to primary school.

As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, St Nicholas Early Education Branxton offers families a connected educational pathway. This includes priority enrolment at Rosary Park Primary School and a seamless transition from early childhood education to school care, supported by our highly regarded Transition to School program for preschool children.

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Centre Director – Stella Danks

Stella Danks is the vibrant Centre Director at St Nicholas Early Education Branxton, committed to providing high-quality and individualised care to young learners. Drawing from her own childhood experiences, Stella values the impactful individuals who shaped her journey, instilling essential life skills and values. She believes in fostering positive and compassionate interactions among children, guiding them to become their best selves.

Inspired by children’s boundless curiosity, Stella integrates her fascination with their cognitive development into her teaching philosophy. She encourages children to pursue their aspirations fearlessly, pushing the boundaries of their potential. Collaborating with her team, Stella fosters an environment of innovation and growth, empowering her colleagues to excel.

With a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood / Primary), Stella has accumulated eight years of invaluable experience in the field. Progressing through various roles, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of early childhood education. Her journey led her to St Nicholas, where she continued to evolve professionally, ultimately assuming the role of Centre Director at Branxton.

Stella’s approach to learning emphasises hands-on experiences with real-world materials, connecting children to diverse cultures and beliefs. This holistic approach equips children with the resilience and problem-solving skills necessary for life’s challenges.

Driven by her passion for learning, Stella inspires others to embrace each day as an opportunity for growth. With her positive attitude and unwavering determination, she nurtures a supportive environment where every child can pursue their dreams.

Priority enrolment at Catholic Schools

Each St Nicholas Early Education centre is connected to Catholic primary schools in its region, which then feed into designated Catholic secondary schools. Enrolling with us provides your child with a structured educational pathway, supported by our priority enrolment advantage.

To learn more, please refer to the full Catholic Schools Enrolment Policy.

Make an enquiry

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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 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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  • Why choose us?
  • Our approach
  • Our commitment

Why choose St Nicholas Early Education Branxton?

At St Nicholas Early Education Branxton, we take pride in offering high-quality childcare and preschool services that align with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS). Our child care centre in Branxton is committed to fostering a nurturing environment where children can develop essential skills through play-based learning. Below are some reasons why families in the Hunter Valley and East Branxton choose our Branxton childcare and preschool services:

  • Expert early childhood educators: Our team of qualified educators brings expertise and dedication to each child’s development, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and education.
  • Immersive outdoor play spaces: Our expansive outdoor areas include large sandstone sandpits, bike tracks, a mud kitchen, and sustainability stations that provide ample opportunities for children to engage with nature and foster creative play.
  • Seamless transition to school: Located next to Rosary Park Primary School, our Branxton centre offers priority enrolment and ensures a smooth transition to school through our Transition to School program.
  • Focus on sustainability: We encourage children to explore environmental sustainability through hands-on experiences in our sustainability station, garden beds, and other eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Inclusive, nurturing environment: We provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive space where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn and grow, catering to the individual needs of each child.

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

Comprehensive preschool program and early childhood education in Branxton

St Nicholas Early Education Branxton offers a comprehensive early childhood education program that supports the developmental needs of children from birth through to preschool. Our curriculum is grounded in play-based learning, which fosters curiosity and promotes essential skills in a nurturing environment. We provide a range of educational experiences that align with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS), ensuring the best outcomes for every child.

Here’s what you can expect from our comprehensive early childhood education and preschool program:

  • Play-based learning approach: Our curriculum encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving through play, helping children build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
  • Focused preschool program: Designed to prepare children for a smooth transition to school care, our preschool program supports early literacy and numeracy, social skills, and emotional resilience, all of which are vital for success in school and beyond.
  • Individualised learning: Every child is unique, and our educators take the time to understand and support each child’s individual needs, ensuring personalised learning experiences.
  • Strong partnerships with families: We believe in working collaboratively with families to ensure that each child’s development is supported both at the centre and at home. This partnership strengthens the child’s learning experience.
  • Support for school transition: Our amazing Transition to School program is specifically tailored to support children’s emotional and academic transition to school, ensuring a smooth and confident entry into school life.
  • Focus on social-emotional development: We emphasise the importance of building strong social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience, helping children form positive relationships and develop self-regulation skills.

Our commitment to Branxton families

At St Nicholas Early Education Branxton, we are committed to providing the highest standard of childcare and preschool services to families in the local community. We understand the unique needs of Branxton families and are proud to offer an engaging program in a nurturing environment that supports children’s developmental and educational journeys.

Our commitment goes beyond providing excellent care; we aim to be an active partner in each child’s learning. Through our connection with Rosary Park Primary School, we ensure that children experience a seamless transition from early childhood education to school care, whereby they’re able to maintain friendships and connections made during their preschool years. This continuity provides peace of mind to families and supports children’s success as they enter the primary school years.

We are also committed to fostering a sustainable environment for both children and families. Through our garden beds, sustainability station, and eco-conscious practices, children learn the value of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our educators are dedicated to creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and ready to embrace their next steps in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    You can enrol your son or daughter in a few simple steps. Start by completing our enrolment expression of interest form, located on this page. Once submitted, a friendly member of our Branxton team will contact you to guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions you may have about fees, the enrolment process or our facilities.

  • What age groups do you cater to at St Nicholas Early Education Branxton?

    We provide care and education for children from eight weeks to school age. Our programs are designed to support children through each developmental stage, from infants to preschoolers, with a culture of inclusion, respect and individualised education.

  • How does St Nicholas Early Education Branxton ensure a smooth transition to primary school?

    Our co-location with Rosary Park Primary School ensures a seamless transition for children. We offer priority enrolment at the primary school and support children’s transition through our Transition to School program, which prepares them for school care.

    Our wonderful educators and teachers foster confidence in every child, helping to build a sense of belonging and respect for others as they prepare for the transition to primary school and a future of ongoing learning.

  • What are the key features of your outdoor play spaces?

    Our Branxton childcare centre boasts expansive outdoor areas, including sandstone sandpits, bike tracks, a mud kitchen, and sustainability stations. These features encourage active, hands-on learning and exploration in nature.

  • What makes your early childhood education program stand out?

    Our program focuses on play-based learning that is aligned with the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standards. We provide individualised care, support early literacy and numeracy development, and foster a love for learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

    We’re committed to connecting with our local families and having a positive impact not just on children but also on their parents/carers and our wider Branxton community.

For a full list of St Nicholas frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.