Kotara Childcare and Early Learning

Vista Pde, Kotara, 2289

(02) 4979 1110 ee-kotarasouth@stnicholasmn.org.au

Monday

6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday

6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday

6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Book a tour Enquire now

Child and educator playing outside at Muswellbrook early education centre

Quality childcare and preschool service in Kotara

St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South is a 79-place early education and care centre located alongside St James’ Primary School, just a short two-minute drive from the Westfield Shopping Centre in Kotara. Our purpose-built centre provides high-quality early childhood education in a warm, modern, and thoughtfully designed learning environment. As part of our commitment to offering exceptional Kotara childcare, our spaces are created to support children’s learning, play, and wellbeing from their very first day with us.

The centre features contemporary indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage children to explore, imagine, and discover. Natural elements such as trees, garden beds, large sandstone sandpits, and a mud kitchen offer opportunities for sensory play and hands-on learning. Every space has been designed to inspire children while giving them room to learn, grow, and develop confidence.

Conveniently located beside St James’ Primary School, our centre provides families with a one-stop drop-off and pick-up experience. This close proximity also supports a seamless educational pathway, including *greater priority enrolment opportunities at St James’ and access to our Transition to School program. Families benefit from a consistent learning journey that takes children from early education through to primary school within the same community.

Our educational program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), focusing on play-based learning, relationships, and your child’s development of essential skills. Educators plan meaningful experiences that reflect each child’s interests and strengths, supporting their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Inclusion and equity are central to our approach, ensuring every child feels valued and supported throughout their learning journey.

St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South offers a welcoming and nurturing environment for children and families, with high-quality Kotara childcare delivered by passionate educators dedicated to helping children thrive.

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 enquiry 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 enquiry does not constitute a confirmed booking. No 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.

Gallery

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?
Fees and inclusions
Our approach
Our commitment

Why choose St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South?

At St Nicholas, we are committed to delivering exceptional early childhood education and care. Here’s what makes us a trusted provider of daycare in the Kotara community:

Contemporary learning environments: Our centre features engaging indoor and outdoor spaces designed to foster creativity, imagination, and a love of learning. Natural elements, open play areas, and hands-on experiences help children explore the world around them in meaningful ways.
Seamless transition to school: As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, families can enjoy *greater priority enrolment pathways and a connected transition to Catholic schools, including St James’ Primary School. Our Transition to School program helps children build the skills and confidence needed for kindergarten.
Passionate and experienced educators: Our educators bring experience, dedication, and a genuine love of early childhood education. They create warm, nurturing environments where children feel supported and encouraged to learn at their own pace.
Play-based learning: Our curriculum aligns with the EYLF, promoting learning through play, exploration, and discovery. Children build essential life skills while engaging in activities that spark curiosity and interest.

To learn more about what sets us apart, visit our ‘Why Choose St Nicks’ page.

Fees

Coming soon

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

Inclusions

*Greater 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.

Comprehensive early childhood education in Kotara

St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South provides a comprehensive approach to early childhood education, combining high-quality care with engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Families can expect:

Developmentally appropriate curriculum: Our curriculum supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, offering learning experiences that match each child’s developmental stage.
Holistic approach: We focus on the whole child, nurturing creativity, resilience, problem-solving, social connections, and emotional wellbeing, helping children build skills that last well beyond the early years.
Inclusive learning environment: We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive centre where every child feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.
Strong family connections: Family involvement is central to our approach. We value open communication, provide regular updates, and encourage parents and carers to be active participants in their child’s learning journey.

St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South offers kotara childcare that nurtures children’s curiosity, development, and confidence in a supportive learning community.

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 underpins everything we do. We recognise that choosing the right childcare provider is an important decision, and we aim to offer an environment where children feel safe, supported, and engaged every day. Our team works closely with families to ensure each child’s needs are understood and their learning journey is personalised.

We value strong relationships with families, the local community, and our neighbouring Catholic schools. Our connection with St James’ Primary School provides families with a consistent and supportive educational pathway, helping children transition smoothly from preschool to primary school.

At St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South, our educators are passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child can develop a lifelong love of learning. Through play, exploration, and intentional teaching, children build the confidence and skills they need for future success.

We are proud to provide high-quality Kotara childcare in a centre built for connection, community, and growth.

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 Kotara South cater to?

Our centre caters to children aged eight weeks to five years, offering dedicated programs for Nursery, Toddlers, and Preschool-aged children.
What sort of program does St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South offer?

We offer a play-based educational program guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Educators plan experiences that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, supported by a structured Transition to School preschool program.
Does St Nicholas Early Education Kotara South offer government subsidies?

Yes. Eligible families can receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help reduce childcare fees. Our team can guide you in understanding how CCS works and what you may be entitled to.
What makes St Nicholas Early Education a trusted provider of childcare in Kotara?

Families choose us for our purpose-built centre, dedicated educators, play-based program, strong school connections, and commitment to creating a warm and welcoming learning environment for every child.
How does St Nicholas Kotara help children develop social skills?

Children learn social skills through group play, shared routines, and guided interactions. Educators model positive communication and help kids practise turn-taking, cooperation, and empathy in everyday moments.
Is the centre a good fit for busy families?

Yes. St Nicholas Early Education Kotara supports busy families with long opening hours, consistent communication, and daily updates about each child’s learning and wellbeing.
Are meals provided for children attending St Nicholas Early Education Kotara?

Yes. Children attending the Kotara centre can enjoy nutritious meals and snacks prepared to support healthy growth and energy throughout the day.
Is afternoon tea included in the daily meals?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea is provided as part of the centre’s daily menu, offering fresh, healthy options that keep kids fuelled for play and learning.
How does St Nicholas Kotara ensure the team are qualified and supported?

All the team at Kotara are experienced early childhood educators who take part in ongoing training and professional development. This helps the team maintain high standards of care and deliver the best learning experiences for children.
What safety measures are in place at the centre?

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