Newcastle West Childcare and Early Learning

845 Hunter St, Newcastle West, 2302
(02) 4979 1136 Book a tour Enquire now
Male educator playing guitar with children at Newcastle West early education centre

Quality childcare and preschool service in Newcastle West

St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West is a 92-place early education and care centre conveniently located in Newcastle’s CBD. A standout childcare centre in the city, we offer a warm and nurturing atmosphere, empowering children to grow, learn, and flourish.

Our Newcastle West centre is uniquely designed to include natural, open-air outdoor environments, featuring a blend of natural and man-made play elements that enrich children’s early learning experiences.

As one of the first St Nicholas Early Education centres, having opened in 2016, our Newcastle West team has consistently exceeded expectations in providing exceptional care for children aged eight weeks to five years. Being part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, we offer families a seamless educational pathway with priority enrolment at nearby Catholic schools, including St Joseph’s Primary School, The Junction, and St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton.

Our highly regarded Transition to School program ensures that preschool children are well-prepared for their next stage of learning.

Key features of our Newcastle West childcare centre include expansive outdoor play areas filled with trees, garden beds, sandstone sandpits, mud kitchens, bicycle tracks, tepees, and more.

Conveniently located in Newcastle’s CBD, our early education centre provides an ideal drop-off and pick-up experience for busy parents and carers. Whether fostering fine motor skills or encouraging creative exploration, our centre prioritises each child’s growth and well-being, helping every child work towards their full potential.

  • Gallery
  • Fees and inclusions
  • Centre Director
  • Learning pathway
Educators and children sitting outside together at Newcastle West early education centre
Educator and children tending to gardens together outside at Newcastle West early education centre
Educator and children playing in gardens together outside at Newcastle West early education centre
Child and educator playing in mud kitchen together outside at Newcastle West early education centre
Educator feeding a child a bottle at Newcastle West early education centre
Child and educator playing together at Newcastle West early education centre
Fees

Wilai (0 – 1 years) – $164.50
Werekata (1 – 2 years) – $164.50
Bayii Bayii (1 – 2 years) – $164.50
Yunung (2 – 3 years) – $157.50
Maiyaa (3 – 4 years) – $151.00
Mowane (4 – 5 years) – $151.00

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

Inclusions
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.

Centre Director – Alana Reed

Alana Reed is the dedicated and passionate Centre Director of St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West. Her journey in the field of early education began with a strong commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.

Alana’s educational background includes completing a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle in 2015. Prior to pursuing her degree, Alana gained valuable experience in early education, starting as a Certificate III Trainee on the Central Coast and continuing her journey in Sydney and Newcastle. 

Alana possesses a deep passion for helping children strive to meet their developmental goals, particularly children who require additional support. Her experience in early education in Sydney provided her with the opportunity to work with children from English as Second Language (ESL) families. This experience inspired Alana to learn various basic languages to better support the needs of these children. 

For over four years, Alana has had the pleasure of working at St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West. Many of the children she has nurtured and guided through their learning journeys started in the nursery room and have now reached kindergarten. Witnessing their growth and development has been a true highlight for Alana. Starting as their Teacher, then as the Assistant Director, and now as the Director, she has formed strong bonds with the children and their families, fostering a sense of continuity and support throughout their time at the centre. 

Alana Reed’s dedication, experience and commitment to making a positive impact on children’s lives make her an exceptional leader at St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West. Her passion for supporting children’s development and her ability to form meaningful connections with families contribute to the nurturing and enriching learning environment at the centre.

Alana Reed, Centre Director of St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West

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

  • Early Education
  • OOSH
  • Pathways
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Preferred days of care(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Your details

Parent name(Required)
I have read and understand the privacy policy(Required)
I have read and understand the privacy policy

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.

Your details

Name
I have read and understand the privacy policy
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please fill out the form with your details and preferred study program. One of our friendly staff will be in touch shortly.

  • Why choose us?
  • Our approach
  • Our commitment

Why choose St Nicholas Early Education centre Newcastle West?

When considering a childcare centre in Newcastle West, St Nicholas Early Education stands out for many reasons:

  • Warm and nurturing atmosphere: Our centre provides a caring environment where kids feel safe and valued. Our experienced educators open their arms to new families and ensure every child absolutely loves their time with us.
  • Convenient location: Situated in the heart of Newcastle, our child care centre is perfect for families living or working in the CBD.
  • Creative and dedicated team: Our team is passionate about providing a dynamic early education experience, tailored to the unique needs of each child.
  • Comprehensive school transition program: Our preschool program is designed to help children learn and grow in confidence, supporting their transition to school by fostering independence, resilience, and essential foundational skills.
  • Outdoor learning environments: Our natural outdoor spaces encourage children to explore, engage, and develop important motor and social skills.
  • Commitment to quality: Meeting the National Quality Standard ensures that your child receives the best early learning experience possible.

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

Comprehensive early childhood education in Newcastle West

St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West offers a holistic approach to early learning, ensuring your child’s growth, development, and wellbeing are at the forefront:

  • Tailored learning programs: We offer curated programs to support your child’s learning and developmental needs throughout their early years. Our educators design age-appropriate learning experiences that cater to the needs of children aged eight weeks to five years.
  • Strong community connections: By fostering partnerships with local families and nearby schools, we create a sense of belonging and continuity in education. For children attending local Catholic schools, we offer a smooth transition from early learning to primary school.
  • Inspiring creativity and imagination: Purpose-built indoor and outdoor spaces encourage children to explore, discover, and express themselves freely.
  • Supportive learning environment: Our centre’s nurturing atmosphere helps children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
  • Focus on holistic development: From language and communication to motor skills and culture studies, we help children develop a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom. Our programs integrate physical, social, and emotional growth, ensuring every aspect of your child’s development is nurtured.

Our commitment to Newcastle West families

At St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West, we are deeply committed to providing childcare Newcastle families can trust, that supports parents and promotes children’s growth and development. Our focus on quality early learning aligns with the National Quality Standard, ensuring excellence in care and education.

We believe every child deserves a strong foundation for their future, and our programs are thoughtfully designed to achieve this. From long day care options to school readiness programs, our Newcastle West childcare centre meets the diverse needs of our community with open arms and unwavering dedication. By fostering a nurturing environment and prioritising wellbeing, we create a space where children feel valued and supported every step of the way.

Our team is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, their families and our local community. We value the trust placed in us and strive to deliver exceptional care, creative learning experiences, and a warm, welcoming environment that children and parents alike appreciate. Every child at our centre is encouraged to grow, explore, and flourish as we guide them through their early education journey.

By partnering with families, we aim to create a cohesive and supportive community where each child’s individual needs, interests and ideas are acknowledged and nurtured. Through open communication, collaborative planning, and a shared commitment to excellence, we ensure every family feels connected and confident in their child’s early education experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    It’s simple to enrol your son or daughter at our convenient centre on Hunter Street, Newcastle West. Start by completing our enrolment expression of interest form, located on this page. Once submitted, a member of our Newcastle West team will contact you to guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions you may have.

  • What ages do you cater to at St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West?

    Our early childhood teachers provide care and education for children aged eight weeks to five years, with tailored programs for each developmental stage. Each age group has a dedicated room and play areas so children can build connections with their peers.

  • What are the operating hours of your Newcastle West childcare centre?

    Our centre operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering flexible care options for busy families.

  • What sets your outdoor learning environments apart?

    Our outdoor spaces include natural elements such as trees, garden beds, and sandpits, as well as engaging features like bicycle tracks and mud kitchens. These areas encourage exploration, creativity, and physical activity while encouraging a natural sense of wonder and curiosity. We also provide healthy meals and snacks to keep your little one fulled for a full day of learning.

  • Do you offer school transition programs?

    Yes, our comprehensive Transition to School program supports preschool-aged children for a smooth transition to primary school, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive development.

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