Sandcastles Childcare Chatswood

Meeting
NSW preschool
4.7 /5
21 reviews

Childcare and preschool in Chatswood, NSW

Welcome to Sandcastles Chatswood 1. Our daycare and early learning centre is a convenient choice for local families in Chatswood, Killara, Artarmon, Lane Cove North, Willoughby, Castle Cove, Lindfield, Roseville Chase and Northbridge in Sydney. Sandcastles Chatswood 1 offers long day care and a preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built daycare and preschool centre in Chatswood offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Despite being located in a residential building, our early learning centre offers a unique blend of natural outdoor spaces and well-designed indoor environments. We have an extended outdoor area, including a rare natural garden and dedicated spaces for both nursery (0-2 years) and preschool (3-5 years) children. Indoors, we promote a sense of agency with dedicated sign-in areas and regularly updated classroom layouts that support child-led learning. Our long-standing team of passionate educators, including multilingual and Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, fosters strong relationships with families and the local community. Our multicultural team members can walk you through our wonderful centre in various languages, including Mandarin, Korean, Japanese and Thai. We provide a Government-approved Preschool program preparing children for school. We take advantage of our Chatswood location to engage with nearby amenities, such as the library and garden of remembrance, enriching the children’s learning experiences.

Why you’ll love Sandcastles Chatswood

Spacious outdoor environments

Passionate, qualified educators and teachers

Nappies and wipes provided

Chef-prepared meals

Government-approved Preschool program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Incursions/excursions

ELLA language program

Close to public transport

Sun protection aware

Allergy and anaphylaxis aware

Meet our team

Rasanthi

Centre Manager

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
  • Diploma of Montessori Education
  • First Aid, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Child Protection Trained
“I believe the environment is the third teacher, and I strive to create setups and a curriculum that are child-driven and engaging. “

I began my early childhood education and care career in 2012. I joined the team at Sandcastles 1 Child Care Centre – Chatswood in 2022. I have 14 years of experience across various roles and settings. As a mum of four, I understand how important it is for parents to find a caring, loving, and nurturing environment for their children. That’s what I love about my role – being part of the children’s daily learning and discovery journey.

Children are active and unique learners, and as educators, we need to collaborate with them and offer an environment that supports all learning styles. I believe the environment is the third teacher, and I strive to create setups and a curriculum that are child-driven and engaging. This helps children take ownership of their learning and develop skills that are essential for their growth.

At Sandcastles Chatswood, our educators are passionate about making the centre a home away from home, celebrating diversity, and building strong partnerships with families. We communicate openly through the Xplor app, email, and phone, and welcome families to contact us anytime for updates about their child.

I look forward to welcoming you to our Chatswood early education centre.

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Jin

Lead Educator

  • Working towards Bachelor of Education
“I have been working in Early Childhood since 2017, including 4 years experience in the preschool room.”

From working as a primary school teacher overseas to being an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia, I always enjoy working with children and have the vision on how to empower them to become confident, involved, resilient and independent learners. I believe strong foundation in early years will benefit their school and lifelong learning.

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Tina

Educational Leader

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
“I am the Educational Leader at Sandcastles Chatswood 1 and I have been working in Early Childhood since 2016.”

I believe that maintaining effective relationships with each of the children as well as families is significant. For this reason, I aim to create an inclusive learning environment to help children to become more active participants in their learning.

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Fanny

Early Childhood Teacher

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
“I have been working in early childhood education since 2016.”

I believe that maintaining effective relationships with each of the children as well as families is significant. For this reason, I aim to create an inclusive learning environment to help children to become more active participants in their learning.

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Melizza

Early Childhood Teacher

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
“I have been working in early childhood education since 2016.”

I became curious about Early Childhood Education and I love learning new things to challenge my thinking. With my experience as an Early Childhood Teacher I have moved up a level within my NESA accreditation.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Chatswood, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including:

Sustainability

We integrate sustainability into our daily practices by encouraging children to explore nature through our natural garden and classroom resources and developing sustainability projects based on children’s interests. Using the 7 R’s—Recycling, Reusing, Reflecting, Repairing, Respecting, and Reducing—we embed sustainability in both our actions and conversations with children.

Music and movement

Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood.

STEM

We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Inclusion

We create a sense of belonging for your child to ensure they feel heard and empowered to make choices, fostering their independence. We celebrate each child’s unique strengths, helping them to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Age-appropriate early learning

sandcastles-nursery

(0-2 years)

Nursery

In our nursery room, we provide a friendly and nurturing environment where experienced and dedicated educators support each child’s development and well-being. We focus on creating smooth transitions into care for both children and their families, ensuring that everyone feels secure and comfortable. Our room is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of agency and belonging, with a variety of activities and resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of this age group. Our primary goal is to support children in taking their first steps in learning by building strong relationships, reaching developmental milestones, and offering a wide range of sensory learning experiences.

  Next: Toddlers
sandcastles-toddler

(2-3 years)

Toddlers

For our toddler room, we offer a cozy and familiar environment where children can further develop their sense of agency as they prepare for their preschool journey. The room is equipped with open-ended materials and planned activities that encourage children to explore and grow. Our focus is on helping toddlers develop social relationships, independence, and emerging interests, setting the foundation for their next stage of learning.

Previous: Nursery Next: Preschool
sandcastles-preschool

(3-5 years)

Preschool

In our preschool room, we provide a spacious and multi-faceted learning environment designed to offer a wide range of play options. The preschool room is thoughtfully arranged to stimulate social skills, creativity, and critical thinking. With areas dedicated to building, interactive boards, and an art space, we invite children to personalise the space and engage in meaningful learning experiences. Our goal is to support children through an inquiry-based program, nurturing their social and emotional intelligence while ensuring a smooth and successful transition to primary school.

Previous: Toddlers  
sandcastles-preschool

NSW Government-approved Preschool program

At our Chatswood early learning centre, your child will benefit from the NSW “Start Strong” program as part of our enhanced learning program. We tailor our preschool program across numeracy, literacy, emotional and social development, and self-regulation. Led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, our preschool program will support your child’s learning, development, and well-being for now, at school and beyond.

The added benefits of our preschool program include:

  • Extended long day care opening hours
  • Open all year round (excl. public holidays)
  • Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
  • Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation
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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Chatswood child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. Our menu is designed to introduce children to a variety of flavours and textures, encouraging them to explore food and develop healthy eating habits. We cater for all children’s dietary requirements, preferences and cultural requirements.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Communicating with families

We prioritise clear and consistent communication with families to foster a strong partnership in supporting each child’s development. We ensure families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s early learning journey.

Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events.

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

  • Nursery0 – 2 years

    $198.00
  • Toddler2 – 3 years

    $189.00
  • Preschool3 – 5 years

    $181.00

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.*

1-4 days = full day session; 5 days = 10 hour per day sessions

CCS Estimator results

  • Estimated subsidy

    $0.00
  • Total fees

    $0.00
  • Out-of-pocket cost

    $0.00

*This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions:

  • Accuracy and currency of family income information entered;
  • Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below.
  • Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres)
  • Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight)

Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide via the link below.

For a more complete subsidy estimation, check out our comprehensive CCS calculator here.

Calculate my subsidy

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

We also do monthly check-ins to review availability, and you will receive a text message confirming whether you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month. If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call.

Our Family Support Team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Sandcastles centre you are interested in that have immediate availability.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care service together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

Both Sandcastles child care and early education centres in Chatswood offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

Sandcastles uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Sandcastles is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.