TAFE NSW Nepean Children’s Centre

At TAFE NSW Nepean Children’s Centre, we follow a play-based philosophy that is child-led. We take the time to build strong relationships with children. We understand each child’s individual needs and identify their interests and capabilities. From there we can see which play-based activities will best support their learning.

Our centre has a warm, family-friendly feel. This supports open, relaxed conversations between families and our educators. Our educators take the time to get to know each child and family.

We have two rooms:

• a babies and toddlers room for children aged 0–3
• a preschool room for children aged 3–6.

If you're interested in joining our team of early childhood educators, see below.

Location

I Block 12-44 O'Connell Street,
Kingswood NSW 2747

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Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, open 49 weeks per year
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years
Number of children: Up to 40 per day
Inclusions: Morning and afternoon tea, wet wipes, sunscreen, and bed linen for sleep time
National Quality Standard (NQS) rating: Meeting

At TAFE NSW Nepean Children’s Centre, our focus is on connecting with the campus community. Children enjoy excursions to different areas of the campus, engaging their natural curiosity.

They may enjoy story time at the library and get lost in a book. Or they can join active play sessions led by TAFE NSW fitness students. These include fun activities like mini fitness circuits and parachute games. Children can also enjoy free play in our centre's natural outdoor spaces. They can run, play and explore while supervised.

Children can also spend time in the Yarning Circle in S Block. Here, they can read Aboriginal stories and play Aboriginal games. This helps them learn about Aboriginal culture and build a connection to Country.

Exposure to different learning environments

At Nepean Children’s Centre, children can play and interact with siblings, family members and peers. Some activities are grouped by age, but children of different ages can also connect and play together during the day. At 8:30am children join their age-grouped rooms. At 9:00am they enjoy some morning tea.

Lunch is the next mealtime. Babies and toddlers eat at 11 am and preschoolers eat between 11:30 am and 12 pm. A balance of indoor and outdoor play make each day fun.

On a typical day children stay inside until 2:30pm. They then enjoy some sunshine and fresh air with outdoor play. They’ll then stay outside for the rest of the day until pick-up. This is the general routine for the day, but we stay flexible and respond to children’s needs.

Time for sibling play

Many children at the centre have siblings. We group siblings together in the mornings and afternoons when they arrive and leave. Brothers and sisters can enjoy time playing together in one large room.

Plenty of space to play outside, even in wet weather

The outdoor play area is designed for all ages. Children can learn from each other and build friendships across different age groups. Our spacious outdoor area has plenty of room for children to run around. This helps them build core movement skills through free play.

The centre overlooks plenty of natural greenery, including garden beds and a sports field. Children can enjoy the fresh air outdoors, even on rainy days, under our large covered verandah.

Our friendly native neighbours

A special part of this centre is the kangaroos that visit throughout the day. In the mornings, they may hop close to the fence. Later, they often rest under shady trees to keep cool.

Children love seeing these friendly visitors, and it’s a delight to have them so close.

What you will need to bring each day

Babies need formula, milk bottles, nappies and spare clothes. Older children need a water bottle, lunch, a hat for outdoor play, nappies or underwear and spare clothes.

Parents are encouraged to come into the centre to chat with educators and have a look at our space. This makes it easier to get a general feel of the centre, to see if it’s the right match for you and your family. While you’re there you can discuss vacancies with an educator.

If there are no vacancies, you can complete an Application for Care Form [PDF, 1.7 MB] and email it to us and we can add you to the waiting list.

You’re also welcome to phone the centre on 02 7921 6782 to ask about availability, or email us below.

To submit your application, you will need to provide:

• Birth certificate
• Medicare card
• Health care/Pension card (if you have one)
• Immunisation record (must be through Medicare, blue books are not accepted).

Please note: Children must meet government immunisation requirements or have an approved exemption to be eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

There are five steps to complete enrolment:

1. Apply for Child Care Subsidy (if eligible) - Parents/guardians submit a claim to Centrelink.
2. Agree on care arrangements - To be confirmed between the Early Childhood Director (ECD) and parents/guardians.
3. Submit enrolment - The ECD submits an enrolment notice to Centrelink via HubHello.
4. Confirm enrolment - The parents/guardians verify the enrolment with Centrelink.
5. Secure enrolment - If you accept an offer, we’ll send a formal letter detailing the next steps. This includes submitting a birth certificate, proof of immunisation and a security deposit to secure your childcare placement.

Once the enrolment is completed and approved your entitlements can be calculated, and payments made.

Under Family Assistance Law, all children attending an early learning centre must have an enrolment notice, regardless of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligibility. For eligible families, Centrelink/Services Australia can only process CCS claims once the correct enrolment is in place.

For any questions, please email us or call us on 02 7921 6782.

If you still have questions, please call us directly on 02 7921 6782or email us below.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our Children’s Centre.