TAFE NSW Newcastle Children’s Centre

At TAFE NSW Newcastle Children’s Centre, we give children the freedom to explore and test their natural boundaries. We encourage them to take safe risks and test their limits.

If they’d rather do new things at their own pace, that’s okay, too. Children are free to get involved in activities or just observe, as they prefer. Either way, they're supported to develop curiosity and confidence.

Every child learns at their own pace, so we give one-on-one support. When they are ready to explore and play more independently, we respond to help them build these skills in their own way.

Our focus is on responsive practice and helping children grow and thrive. This means we give children the space to learn things in their own time. When children are ready to play and explore on their own, we help them build these skills in a way that suits them.

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

Location

Q Block 266 Maitland Road,
Tighes Hill NSW 2297

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Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, open 48 weeks per year
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Number of children: Up to 40 per day
Inclusions: Wet wipes, nappy cream, bed linen, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent
National Quality Standard (NQS) rating: Meeting

At our centre, children learn the difference between safe risks and unsafe behaviour. All activities are age-appropriate and children who need more support receive it.

We encourage children to build skills and explore more on their own over time. Our educators offer one-on-one support and stay close to keep every child safe.

Risky play to build confidence

At TAFE NSW Newcastle Children’s Centre, we support children to try risky play when they feel ready.

Risky play helps children test their limits in a safe way. It’s open-ended play that feels exciting or challenging. Children can try new things, explore what might happen and learn through experience.

Children can climb, balance and jump from height if they feel confident.

Children can climb the rungs of a shorter A-frame and walk on flat balancing boards to a taller A-frame. From there, they climb a 1.5-metre tall frame, build their courage and jump onto a crash mat.

These activities build confidence. They teach children how to manage risk, with educator support.

Risky play gives children freedom to explore their individual capabilities.

Starting off the day outside

We keep a flexible routine so we can respond to what children need each day. In warm, dry weather, children play outside together in a shared space with natural surroundings. They enjoy running, exploring, the sandpit and the climbing gym.

In winter, we stay indoors where it’s warm and sheltered. Children join family groupings in the mornings and evenings.

Enriching indoor activities

Morning tea runs from 9:30 to 10:30am. Children eat when they’re ready, then return to play.

Around 11:00 to 11:30am, children go inside for lunch and spend time in age-based rooms. There are two rooms: one for ages 0–3 and one for preschool children aged 3–5.

Children can choose from a range of indoor activities, including art, cooking, science and fine motor play like puzzles and Play-Doh.

What to bring each day

You need to bring baby bottles with breastmilk or formula, nappies, food, a spare change of clothes and a water bottle.

Older children need food, a spare change of clothes and a water bottle.

For enrolment enquiries, please fill out an Application for Care Form [PDF, 1.7 MB] and email it to us. You’ll need to fill out a separate application form for each child you’re enquiring about.

Once we receive a form for each child, we’ll let you know if places are available and which days are open. If not, we can add you to the waitlist.

We invite families to tour the centre and attend a few orientation visits. This helps you get to know the space, our educators and how we work.

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 place.

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 6907.

If you still have questions, please call us directly on 02 7921 6907 or email us below.

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