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Great Beginnings Gilles Plains

Limited spots remaining

Daily fees before CCS

Nursery $153.35
Toddler $153.35
Preschool $153.35
Calculate your out-of-pocket cost

Enrolment availability

The information below gives an indication of current availability at the centre.

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  • Friday

Childcare and Preschool in Gilles Plains, SA

Great Beginnings Gilles Plains offers long day care and Preschool for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Gilles Plains, Oakden, Windsor Gardens, Valley View, Holden Hill and surrounding suburbs in Adelaide.

Bike track, water play and veggie garden

Outdoor areas are set up for active play and hands-on learning, with a bike track, water play, climbing fort and vegetable garden. Children can ride, climb, splash, garden and spend time exploring outside with friends.

Natural materials and open-ended play

Our indoor learning spaces are thoughtfully designed with natural materials and flexible resources. Children can take part in planned experiences, choose their own play, create, investigate and return to ideas in different ways.

Diverse, highly-trained educator team

Our diverse and highly trained educator team brings a range of strengths and experience to the centre. Educators create a warm, home-like environment where children can feel safe, known and comfortable joining in.

Government-approved Preschool

Our Government-approved Preschool is delivered by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Children prepare for school through play, group learning, routines, friendships and everyday opportunities to build independence.

Individual Learning Plans for every child

Each child has an Individual Learning Plan that reflects their interests, strengths and developmental goals, with regular reviews completed in partnership with families.

Experiences shaped by children’s interests

Additional learning experiences are included in the daily program and planned around children’s interests, development and engagement. These experiences give children more ways to explore ideas, try new skills and take part in centre life.

Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily

Our in-house chef prepares breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack each day. Meals are planned to offer variety across the day, with allergies, dietary requirements, preferences and cultural needs catered for.

Supporting busy families every day

Nappies, wipes and selected essentials are provided to help make daily routines easier, with infant feeding support available where needed. Families stay connected through educator conversations and updates shared in our communication app, including photos, routines and moments from their child’s day.

Secure your place today

Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.

Meet our Centre Manager

Ryan

4 years with our centre

  • Advanced Diploma of Children's Services
  • Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Business Management
  • Diploma of Montessori Education
"Trusting relationships provide the foundation for children's wellbeing and learning. I believe children thrive when they are given opportunities to make choices, develop independence, and explore their own interests. "

I have been working in early childhood education since 2002 and joined Great Beginnings Gilles Plains in 2021, leading the successful opening of the centre in 2022. I have been with G8 Education for over 15 years and have worked as an Assistant Centre Manager, Centre Manager, and Area Manager.

I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. Supporting children to build positive relationships with themselves and others is what inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning experiences where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Throughout my career, I have learned that trusting relationships provide the foundation for children’s wellbeing and learning. I believe children thrive when they are given opportunities to make choices, develop independence, and explore their own interests. This guides my approach to creating responsive learning environments that celebrate each child’s individuality and foster a genuine sense of belonging.

Early learning centres provide valuable opportunities for children to build friendships, develop social and emotional skills, and grow in confidence and independence. These experiences help children become capable learners who are ready to participate meaningfully in school and the wider community. Here at Great Beginnings Gilles PIains lead a confident, dedicated team that is committed to children’s safety, wellbeing, and high-quality educational practice. Together, we create an environment where children feel supported to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our approach to family partnerships is guided by the Circle of Security model. Every family is supported by a dedicated Primary Carer who builds a strong relationship with both the child and their family, helping children settle confidently into the service while ensuring their individual strengths, interests, routines, and cultural identity are reflected in their learning journey.

I look forward to welcoming your family to our beautiful early learning centre in Gilles Plains.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Gilles Plains, our play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), supporting children to learn through play, exploration and discovery.

Social and emotional learning

Children develop a strong sense of identity as they feel safe, secure and supported, building confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. Through group activities, conversations and play, children learn to interact with others with care, empathy and respect, building positive relationships and friendships.

Community partnerships

Our preschool children regularly visit the local primary school as part of their school readiness program. We also participate in regular community walks to the park and the local fruit and vegetable supermarket.

Exploration and problem solving

Educators introduce open-ended materials and invitations to explore, such as building, measuring and experimenting. Through shared conversations and investigation, children develop curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Language and early literacy

Children develop early literacy through storytelling, books, songs and meaningful conversations. Educators support children to explore language in many forms, including speaking, listening, viewing, drawing and writing, while building confidence communicating with others.

Age-appropriate early learning

Educator reading a colourful picture book to a toddler seated on a couch by a window

6 weeks – 2 years

Nursery

Nursery

Educator reading a colourful picture book to a toddler seated on a couch by a window
6 weeks – 2 years

In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.

Children in this age group experience:

  • Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
  • Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
  • Early communication development through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
  • Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
Educator and toddler holding wooden sensory panels filled with red and green liquid up to the light

2 – 3 years

Toddlers

Toddlers

Educator and toddler holding wooden sensory panels filled with red and green liquid up to the light
2 – 3 years

Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children begin exploring the world with growing confidence.

Children in this age group experience:

  • Play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity and problem solving
  • Language-rich environments with storytelling, songs and conversations
  • Opportunities to build independence, such as self-help skills and routines
  • Social learning experiences that help children practise sharing, cooperation and empathy
Young child leaning over a table to paint a large cardboard structure with orange and brown paint

3 – 5 years

Preschool

Preschool

Young child leaning over a table to paint a large cardboard structure with orange and brown paint
3 – 5 years

Our Government-approved Preschool prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Children in this age group will build:

  • Early literacy and numeracy skills through play-based activities, stories, songs and everyday routines
  • Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
  • Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
  • Self-help skills that support school routines, such as opening lunchboxes, looking after belongings and getting dressed independently

What a typical day looks like for your child

Smiling educator in a black jacket greeting a parent holding a toddler at a centre entrance

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
Children using tongs to serve watermelon, orange and cucumber from a platter at a shared table

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
Educator gently cradling a baby in a pink outfit in a childcare reading corner

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
Three young children in sun hats playing together at an outdoor timber water play table in a natural playground

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
Mother breastfeeding her baby while seated in a houndstooth armchair beside a window

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
Smiling educator in a wide-brimmed hat crouching to greet a young child in a blue bucket hat on a playground

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  

Fees

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

Nursery

0 – 2 years

$153.35/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$153.35/day

Preschool

4 – 5 years

$153.35/day

Step 1: Family Information & Financial State

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

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

**1-4 days = 12 hour sessions, 5 days = 100 hours

Changes to CCS – The 3-Day Guarantee (Starting 5th January 2026)

The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test from 5th January 2026, to provide a min. 72 hours per fortnight or 3 days per week of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) for eligible families.

2026 3-Day Guarantee

From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.

Total Fees

$0.00

Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy

$0.00

Preschool/Preschool Subsidy

$0.00

Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)

$0.00

Matrix Out of Pocket Cost

Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).

Child 1 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days

*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00

What our families say

4.6(73 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

Nicole D

We couldn’t speak more highly of Great Beginnings Gilles Plains! ❤️ Our eldest son has been attending for the past 3 years, and throughout that time, we have been absolutely thrilled with the care, kindness and support the team has shown our…. See more We couldn’t speak more highly of Great Beginnings Gilles Plains! ❤️ Our eldest son has been attending for the past 3 years, and throughout that time, we have been absolutely thrilled with the care, kindness and support the team has shown our family. The educators genuinely go above and beyond, making sure the children feel loved, safe, supported and happy. It’s clear how much passion and dedication the team has for what they do, and the little things they do every day make such a big difference. Leaving your child in someone else’s care is a huge decision, but we’ve always felt confident knowing our son is in such wonderful hands. The communication, warmth and genuine care from the team have been exceptional, and we are so grateful for everything they do. We’re also incredibly excited for our second son to join the Great Beginnings Gilles Plains family in January! The fact that we’re happily returning with our second child speaks volumes about the trust and confidence we have in the centre and its amazing team. A massive thank you to everyone at Great Beginnings Gilles Plains for being such a special part of our family’s journey. We feel incredibly lucky to have found a centre that cares so much. Highly recommend to any family looking for a nurturing, supportive and genuinely wonderful childcare centre! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lisa Marano

We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional care and service we receive from the entire team at Great Beginnings! From Jess and Ryan at the front desk, who always greet us with such warm smiles and genuine friendliness, to every educator in the…. See more We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional care and service we receive from the entire team at Great Beginnings! From Jess and Ryan at the front desk, who always greet us with such warm smiles and genuine friendliness, to every educator in the centre, it is clear that every single staff member genuinely cares about our son and takes a real interest in him as an individual. We are always kept well informed about his day, and any concerns or issues that arise are communicated to us openly and promptly. What we particularly appreciate is the collaborative approach the team takes when it comes to navigating any behaviour issues. Rather than simply raising concerns, the educators work alongside us to find ways to support our son together, ensuring he receives the best possible care and guidance both at childcare and at home. The centre is also incredibly clean and well maintained, and the app and newsletters are informative and keep us up to date with everything happening. Choosing childcare is such an important decision, and we genuinely couldn’t be happier with our experience. Knowing our son is surrounded by people who care about him, support his development and want the very best for him gives us so much confidence and peace of mind. We could not recommend Great Beginnings more highly!

Caitlin Curtin

My child has been attending since nursery and is now in a toddler room. The premesis is kept secure and clean. The staff become extensions of our family. The transition for us from a couple days per week then back to full-time work and care was…. See more My child has been attending since nursery and is now in a toddler room. The premesis is kept secure and clean. The staff become extensions of our family. The transition for us from a couple days per week then back to full-time work and care was managed well. Even though to begin with 1 out of 5 of my chosen days was unavailable, Jess kept on top of my request and as soon as it became available, I was offered all 5 days. Dietary requirements are communicated well between all staff and clearly monitored for each child that requires the extra care. The app in use is helpful and puts my mind at ease, I can easily log in and track how my child's day is going, and the daily journals allow me to gain insight on the daily activities the children are experiencing. Over all I feel confident with the level of care my child receives at Great Beginnings Gilles Plains. Ryan manages a great team across this centre, 5 stars from us.

Wei Liu

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Great Beginnings Gilles Plains! Our child is currently in the Kindy room, and we have seen so much growth and confidence in them. The educators—especially Darric, Sammy, Nicole, and Rui—are exceptionally…. See more We couldn't be happier with our experience at Great Beginnings Gilles Plains! Our child is currently in the Kindy room, and we have seen so much growth and confidence in them. The educators—especially Darric, Sammy, Nicole, and Rui—are exceptionally professional, highly experienced, and genuinely care about every child's well-being and development. They create such a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment. Highly recommend this center to any family looking for quality care!

Phoebe Cooper

My son is so happy at drop off, and always so excited to tell us about his day at pick up. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing he’s in a centre that actually cares and consistently supports his development! They are wonderful from the first…. See more My son is so happy at drop off, and always so excited to tell us about his day at pick up. It gives us so much peace of mind knowing he’s in a centre that actually cares and consistently supports his development! They are wonderful from the first time we entered the staff at the front desk really set the lovely, friendly, welcoming environment. The class he attends also has so many activities he loves engaging in indoor & outdoor! We would highly recommend Great beginnings, Gilles Plains to anyone looking for a centre that really do care and support your little one :)))

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.

Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.

First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.

To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.

Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to enrol here.

Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.

When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Learn more about our Settling-in Program.

Most of our child care and early education centres 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 and spare socks.

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 and spare socks.

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.

Great Beginnings 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, Great Beginnings 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.