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Great Beginnings Bathurst

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Enrolment availability

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

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  • Thursday
  • Friday

Childcare and Preschool in Bathurst, NSW

Great Beginnings Bathurst offers long day care and a Preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Bathurst, Kelso, Laffing Waters, Abercrombie, Llanarth and Windradyne.

Spacious outdoor environments

Our outdoor spaces provide ample room for children to explore and play, supporting active movement and hands-on learning experiences.

Inspiring indoor spaces

Our open-plan indoor spaces act as a child’s third teacher, featuring loose parts and open-ended resources that encourage creativity, problem-solving and exploration.

Stable team and multiple qualified teachers

Our longstanding team includes 6 university-trained Early Childhood Teachers, with many educators having over 10 years’ experience and being with the centre since opening.

Government-approved Preschool program

Our NSW Government-approved Preschool program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, with a strong focus on early literacy and numeracy to support children’s transition to school.

Individual Learning Plans for every child

We develop Individual Learning Plans for each child, reflecting their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and work in partnership with families to review and update each plan over time.

Additional learning experiences

Children participate in additional learning experiences included in the daily program, supporting their interests, development and engagement.

Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily

We provide fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily to keep children energised throughout the day, catering to a range of dietary and cultural requirements.

Stay connected with your child’s learning

We share updates and photos through our family communication app, helping families stay connected to their child’s learning and experiences.

Secure your place today

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

Meet our Centre Manager

Lorraine

  • Working towards Bachelor of Education
  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“Building strong, responsive relationships is at the heart of my approach, creating an environment where children feel safe, confident, and supported to explore, make choices, and take part in their own learning journey.”

I have been working in early childhood education since 2016 and joined the centre in 2026. My journey in early childhood began over ten years ago when I ran my own family day care service, creating a nurturing home environment where children felt safe, valued, and supported. I later moved into long day care, working alongside dedicated teams to provide high-quality education and care. What I love most is being part of the everyday moments that shape a child’s confidence and curiosity, seeing their joy when they learn something new and knowing I’ve helped them feel supported and valued.

Throughout my career, I have learned that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and ways of learning. I believe children thrive when they feel seen, heard, and respected. Building strong, responsive relationships is at the heart of my approach, creating an environment where children feel safe, confident, and supported to explore, make choices, and take part in their own learning journey. I am passionate about supporting children to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning through meaningful experiences and positive relationships.

Our team is made up of dedicated educators with a range of experience, skills, and perspectives. We work collaboratively to create a warm, inclusive environment where children and families feel supported, and where educators are committed to continuous learning and high-quality practice. Through guided programs and interactions with peers, children build social, emotional, and communication skills, while gaining confidence and independence to support their transition to school.

Building strong relationships with families is a key part of my role. I focus on open, honest communication and take the time to understand each family’s needs. By working in partnership and creating a sense of trust, we support each child’s wellbeing, development, and sense of belonging.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Bathurst, 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

Children develop respect for the environment through gardening, recycling and nature-based learning. Educators also introduce the interconnected aspects of sustainability, including environmental, social and economic, through concepts like fairness, sharing and community.

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.

Exploration and problem solving

Educators introduce open-ended materials and invitations to explore, such as building, measuring and experimenting, extending children’s thinking through shared conversations and investigation.

Independence and life skills

Children develop autonomy, interdependence, resilience and a sense of agency through meaningful participation in everyday routines, such as preparing snack, caring for plants, and tidying shared spaces.

Age-appropriate early learning

We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.

6 weeks – 2 years

Nursery

6 weeks – 2 years

Nursery

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

2 – 3 years

Toddler

2 – 3 years

Toddler

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

3 – 5 years

Preschool

3 – 5 years

Preschool

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

Children in this age group experience:

  • School readiness learning that builds early literacy and numeracy skills
  • Problem solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
  • Opportunities for collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
  • Opportunities to develop independence, responsibility and decision-making skills
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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the chef at our Bathurst 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, all freshly made daily. We cater for all children’s dietary requirement, preferences and cultural requirements, including halal and kosher.

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  

Inclusive support for each child

At our Bathurst early learning centre, we believe every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and pace of growth. Each child has an Individual Learning Plan tailored to their needs, helping to nurture confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for learning in an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.

For children with additional needs, we provide extra support through KU Inclusion Support funding and welcome allied health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists into the centre. By working closely with families and specialists, we ensure every child’s development is supported in a way that is responsive, respectful, and empowering.

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

$169.10/day

Toddler

2 – 4 years

$167.40/day

Preschool

4 – 5 years

$163.65/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

4.4(14 reviews)
Source: Google Business Profile. Reviews are correct at the time of accessing this webpage.

molly maxwell

highly recommend GB, currently have my first child in nursery and the staff are wonderful always showing happiness upon drop off and always acknowledged by staff walking through, Erin is a wonderful director and open to talk about any issues you…. See more highly recommend GB, currently have my first child in nursery and the staff are wonderful always showing happiness upon drop off and always acknowledged by staff walking through, Erin is a wonderful director and open to talk about any issues you have upon arrival my child always shows excitement and names educators.

Scott Martin

Erin is a great coordinator. All of the educators are great also. The are an amazing team. They really try to use the child’s individual guidance as well as setting up group activities for learning. They are very pro playing outdoors and allowing…. See more Erin is a great coordinator. All of the educators are great also. The are an amazing team. They really try to use the child’s individual guidance as well as setting up group activities for learning. They are very pro playing outdoors and allowing the kids to explore and learn by working things out for themselves in a safe environment. The food is amazing and my main thing is my boy came home happy every day 😊. We were very sad to have to leave but kindergarten was our next adventure.

Tracee Kensey

Great Beginnings at Bathurst is a fantastic early learning facility From the wonderful director , educators and the chef this place is just amazing . My 2 grandchildren whom are in our care have had a very caring Environment. One grandchild has…. See more Great Beginnings at Bathurst is a fantastic early learning facility From the wonderful director , educators and the chef this place is just amazing . My 2 grandchildren whom are in our care have had a very caring Environment. One grandchild has graduated and is starting school and the other grandchild is in his last year in the preschool room . I would recommend this preschool to every one the quality of care and learning is just second to none and the food is to die for !!😀

T G

Great Beginnings Bathurst have been the most fantastic choice of child care centres for my 2 children. Every educator is warm and welcoming and dedicated to the children and their learning and growth. We are so incredibly happy with the…. See more Great Beginnings Bathurst have been the most fantastic choice of child care centres for my 2 children. Every educator is warm and welcoming and dedicated to the children and their learning and growth. We are so incredibly happy with the opportunities they have provided and the care that they give each day. While we love every educator, Brit in Nursery 2 and Bri and Hannah in Toddler room 1 are absolutely adored by both of our children. I could not recommend this centre highly enough and look forward to my children continuing their pre-school journey there. Thank you GBB!

George Mackay

We booked our walk through for 8am (had to book 48hrs in advance) When we arrived no one was there to meet us, the person who was meant to meet us to walk through was not even on site – we were not informed and there was no explanation, just "she's…. See more We booked our walk through for 8am (had to book 48hrs in advance) When we arrived no one was there to meet us, the person who was meant to meet us to walk through was not even on site – we were not informed and there was no explanation, just "she's not here". The person who did finally talk to us said she would walk us through but didn't care to explain anything about the daycare or what they do, she basically said "this is the room". Her attitude came across as though we were wasting her time The whole time we were there, not a single person acknowledged my 2 year old who would be the one going there The lack of care could not be more obvious and I would not recommend to anyone

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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 Great Beginnings 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.

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.