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, to understand each child’s individual needs and identify their interests and capabilities. From there we’re able to see which play-based activities can best support their learning.

Our centre is proud to have a family-friendly atmosphere, which supports families to feel comfortable about having open and relaxed conversations with educators. Our educators are accessible and friendly and we take the time to get to know each family and child for the unique contribution they bring to our centre.
There are two rooms, the babies and toddlers' room for 0-3 year olds and the preschoolers' room for children aged 3-6 years. 

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

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm, open 49 weeks per year

Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years 

Number of children: Licensed to look after up to 40 children 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 sections of the campus, allowing them to explore their natural curiosity. 

Perhaps your child will get absorbed in a magical book during library story time. Or they might discover their inner athlete in active play sessions run by TAFE NSW fitness students. Fun activities like mini fitness circuits and parachute games await. For free play, there are natural outdoor open spaces at the centre for the kids to run around and stretch their legs, while supervised.

Children can also use the Yarning Circle in S block, where they can read Indigenous stories and play Indigenous games. This supports Indigenous perspectives and connection with country. 

Exposure to different learning environments

At Nepean Children’s Centre, we allow kids to interact and play with a variety of family members and peers. While some activities are done in age groups, children of different age groups also have the opportunity to connect throughout the day.

At 8:30am children join their age-grouped rooms, and enjoy some morning tea inside at 9am. The next mealtime is lunch, which is at 11am for babies and toddlers, and around 11:30am-12pm for preschoolers. There’s a balance of indoor and outdoor play to make each day fun. 

On a typical day children stay inside until 2:30pm, and 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 rhythm to the day, but we’re also flexible to respond to what’s happening. 

Time for sibling play

The centre has lots of sibling families, and so there is family grouping in the mornings and afternoons when children arrive and leave. Brothers and sisters can enjoy spending time playing together in one large room.

Plenty of space to play outside, even in wet weather

The common outdoor play space has been designed for all ages, allowing for peer role modelling and for children of different ages to become friends. Our spacious outdoor area has plenty of room for children to run around. This lets them development their fundamental movement skills while playing freely. 

The centre overlooks plenty of natural greenery, including garden beds and a sporting field. Children can enjoy the fresh air outside even on a rainy day, thanks to a large outdoor verandah. 

Our friendly native neighbours 

A special treat at this centre is the kangaroos that make an appearance throughout the day. In the mornings they might hop up close to the fence. Later in the day they can often be spotted resting under shady trees to keep cool from the hot sun. The children love seeing their furry friends and it’s a delight to have them so close to the centre.

What you will need to bring each day

Babies will need formula, milk bottles, nappies and spare clothes. Older children will 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 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 6782 or email us below.

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