The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Cheltenham, VIC (3192)

Tulip Street Early Learning Centre

Tulip Street Early Learning Centre at 99a Tulip Street holds an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating issued in August 2024 — the most recently assessed long day care centre in Cheltenham postcode 3192 and its second consecutive Exceeding rating, having previously been rated Exceeding in May 2020. This sustained quality across two full assessment cycles reflects genuine, consistent excellence under the family-owned provider N and MJ Chamberlain Pty Ltd.

The centre is a family-owned and operated long day care service catering for children from 6 weeks to 5 years, located on Tulip Street in the heart of Cheltenham's residential precinct. The Chamberlain family also operates Tulip Street Private Kindergarten at 150 Tulip Street and Sandringham Private Kindergarten — a family network of Exceeding NQS services reflecting a deep commitment to quality early childhood education in the Bayside community, spanning 16+ years.

Toddle and CareForKids confirm the centre provides meals, bottles, nappies and wipes as inclusions, and operates as a SunSmart Aware service. At $168.00 per day, Tulip Street ELC is the most affordable of the three Exceeding NQS centres in Cheltenham. The hours of 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday provide good flexibility for working families.

Tulip Street Early Learning Centre ranks first because it holds the most recently issued Exceeding NQS rating of any long day care centre in Cheltenham postcode 3192 (August 2024), and has maintained Exceeding NQS across two consecutive assessment cycles since 2020. The family-owned model under N and MJ Chamberlain Pty Ltd — the same family that operates the Exceeding-rated Tulip Street Private Kindergarten and Sandringham Private Kindergarten — reflects a genuine, long-term commitment to quality early childhood education in the Bayside community. At $168.00 per day with confirmed meal and nappy inclusions, it offers strong value for the suburb's highest-rated centre. Families should note no vacancies were listed at time of publication — contact the centre early to register interest.

Only About Children Cheltenham

Only About Children Cheltenham at 15 Herald Street holds an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating issued in December 2022 — an upgrade from its previous Meeting NQS rating issued in November 2017. The centre is operated by Only About Children Pty Ltd, a national early learning provider, and was last visited by the regulatory authority in February 2025 with zero enforcement actions in the past two years and no current conditions on its service approval.

Only About Children Cheltenham is a purpose-built campus of two buildings located next to Cheltenham East Primary School on Herald Street, offering a natural transition pathway for families with children progressing from early learning to primary school. The centre caters for children from 6 weeks to school age across three dedicated program areas: Nursery (6 weeks to 2 years), Toddler (2–3 years) and Kindergarten (3–5 years).

The centre's curriculum is built around OAC's proprietary GROW program — a play-based approach that connects children's natural curiosity to structured learning outcomes. Specialist programs include Music, Spanish Language, Active physical development and a daily Book of the Month reading program. The in-house allied health specialists team provides on-site support for children with additional needs. The dietitian-designed menu is prepared in-house daily, with all meals, snacks, nappies, formula, linen and sunscreen included in the daily fee. An edible garden and worm farm are integrated into the curriculum, and daily photos are shared with families via a parent app.

At $186.50 per day, OAC Cheltenham is the highest-priced centre in this ranking, reflecting the national network investment in facilities, specialist programs and the comprehensive inclusions package. The extended hours of 7:00am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday provide maximum flexibility for working families.

Important transparency note: KindiCare reviews include a serious complaint from a parent reporting that their 1-year-old child suffered second-degree burns at this centre, with the parent alleging failure to follow basic sun safety procedures. Additional reviews cite concerns about the billing and accounts department communication. These are serious concerns that families should investigate directly before enrolling. The centre's Exceeding NQS rating (December 2022) and zero enforcement actions on Starting Blocks are noted alongside this parent feedback. Families are strongly encouraged to visit the centre, speak with currently enrolled families and review current Google and KindiCare reviews before making an enrolment decision.

Only About Children Cheltenham ranks second on the strength of its Exceeding NQS rating (December 2022), its quality improvement trajectory from Meeting to Exceeding, its purpose-built two-building campus adjacent to Cheltenham East Primary School, comprehensive all-inclusive package (all meals, nappies, formula, linen, sunscreen) at $186.50 per day, specialist programs (Music, Spanish, Active, Book of the Month), in-house allied health specialists and extended hours to 6:30pm. However, families must be aware of the serious KindiCare review alleging a child injury and additional reviews citing billing communication concerns. Both the Exceeding NQS rating and the parent feedback are presented here in full transparency. Families are strongly encouraged to visit the centre and speak with currently enrolled families before enrolling.

Tulip Street Private Kindergarten

Tulip Street Private Kindergarten at 150 Tulip Street holds an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating issued in July 2022 — its second consecutive Exceeding rating, having previously been rated Exceeding in July 2016. This sustained quality across two full assessment cycles spanning over six years is the longest Exceeding NQS track record of any centre in Cheltenham. The centre is operated by Nimjem Pty Ltd as Trustee for The Chamberlain Family Trust — the same Chamberlain family that operates Tulip Street Early Learning Centre at 99a Tulip Street and Sandringham Private Kindergarten, a family network of Exceeding NQS services with 16+ years of roots in the Bayside community.

Tulip Street Private Kindergarten caters exclusively for children aged 3 to 5 years through government-funded kindergarten programs. Starting Blocks classifies the service as both long day care and preschool/kindergarten, and it is CCS approved. Families with children under 3 years should contact Tulip Street Early Learning Centre at 99a Tulip Street, which caters from 6 weeks to 5 years.

At $140.00 per day (CareForKids confirmed), Tulip Street Private Kindergarten is the most affordable of the three Exceeding NQS centres in Cheltenham and among the most affordable in the suburb overall. The hours of 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday are consistent with the Tulip Street ELC next door. Starting Blocks does not list a fee — families should confirm the current fee directly with the centre on (03) 9583 5424.

Tulip Street Private Kindergarten ranks third among Cheltenham's three Exceeding NQS long day care centres on the basis of NQS recency — its July 2022 assessment is the oldest of the three Exceeding ratings in the suburb. However, it holds the longest Exceeding NQS track record of any centre in Cheltenham, with two consecutive Exceeding cycles since 2016. At $140.00 per day (CareForKids confirmed), it is the most affordable Exceeding NQS centre in the suburb. Families should note this centre caters exclusively for children aged 3 to 5 years — it does not accept babies or toddlers under 3 years. Families with younger children should consider Tulip Street Early Learning Centre at 99a Tulip Street.