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The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Frankston, VIC (3199)

Frankston is a major coastal suburb on the southern edge of metropolitan Melbourne, located approximately 40 kilometres south-east of the CBD in the City of Frankston local government area. Known for its beaches, retail centre, hospital precinct, and Monash University campus, Frankston is a well-serviced suburb with strong community infrastructure. There are seven long day care centres operating in Frankston proper, all holding Meeting NQS ratings. There are no Exceeding NQS centres in the suburb. The three standout long day care centres in Frankston for 2026 are Frankston House Early Learning, Grow Early Education Frankston and Our House Early Learning World, independently ranked on NQS ratings sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), verified fees and parent reviews. All three are CCS approved.

3199Postcode
City of FrankstonLGA
7 centresReviewed
Feb 2026Last updated

How we chose the top 3

Every centre was assessed against five criteria: NQS rating independently assessed by the Victorian regulatory authority, fee transparency verified against the Starting Blocks database, parent satisfaction drawn from KindiCare, CareForKids and Toddle, program quality including curriculum approach and educator qualifications, and practical value including hours, inclusions and Free Kinder access.

We do not accept payment from any centre to appear on this list. Our rankings are independent.

No Exceeding NQS centres in Frankston

Unlike some Melbourne suburbs, Frankston proper has no Exceeding NQS long day care centres. Every rated centre holds Meeting NQS, the middle tier of the three main assessment ratings under the National Quality Framework. Meeting NQS means the centre meets all required national standards; it is the expected baseline, not a low bar. The highest NQS rating achievable through standard assessment is Exceeding NQS; Excellent is a separate designation awarded only by ACECQA on application and is held by fewer than 1% of services nationally.

New government centre: ELV Ngawak

Early Learning Victoria Ngawak, a State Government-operated long day care and integrated kindergarten centre at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston, opened in early 2026. It offers 102 places at $156/day. As a newly opened service, it has not yet been assessed and holds no NQS rating, which is why it cannot be ranked in this top 3.

Frankston House provider change

Frankston House Early Learning at 1-3 Vera Street changed approved provider to Little Patch Group Pty Ltd in June 2024. The NQS rating issued September 2025 is the first under the current operator. The previous Meeting NQS rating (January 2020) reflects the service's history but was issued under prior management. Both ratings appear on Starting Blocks against the same service approval number (SE-40014388). Families should treat the September 2025 result as the current rating.

Quick fee comparison
Frankston House
$156.00
8 inclusions
Grow Early Education
$168.00
7 inclusions
Our House
$150.00
7 inclusions (half day $108)

Frankston average: $158.00/day before CCS. All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.

1
#1 in Frankston

Frankston House Early Learning

1-3 Vera St, Frankston VIC 3199ACECQA: Meeting NQS — September 2025First rating under current operator Little Patch Group Pty Ltd. Previous Meeting NQS (January 2020) was under prior management (C & N Investments No. 3 Pty Ltd).Regulatory visit August 2025
NQS Quality Areas

All 7 quality areas: Meeting

Daily fee
$156.00
Ages
6 weeks to school age
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
No
Capacity
78 children

Frankston House Early Learning at 1-3 Vera Street holds a Meeting NQS rating issued September 2025, the first assessment under current operator Little Patch Group Pty Ltd, who became the approved provider in June 2024. Starting Blocks also lists a previous Meeting NQS rating from January 2020, which reflects the same physical service but was issued under prior management (C & N Investments No. 3 Pty Ltd). The September 2025 result is the current and authoritative rating. All 7 quality areas are rated Meeting NQS. The centre was last visited by the regulatory authority in August 2025. Zero current conditions on approval. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

Little Patch Group Pty Ltd is a private Victorian operator. The centre was originally established in 2018 at 1-3 Vera Street, positioned in the heart of Frankston's medical and retail district, within walking distance of Frankston Hospital, Monash University Frankston campus, and the CBD. The purpose-built facility has 78 approved places for children from 6 weeks to school age.

At $156.00 per day, Frankston House offers the best inclusions value in the top 3, with 8 confirmed inclusions on Starting Blocks: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, excursions and incursions, lunch, morning tea, nappies, and other meals. It is the only centre in the Frankston top 3 to include excursions and incursions in its confirmed full day fee. All meals are included.

As of the week of 9–13 March 2026, Starting Blocks shows vacancies available across all age groups for both casual and permanent bookings. The centre operates 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday. Government-funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are integrated into the daily program.

What parents say

Both my boys have attended frankston house therefore in total we've been here for 5.5 years. Boys boys have had a great experience and love the educators. They have a relatively low staff turn over comparative to the industry and have a fantastic kinder teacher.

Renee Hampton via CareForKids

Both of my children have attended Frankston House over the past 4 years and we couldn't be happier with our experience! The caring environment, excellent communication from staff and engaging program make me feel at ease knowing my children are well cared for, supported and have fun!

Emma Gardiner via CareForKids

We simply love Frankston House and its Team! Each Educator is welcoming and caring and provides an awesome program that caters to the children's interests, includes nature and the outdoor environment in their play and learning. The meals provided are a favourite of our daughters also!

Claire Stonehouse via CareForKids
Our take

Frankston House is the top-ranked centre in Frankston on quality and value criteria. The combination of a fresh Meeting NQS rating under a new operator, the best inclusions package in the top 3, and current vacancies across all age groups makes it the standout choice for families in Frankston proper.

Best for: Families seeking the best fee-to-inclusions ratio in Frankston, with 8 confirmed inclusions including excursions and incursions at $156.00/day under a new operator with a fresh NQS result.
2
#2 in Frankston

Grow Early Education Frankston

78-80 Beach St, Frankston VIC 3199ACECQA: Meeting NQS — December 2025First NQS assessment. No prior rating. Service approved August 2023.Regulatory visit March 2026 — Most recent regulatory visit of any long day care centre in Frankston proper.
NQS Quality Areas

All 7 quality areas: Meeting

Daily fee
$168.00
Ages
6 weeks to school age
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
No
Capacity
116 children

Grow Early Education Frankston at 78-80 Beach Street holds a Meeting NQS rating issued December 2025, the centre's first NQS assessment. The service was approved by ACECQA in August 2023. All 7 quality areas are rated Meeting NQS. The centre was last visited by the regulatory authority in March 2026, the most recent regulatory visit of any long day care centre in Frankston proper. Zero current conditions. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

Grow Early Education Frankston is operated by Grow Early Education Frankston Pty Ltd ATF Grow Early Education Frankston Unit Trust, which is part of the Imagine Education Group, a network of 55 early learning services across Victoria. This places Grow in the category of a medium-sized private group operator, with access to centralised resourcing and curriculum support. The centre has 116 approved places for children from 6 weeks to school age, making it the largest in the Frankston top 3.

The centre is purpose-built, with multiple age-specific rooms and custom-designed outdoor play areas including a fort, cubby houses, sandpits, and vegetable and herb gardens. Meals are prepared on-site by an in-house chef. The educational program is inquiry-based and aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, with approved 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs integrated into the daily curriculum.

At $168.00 per day, Grow includes 7 confirmed inclusions on Starting Blocks: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, nappies, and other meals. As of the week of 9–13 March 2026, Starting Blocks shows vacancies available across all age groups for both casual and permanent bookings.

What parents say

My toddler has been attended Grow since the start of the year and I have no complaints! She has been to a few other daycare centres, yet the staff, facilities and little added caring touches offered to the Grow community truly place it ahead of the rest.

Alycia Bird via CareForKids

This Centre is absolutely fantastic & i am so happy 4 of my granchildren have been at this centre. The centre is EXACTLY what Frankston has needed for a very longtime.

Fi Miles via CareForKids

My son has been attending grow since they opened back in 2023. The centre is always so clean, tidy and the staff are so friendly.

Jasmin Maeer via CareForKids
Our take

Grow is Frankston's newest rated centre and the largest in the top 3 at 116 places. The December 2025 Meeting NQS on first assessment, purpose-built facility and inquiry-based curriculum make it a strong second choice, particularly for families who want a modern environment backed by a multi-site operator.

Best for: Families wanting Frankston's newest purpose-built centre with the largest capacity (116 places), inquiry-based curriculum and on-site chef.
3
#3 in Frankston

Our House Early Learning World

28 Brooklyn Ave, Frankston VIC 3199ACECQA: Meeting NQS — October 2023Consecutive Meeting NQS. Previous Meeting NQS May 2018. The only centre in the top 3 with a consecutive NQS record across assessments.Regulatory visit January 2025
NQS Quality Areas

All 7 quality areas: Meeting

Daily fee
$150.00
Ages
Birth to school age
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
No
Capacity
43 children

Our House Early Learning World at 28 Brooklyn Avenue holds a Meeting NQS rating issued October 2023. The centre previously held Meeting NQS in May 2018: two consecutive assessments, the only centre in this top 3 with a consecutive NQS history across assessments. All 7 quality areas are rated Meeting NQS. The centre was last visited by the regulatory authority in January 2025. Zero current conditions. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

Our House Early Learning World is operated by MAHAJAN VIC PTY LTD ATF MAHAJAN FAMILY TRUST, a private family-owned operator who has managed the service since November 2019. The centre itself has operated at 28 Brooklyn Avenue since at least 2012, giving it one of the longest operating histories in the Frankston market. With 43 approved places, it is the smallest and most boutique centre in the top 3, significantly smaller than both Frankston House (78 places) and Grow (116 places).

This scale supports a higher degree of personalised care and educator continuity. The centre accepts children from birth to school age. The educational approach is play-based and aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. Government-funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are integrated into the daily program.

Our House is the only centre in the Frankston top 3 that offers both a full day and half day session. The full day is $150.00 with 7 confirmed inclusions: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, nappies, and other meals. The half day is $108.00 with 8 confirmed inclusions, adding excursions and incursions. This makes it the most affordable and most flexible fee option in the top 3.

What parents say

We had the most amazing experience with Our House!! Our daughter started at 4 months old and attended for just over 2 years. All educators and the director are simply beautiful people and I highly recommend this centre for any age.

Sarah Marriott via CareForKids

Our daughter has been going here for almost 6 months now. It was the best decision I made by moving her to this centre. She is thriving, making lot's of friends & always looking forward to go in the morning. The staff are amazing, very caring and you can tell that they are all proud of their work.

Ita Wiyani via CareForKids

Our House is a home away from home. Our 2 boys have been attending here for the past 2 years in the nursery/toddler & kinder rooms, and they both LOVE it! The staff are brilliant, when we drop our children off we know that they are truly cared for by professionals.

Nicole Masson via CareForKids
Our take

Our House is the value pick in Frankston: the most affordable at $150.00/day, the only centre with consecutive NQS ratings, and the only one offering half day sessions. A boutique, family-owned centre for families who prefer smaller environments with personalised attention.

Best for: Families wanting the most affordable option in the Frankston top 3, a boutique 43-place centre with consecutive NQS ratings, flexible half day sessions, and family-owned personalised care.

About childcare in Frankston

Frankston is a major coastal suburb on the southern edge of metropolitan Melbourne, located approximately 40 kilometres south-east of the CBD within the City of Frankston local government area. Postcode 3199 is anchored by a significant retail centre, hospital precinct and Monash University campus, serving as a regional hub for the broader Mornington Peninsula corridor. The suburb attracts a broad cross-section of families, from young first-home buyers to established households, many drawn by the beachside lifestyle, community infrastructure and relative affordability compared to inner Melbourne.

Parents in Frankston typically prioritise centres offering comprehensive meal inclusions, flexible hours to suit shift work and commuting patterns, and strong educator continuity. With no Exceeding NQS long day care centres currently operating in the suburb, fee-to-inclusions value and practical features such as vacancies and operating hours play a significant role in family decision-making.

For this guide, all seven long day care centres in Frankston proper were assessed against NQS ratings sourced from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), verified fees and parent reviews. All rated centres hold Meeting NQS, the middle tier of the three main assessment ratings under the National Quality Framework.

Frankston childcare: what you need to know

Frankston sits within the City of Frankston, approximately 40 km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has seven long day care centres: six rated (all Meeting NQS) and one unrated (ELV Ngawak, opened 2026). There are no Exceeding NQS centres in Frankston proper. The only Exceeding NQS centre in postcode 3199 is Beachwood Frankston South at 105 Humphries Road in nearby Frankston South. Top 3 fee range: $150.00–$168.00/day before CCS. Suburb average: ~$142/day (Toddle, all service types).

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy. CCS is means-tested based on combined family income and activity levels.

Free Kinder

Victoria's Free Kinder program provides up to 15 funded hours per week for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three top-ranked centres offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs.

No Exceeding NQS in Frankston

Frankston proper has no Exceeding NQS long day care centres. Families seeking an Exceeding-rated centre in the 3199 postcode should consider Beachwood Frankston South at 105 Humphries Road. Meeting NQS is the expected baseline: it means the centre meets all required national standards.

New centres

Early Learning Victoria Ngawak (State Government) opened in early 2026 at McClelland Secondary College with 102 places. It has no NQS rating yet. Grow Early Education received its first NQS rating in December 2025. Two Hope-branded centres (Hope ELC on Dandenong Rd and Hope Karingal on Whitford Way) operate under different providers and are not the same entity.

Other services in Frankston worth knowing about

Hope Early Learning Centre

Frankston Beach Sanctuary of Early Learning

Hope Karingal

Early Learning Victoria Ngawak

Frequently asked questions

What is the best childcare centre in Frankston VIC?
Frankston House Early Learning at 1-3 Vera Street is the top-ranked long day care centre in Frankston 3199 based on NQS rating, fee-to-inclusions value and verified data from Starting Blocks. It holds a Meeting NQS rating (September 2025) under current operator Little Patch Group and offers 8 confirmed inclusions at $156.00/day including excursions and incursions.
How much does childcare cost in Frankston?
The top 3 long day care centres in Frankston range from $150.00 to $168.00 per day before the Child Care Subsidy. Our House Early Learning World is the most affordable at $150.00/day (full day) or $108.00/day (half day). The suburb average across all service types is approximately $142/day.
Are there any Exceeding NQS childcare centres in Frankston?
No. Frankston proper has no Exceeding NQS long day care centres. All six rated centres hold Meeting NQS. The only Exceeding NQS centre in postcode 3199 is Beachwood Frankston South at 105 Humphries Road in nearby Frankston South (Exceeding NQS, April 2024).
What is the postcode for Frankston childcare?
All seven long day care centres in Frankston proper are located in postcode 3199, within the City of Frankston, approximately 40 km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Postcode 3199 also covers Frankston South.
Are all three top centres CCS approved?
Yes. Frankston House Early Learning, Grow Early Education Frankston and Our House Early Learning World are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy.
Which Frankston childcare centre has the most inclusions?
Frankston House Early Learning offers 8 confirmed inclusions at $156.00/day, including excursions and incursions, which are not included in the other top 3 centres' full day fees. Our House's half day session ($108.00) also includes 8 inclusions.

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026

About this guide

top3elc.com.au is an independent guide to the best childcare centres in every suburb across Victoria. We do not accept payment or sponsorship from any centre to appear in our rankings. All NQS ratings are sourced from ACECQA via the Starting Blocks government database. Fees are verified at time of publication — always confirm directly with the centre. Last updated: February 2026.

Jump to centre
1
Frankston House Early Learning
2
Grow Early Education Frankston
3
Our House Early Learning World
All 3 centres at a glance
Frankston House Early Learning
$156.00/day · 78 places · Meeting NQS
Grow Early Education Frankston
$168.00/day · 116 places · Meeting NQS
Our House Early Learning World
$150.00/day · 43 places · Meeting NQS
Nearby suburbs
Data sources
ACECQANQS ratings and provider history
Starting BlocksFees, inclusions, vacancies and contact details
Early Learning VictoriaELV Ngawak details

Last updated: February 2026

Related guides
How to Choose Childcare in MelbourneNQS Ratings ExplainedChild Care Subsidy (CCS) GuideFree Kinder in VictoriaQuestions to Ask on a Centre TourChildcare Fees by Suburb
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