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Top 3 Childcare Centres in Hawthorn, VIC

Independent rankings updated monthly from ACECQA, Google Reviews, Kindicare, and more. No paid placements.

3122Postcode
City of BoroondaraLGA
3 CentresRanked
Feb 2026Last updated
How we rank centres: Our rankings combine the official ACECQA quality rating with verified parent reviews from Google, Kindicare, and CareforKids. The ACECQA NQS rating carries the most weight as it is Australia's gold standard for early learning quality. Learn more
1
#1 Ranked in Hawthorn
Vacancies available

Nido Early School Hawthorn

Hawthorn VIC 3122

4.5
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Nido Early School Hawthorn provides a premium early learning experience with purpose-built facilities and a strong educational program. Modern indoor and outdoor environments support each child's individual development.

Service type
Long Day Care
Ages
0 to 6 years
Places
104 approved
Hours
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Google rating
4.5 (86 reviews)
Operator
Private
Programs and approach
Early Years Learning FrameworkSchool readinessSTEM exploration
Key features
+ CCS approved+ Purpose-built facilities+ Meals included+ School readiness+ Kindergarten program
Why this ranking

This centre holds a Meeting NQS rating from ACECQA, meaning it meets all quality standards across every area of the National Quality Framework.

Google rating
4.5 / 5
Kindicare rating
4.4 / 5
2
#2 Ranked in Hawthorn
Waitlist only

Goodstart Early Learning Hawthorn

Hawthorn VIC 3122

4.3
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Goodstart Early Learning Hawthorn delivers quality early childhood education as part of Australia's largest not-for-profit provider. Consistent standards, sibling priority, and flexible care options.

Service type
Long Day Care
Ages
0 to 6 years
Places
74 approved
Hours
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Google rating
4.3 (64 reviews)
Operator
Not-for-profit
Programs and approach
Approved Learning FrameworkSchool readiness
Key features
+ CCS approved+ Meals provided+ Sibling priority+ Flexible hours+ Qualified educators
Why this ranking

This centre holds a Meeting NQS rating from ACECQA, meaning it meets all quality standards across every area of the National Quality Framework.

Google rating
4.3 / 5
Kindicare rating
4.2 / 5
3
#3 Ranked in Hawthorn
Vacancies available

Guardian Early Learning Hawthorn

Hawthorn VIC 3122

4.2
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Guardian Early Learning Hawthorn provides a safe, stimulating environment for children from 6 weeks to school age. Qualified educators and a strong focus on each child's individual learning journey.

Service type
Long Day Care
Ages
0 to 6 years
Places
88 approved
Hours
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Google rating
4.2 (51 reviews)
Operator
Private
Programs and approach
Early Years Learning FrameworkKindergarten programPlay-based learning
Key features
+ CCS approved+ All ages+ Meals provided+ Qualified educators+ Kindergarten program
Why this ranking

This centre holds a Meeting NQS rating from ACECQA, meaning it meets all quality standards across every area of the National Quality Framework.

Google rating
4.2 / 5
Kindicare rating
4.1 / 5

Childcare in Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a prestigious inner-eastern suburb with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and strong community networks. One of Melbourne's most established family suburbs with high demand for quality early learning.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top 3 childcare centres in Hawthorn?
The top 3 are: Nido Early School Hawthorn (#1, rated 4.5/5, Meeting NQS), Goodstart Early Learning Hawthorn (#2, rated 4.3/5), and Guardian Early Learning Hawthorn (#3, rated 4.2/5). Updated monthly from ACECQA, Google, and Kindicare.
How do I choose a childcare centre in Hawthorn?
Start with the ACECQA NQS rating, Australia's official quality benchmark. Then consider location, hours, cost, vacancies, and educational approach. We recommend visiting your top 2 to 3 options in person before deciding.
Are there childcare vacancies in Hawthorn?
Vacancy status is shown on each listing above and updated regularly. Contact centres directly to confirm current availability and to join waitlists if needed.
What childcare subsidies are available?
Most Australian families qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), paid directly to the centre to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Use the Services Australia CCS estimator to calculate your entitlement based on family income and activity level.
Jump to centre
1
Nido Early School Hawthorn
2
Goodstart Early Learning Hawthorn
3
Guardian Early Learning Hawthorn
Nearby suburbs
Data sources
ACECQANQS ratings
Starting BlocksFees and vacancies
KindicareParent reviews
CareforKidsListings and fees

Last updated: February 2026