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.
Quick fee comparison
Only About Children
$200.00
No inclusions listed on Starting Blocks. Confirm directly
Guardian Westgarth
$181.23
6 inclusions
Guardian Northcote
$175.67
6 inclusions
Northcote average: $185.63/day before CCS. All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.
About childcare in Northcote
Northcote is an established inner-north suburb of Melbourne, located approximately 7 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Darebin. Known for its village-like atmosphere, independent shops and strong community character, Northcote has long been popular with young families who value walkability, access to parkland along Merri Creek and proximity to the city. The suburb is well served by tram and train connections, with Northcote and Merri stations.
Postcode 3070 has four standalone long day care centres, a relatively small market compared to outer-suburban postcodes. For this guide, we assessed all four centres against ACECQA National Quality Standard ratings sourced from Starting Blocks, verified fees and parent reviews from CareForKids.
All three ranked centres hold Meeting NQS ratings, with no Exceeding NQS standalone long day care centres currently operating in the suburb. Daily fees among the top three range from $175.67 to $200.00, reflecting Northcote's inner-city location. All three are CCS approved and offer integrated government-funded kindergarten programs.
Northcote childcare: what you need to know
Northcote sits within the City of Darebin, approximately 7 km north of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has four standalone long day care centres: three rated Meeting NQS and one rated Working Towards NQS (Nicki's Clever Cookies). There are no Exceeding NQS standalone long day care centres in Northcote. Top 3 fee range: $175.67-$200.00/day before CCS.
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.
NQS ratings in Northcote
Northcote has no Exceeding NQS standalone long day care centres. Three centres hold Meeting NQS (Only About Children, Guardian Westgarth, Guardian Northcote) and one holds Working Towards NQS (Nicki's Clever Cookies, April 2025). Meeting NQS is the expected baseline: it means the centre meets all required national standards.
Provider landscape
Northcote's standalone long day care sector includes two large national operators (Only About Children with 82 services, and Guardian, one of Australia's largest providers operating both the Westgarth and Northcote locations) and one private independent (Nicki's Clever Cookies). Both Guardian centres were formerly branded as TimeOut Educare and transitioned to Guardian in June 2023.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Northcote?
Among standalone long day care providers, Only About Children Northcote at 160-162 Victoria Road is the top-ranked centre, holding the most recently assessed Meeting NQS rating (April 2024), the longest hours (7:15am-6:15pm), and 93 approved places. Phone: 03 8529 5072.
Which Northcote childcare centre has current vacancies?
Guardian Childcare & Education Northcote has permanent vacancies available (Starting Blocks, March 2026). Phone: 03 9486 7411. Contact Only About Children Northcote directly on 03 8529 5072 and Guardian Westgarth on 03 9481 1446 for current availability.
Which Northcote childcare centre opens earliest?
Both Guardian centres open at 6:30am: Guardian Westgarth at 26-28 Pearl Street (phone 03 9481 1446) and Guardian Northcote at 38 Arthurton Road (phone 03 9486 7411). Both close at 6:30pm.
Which Northcote childcare centre includes meals and nappies?
Both Guardian centres include 6 confirmed inclusions in their daily fee: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, and nappies. Guardian Northcote charges $175.67/day and Guardian Westgarth charges $181.23/day. Both centres operate 6:30am-6:30pm. Only About Children's fee of $200.00 is described as all-inclusive on the centre's own website, however Starting Blocks lists no inclusions. Confirm directly with the centre.
What is the NQS rating system?
The National Quality Standard (NQS) is Australia's quality framework for early childhood education and care. Centres are assessed across 7 quality areas and rated as Exceeding, Meeting, or Working Towards the NQS. Ratings are issued by ACECQA and published on Starting Blocks at startingblocks.gov.au.
Are there childcare subsidies available in Northcote?
Yes. Eligible families may receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from the Australian Government. The subsidy amount depends on family income, hours of care needed, and the centre's approved provider status. All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. The Victorian Government also provides Free Kinder funding of up to $2,101 per year for eligible 3 and 4-year-old children at approved long day care centres. Contact Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au for eligibility information.
How do I choose between Only About Children, Guardian Westgarth and Guardian Northcote?
Choose Only About Children Northcote if you want the longest hours (7:15am-6:15pm), the most recently assessed centre (April 2024), and a large national provider. Phone 03 8529 5072 (confirm inclusions directly as Starting Blocks lists none). Choose Guardian Westgarth if you want all-inclusive fees with 6 confirmed inclusions ($181.23), the earliest opening (6:30am), and the most recently visited centre by the regulatory authority (December 2024). Phone 03 9481 1446. Choose Guardian Northcote if you want the lowest all-inclusive fee ($175.67 with 6 confirmed inclusions), permanent vacancies, and 6:30am opening. Phone 03 9486 7411. Visit all three in person to see which aligns best with your family's needs.