The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Northcote, VIC (3070)

Only About Children Northcote at 160-162 Victoria Road holds a Meeting NQS rating issued April 2024 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA). The centre previously held Meeting NQS in April 2019, giving it consecutive Meeting NQS results. The centre is operated by Only About Children, a large national provider with 82 services across Australia. The service was granted approval on 5 February 2018 and was most recently visited by the regulatory authority in May 2025. Zero current conditions on approval. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

With 93 approved places, Only About Children Northcote is a large, well-resourced centre offering diverse peer groups and extensive learning spaces. The centre operates 7:15am to 6:15pm, providing maximum flexibility for families with early starts or late finishes.

Only About Children's educational philosophy centres on the belief that children learn best through play, exploration and discovery. The program is responsive to individual children's interests and developmental stages, with strong emphasis on outdoor play, nature connection and hands-on learning. The 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten program is integrated within long day care hours, with qualified educators delivering a play-based program focused on school readiness.

Starting Blocks does not list specific inclusions for this centre. OAC's own website describes the fee as all-inclusive (covering meals, nappies, formula and educational programs). Confirm the full inclusions package directly with the centre before enrolling. Contact the centre directly on 03 8529 5072 to confirm current fees, inclusions and available days.

Only About Children Northcote is the top standalone long day care centre of the three ranked here, with 7:15am-6:15pm hours, 93 approved places, a large national provider with 82 services, and a consecutive Meeting NQS result (April 2019 and April 2024). The regulatory authority visited the centre in May 2025, the second most recent visit among the top 3. Contact the centre directly on 03 8529 5072 to confirm current vacancy status and fees.

Guardian Childcare & Education Westgarth at 26-28 Pearl Street holds a Meeting NQS rating issued November 2022 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA). The centre is operated by Guardian Community Early Learning Centres and has been operating at this Westgarth location since June 2023, formerly known as TimeOut Educare Westgarth. Zero current conditions on approval. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

The December 2024 regulatory visit found zero enforcement actions. This is a strong indicator of consistent compliance and operational quality.

The daily fee of $188.84 includes 6 confirmed inclusions: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, and nappies. For families factoring in the cost of meals and nappies separately, the all-inclusive fee represents genuine value. The centre operates 6:30am to 6:30pm (the earliest opening among the top 3), ideal for families with early work commitments. With 130 approved places, it is the largest centre in the top 3.

Guardian's educational approach focuses on play-based learning, curiosity and discovery. The program is delivered by qualified educators across age-appropriate rooms, with strong emphasis on school readiness and family communication. Government-funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are integrated into the daily program. Contact the centre directly on 03 9481 1446 to confirm current vacancy status and available days.

Guardian Childcare & Education Westgarth ranks #2 in postcode 3070. Meeting NQS (November 2022), December 2024 regulatory visit with zero enforcement actions, 6 confirmed inclusions (meals, nappies) in the $188.84 daily fee, 6:30am-6:30pm hours, 130 approved places, and a large national provider. Ranks second behind Only About Children, which holds the more recent NQS assessment (April 2024). Contact the centre directly on 03 9481 1446 to confirm current vacancy status.

Guardian Childcare & Education Northcote at 38 Arthurton Road holds a Meeting NQS rating issued April 2023 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA). The centre is operated by Guardian Community Early Learning Centres and has been operating at this Arthurton Road location since June 2023, formerly known as TimeOut Educare Northcote. Zero current conditions on approval. Zero enforcement actions in the past two years.

The November 2025 regulatory visit found zero enforcement actions, a strong indicator of consistent compliance and operational quality.

The daily fee of $183.04 includes 6 confirmed inclusions: afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, lunch, morning tea, and nappies, the lowest all-inclusive daily fee among the top 3. For families factoring in the cost of meals and nappies separately, this represents genuine value. The centre operates 6:30am to 6:30pm, matching the Westgarth location's early opening. With 94 approved places, it is a mid-sized centre.

Starting Blocks confirms permanent vacancies are currently available at Guardian Northcote, an important practical advantage for families seeking a confirmed placement. Government-funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are integrated into the daily program. Contact the centre directly on 03 9486 7411 to confirm current availability and casual vacancy status.

Guardian Childcare & Education Northcote ranks #3 in postcode 3070. Meeting NQS (April 2023), November 2025 regulatory visit with zero enforcement actions, 6 confirmed inclusions (meals, nappies) in the $183.04 daily fee (the lowest all-inclusive fee among the top 3), permanent vacancies currently available, 6:30am-6:30pm hours, 94 approved places, and a large national provider. Ranks third behind Only About Children (more recent NQS assessment, April 2024) and Guardian Westgarth. Contact the centre directly on 03 9486 7411 to confirm current vacancy status.