The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Reservoir, VIC (3073)

Starfish Early Learning Centre

Starfish Early Learning Centre at 17 Rosenthal Crescent is the only long day care centre in Reservoir 3073 holding an Exceeding NQS rating — issued August 2023 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA). This represents a significant improvement from their previous Meeting NQS rating (December 2018), reflecting genuine quality gains over five years. The centre is independently operated by Starfish Childcare Reservoir Pty Ltd, giving it the flexibility and community focus that distinguishes independent providers from large national chains.

The centre is located approximately 500 metres from Keon Park train station, making it accessible for families using public transport. With a daily fee of $170.00, Starfish sits above the Reservoir suburb average of $135 — reflecting the quality premium of the only Exceeding NQS centre in the postcode.

Starfish operates seven dedicated learning spaces: two nursery rooms, three toddler rooms, and one each for 3 and 4-year-old children. A play-based learning approach underpins the educational program, with qualified educators supporting children’s curiosity, independence and social development. Incursions include physical education specialists, animal visitors, dance programs and indigenous culture specialists.

The daily fee of $170.00 includes afternoon tea, education programs, lunch, morning tea, nappies and other meals — confirmed on Starting Blocks. Note: breakfast is not included in the standard fee — confirm directly with the centre on 03 9460 8200. The January 2025 regulatory visit found zero conditions and zero enforcement actions.

Starfish Early Learning Centre is the clear first choice in postcode 3073. The only Exceeding NQS long day care centre in Reservoir, confirmed by Starting Blocks in August 2023, with a 5/5 CareForKids rating, zero enforcement actions, a January 2025 regulatory clearance, an independent operator with deep roots in the Reservoir community, and convenient proximity to Keon Park train station. Contact the centre directly on 03 9460 8200 to confirm current vacancy status.

Story House Early Learning Reservoir

Story House Early Learning Reservoir at 762-764 Plenty Road holds a Meeting NQS rating issued August 2025 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA) — the most recently assessed long day care centre in Reservoir 3073. The centre was approved as a service in July 2024, making it the newest long day care centre in the suburb. Operated by Story House Early Learning No 1 Pty Ltd, a national provider with services across Victoria and New South Wales.

With 110 licensed places, Story House is a larger centre offering a broad peer community and well-resourced learning environments. The centre is set on Plenty Road in Reservoir, with generous indoor and outdoor spaces designed around Story House’s early learning philosophy.

Important note: Contact the centre directly on 03 7046 1071 to confirm which age groups are currently accepted. Story House’s educational approach focuses on nurturing young learners to gain confidence, make decisions, and develop emotional strength and social connections. The kindergarten programs are integrated within long day care hours.

The daily fee is $170.80. Starting Blocks lists no inclusions for this centre — confirm meals, nappies and all inclusions directly with the centre on 03 7046 1071. The July 2025 regulatory visit found zero conditions and zero enforcement actions.

Story House Early Learning Reservoir ranks #2 in postcode 3073. The most recently assessed long day care centre in Reservoir (August 2025, Meeting NQS), with the most recent regulatory visit (July 2025 — zero conditions), 110 licensed places, and a national operator with established reputation. Note: contact the centre directly on 03 7046 1071 to confirm age groups accepted and current vacancy status.

Great Beginnings Reservoir

Great Beginnings Reservoir at 763 Gilbert Road holds a Meeting NQS rating issued November 2022 by Starting Blocks (ACECQA). The centre is operated by Great Beginnings, a national early learning provider with centres across Victoria, and has been operating since January 2012 — over 13 years of established service in the Reservoir community. The centre accepts children from 6 weeks to 6 years.

Note on fees: Starting Blocks lists the daily fee as $180.00. The Great Beginnings centre website lists $195.75 per day. We use Starting Blocks as the authoritative source — confirm the current fee directly with the centre on 03 9478 9222 before enrolling.

Great Beginnings’ educational approach focuses on play-based learning and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). The program supports children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, with strong emphasis on school readiness and family engagement.

The daily fee of $180.00 (Starting Blocks) includes afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, excursions and incursions, lunch, morning tea, nappies and other meals — the most comprehensive inclusions package among the top 3 in Reservoir. Starting Blocks shows no current vacancies as of December data — contact the centre directly on 03 9478 9222 to confirm current availability.

Great Beginnings Reservoir ranks #3 in postcode 3073. A Meeting NQS rating (November 2022), the most comprehensive inclusions package among the top 3 (confirmed on Starting Blocks including breakfast, excursions and incursions), children accepted from 6 weeks, a national operator with 13+ years of established service in Reservoir, a 5.0/5 KindiCare rating (79 reviews), a 4.8/5 CareForKids rating, and 6:30am opening. Ranks third behind Starfish (Exceeding NQS) and Story House (more recent NQS assessment, August 2025). Note: fee discrepancy between Starting Blocks ($180.00) and centre website ($195.75) — confirm directly on 03 9478 9222.