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Top 3 Childcare Centres in South Yarra, VIC

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

3141Postcode
City of StonningtonLGA
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 South Yarra
Vacancies available

Nido Early School South Yarra

South Yarra VIC 3141

4.5
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Nido Early School South Yarra 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 South Yarra
Waitlist only

Goodstart Early Learning South Yarra

South Yarra VIC 3141

4.3
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Goodstart Early Learning South Yarra 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 South Yarra
Vacancies available

Guardian Early Learning South Yarra

South Yarra VIC 3141

4.2
Overall
ACECQA: Meeting NQS

Guardian Early Learning South Yarra 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 South Yarra

South Yarra is one of Melbourne's most prestigious inner suburbs, home to Chapel Street and Fawkner Park. Families here expect the best in everything — early learning included.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top 3 childcare centres in South Yarra?
The top 3 are: Nido Early School South Yarra (#1, rated 4.5/5, Meeting NQS), Goodstart Early Learning South Yarra (#2, rated 4.3/5), and Guardian Early Learning South Yarra (#3, rated 4.2/5). Updated monthly from ACECQA, Google, and Kindicare.
How do I choose a childcare centre in South Yarra?
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 South Yarra?
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 South Yarra
2
Goodstart Early Learning South Yarra
3
Guardian Early Learning South Yarra
Nearby suburbs
Data sources
ACECQANQS ratings
Starting BlocksFees and vacancies
KindicareParent reviews
CareforKidsListings and fees

Last updated: February 2026