Our centre offers the NSW Government-approved "Start Strong" Preschool Program , providing access of 600 hours of quality preschool education annually for children aged 3–5 years . This program includes fee relief funding to make early childhood education more affordable for families.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Preschool children focuses on:

• Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning.
• Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience.
• Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Preschool program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Government subsidy: Further reduces out-of-pocket Preschool fees in addition to your eligible Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
• Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs.
• Rhythm and Resilience Program: Music and movement to improve emotional regulation.
• School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school.

We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development.

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Preschool Space: 3 – 6 years

Preschool is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Preschool children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Preschool year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Preschool year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi, my name is Rasanthi, and I am the Centre Manager here at Sandcastles Chatswood. When children take ownership of their learning, they become motivated to persist, explore and master new skills that are key to their overall development.

I began my career in early childhood education in 2011 and have had the privilege of working across a number of G8 Education centres. I joined Sandcastles Chatswood in 2024. Across these roles, I have worked with all age groups and in a variety of positions, which has given me a strong understanding of children’s development and the importance of high-quality early learning.

As a mum of four children, I truly understand how important it is for families to feel confident that their child is in a caring, loving, safe and nurturing environment. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being there for children each day, sharing in their moments of learning and discovery, and knowing that we have played a part in helping them develop new skills, confidence and understanding. I have learnt that children are active and unique learners, and that a collaborative, flexible approach to planning is essential. By involving children in the learning process and providing opportunities that support different learning styles, we can create the most inclusive and meaningful outcomes.

I strongly believe that the environment acts as the third teacher. Through engaging learning spaces and a curriculum that is guided by children’s interests, voices and thinking, we empower children to see themselves as capable learners. When children take ownership of their learning, they become motivated to persist, explore and master new skills that are key to their overall development. By encouraging self-discovery, we help children create meaningful experiences and foster a lifelong love of learning.

I am incredibly proud of the team at Sandcastles. Our educators are passionate about creating a true home away from home for children and families, where diversity is celebrated, and every family is respected as unique. We place a strong value on partnerships with families to support each child’s individual needs, and our culture of continuous improvement is reflected through ongoing professional development, reflection and the implementation of contemporary practices.

Supporting families is at the heart of everything we do. Open and honest communication is key, and we value strong two-way communication with families through our Xplor app, email and phone. Families are always welcome to contact the centre for updates, especially while their child is settling in, and we are committed to ensuring families feel informed, supported and confident. Our team looks forward to welcoming your family and beginning this exciting early learning journey together.