FAQ
At Little Explorers Learning Centre, we provide a small, family-owned childcare environment in Ermington where children feel safe, supported and valued.
Our focus is on building strong relationships with children and families, delivering consistent care, and providing high-quality early learning experiences that support each child’s development.
What sets us apart
- Small, family-owned centre with a personalised approach
- Qualified and experienced early childhood educators
- Safe, nurturing and inclusive environment
- Strong focus on relationships and communication with families
- Play-based learning tailored to each child
- Consistent educators providing continuity of care
- School readiness and confidence building
- Clean, well-maintained and engaging learning spaces
We welcome families to visit our Ermington childcare centre, speak with our team, and learn more about our programs.
You can call us on (02) 9638 0380 or submit an enquiry through our website to arrange a tour. We encourage families to book a visit to see our centre in action and meet our educators.
What happens after I submit an
enquiry form online?
After you submit an enquiry, our team will contact you to discuss your child’s needs, availability, and suitable days.
If a position is available, we will guide you through the enrolment process. If not, we will add your child to our waitlist and keep you updated as vacancies arise.
Families are welcome to visit our Ermington childcare centre during operating hours. We recommend calling ahead to ensure a suitable time to speak with our team and explore the centre.
Enrolling at our Ermington childcare centre is a simple and supportive process.
Families are welcome to visit the centre, meet our educators, explore the learning environment, and ask any questions to ensure we are the right fit for your child.
After your visit, you will receive an enrolment pack with all the required information, including fees and availability. Once completed forms are returned, we will confirm your child’s place and arrange a suitable start date.
Can I enrol online?
We encourage families to visit our Ermington childcare centre before enrolling, so you can meet our team and feel confident in your decision.
If needed, we can also guide you through the enrolment process remotely.
How is the waitlist managed?
If a place is not immediately available, your child can be placed on our waitlist. Families are contacted as vacancies arise, and we will keep you informed of availability.
You can update or remove your details from the waitlist at any time by contacting the centre.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, 52 weeks per year.
Closed on NSW public holidays.
Rest and Sleep
Children are provided with a quiet rest period in a calm environment with bedding. Soft music and low lighting support relaxation, and quiet activities are available for children who do not sleep.
Meals and Nutrition
We provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, with breakfast and late snacks available if needed. Meals are fresh, nutritious and designed to support healthy development. Infant formula is to be provided by families if required.
Learning Environment
Our rooms are safe, clean and designed to support play-based learning, exploration and development for all age groups.
Infant Care (Sleep Monitoring)
Regular sleep checks are conducted, and children are closely supervised to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
Nappies
Nappies are provided.
Families sign children in and out each day using our electronic system.
On arrival, a staff member will greet you and check for any important information about your child for the day, such as sleep needs, routines, allergies or comfort items.
Important reminders
- Please ensure your child is signed in and out each day
- Share any relevant updates with educators at drop-off
- Hand any medication directly to staff for safe labelling and storage
- Food items should not be left in bags due to allergy risks
When you enrol, you will receive a detailed checklist of what to bring each day. As a general guide, children should bring:
- A sun-safe hat that covers the face, neck and ears
- A change of clothes
- A comfort item if needed (toy, dummy or blanket)
- A sheet set or blanket for rest timeExpressed milk if required
- Nappies, wipes and cream (if applicable)
- A labelled water bottle or sippy cup
- Any medication - to be handed directly to staff, not left in bags
Do I need to pack lunch or snacks?
No. Little Explorers provides morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and where required, breakfast or a late snack. Meals are nutritious, fresh, and designed to support children’s growth and development.
Do I need to pack sunscreen?
No. We provide child-friendly sunscreen as part of our sun-safe practices. If your child has sensitive skin or uses a specific brand, you may supply your own.
Is there anything else I should know?
Please ensure all items are clearly labelled so they can be returned to the correct child. If your child requires medication or has a medical condition, this must be discussed with staff and the medication handed directly to educators for safe storage and documentation, not left in bags.
Play-based learning is how children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration and interaction.
At our Ermington childcare centre, children learn by playing, creating, exploring and engaging with others in a safe and supportive environment.
What this looks like for your child
- Learning through activities such as building, painting, role play and problem-solving
- Developing confidence, communication and social skills
- Exploring both indoor and outdoor environments
This approach supports each child’s individual development while making learning enjoyable and meaningful.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national guide for early childhood education, supporting children’s learning and development from birth to five years.
What this means for your child
At our Ermington childcare centre, we use the EYLF to guide our programs and ensure each child is supported to learn, grow and develop in a meaningful way.
Children are supported to:
- Build a strong sense of identity
- Develop confidence and independence
- Form positive relationships with others
- Support their well-being and resilience
- Develop communication and early learning skills
The National Quality Framework (NQF) is Australia’s system for ensuring high-quality early childhood education and care services.
It sets the standards for safety, staffing, learning programs and overall quality across childcare centres.
What this means for your child
- A safe and well-supervised environment
- Qualified and experienced educators
- High standards for care, learning and development
- Ongoing monitoring and assessment of quality
At our Ermington childcare centre, we follow the National Quality Framework to ensure we consistently provide a safe, high-quality and supportive environment for every child.
We are committed to meeting and exceeding the National Quality Standard.
A children’s portfolio is a record of your child’s learning, development and experiences while at our Ermington childcare centre.
- It allows you to see your child’s progress, interests and achievements as they grow and learn.
- Families can view and engage with their child’s portfolio through our online Storypark platform, helping you stay connected throughout the day.
- Observations of your child’s learning and development
- Artwork and creative experiences
- Photos of your child participating in activities
- Learning experiences are planned based on their interests
Your child’s portfolio helps you stay connected to their learning journey and understand how our educators support their development through play-based experiences.
At our Ermington childcare centre, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued and able to participate fully.
We support children with a range of additional needs, including allergies, medical conditions, developmental delays and learning differences.
How we support your child
- Individualised support based on your child’s needs
- Collaboration with families to develop consistent strategies
- Safe and responsive care for medical and dietary requirements
- Inclusive learning experiences tailored through play-based programs
- Support for social, emotional and behavioural development
We work closely with families to understand each child’s needs and develop a plan that supports their wellbeing, development and participation in our program.
Please feel free to speak with our team at any time so we can support your child in the best possible way.
We can also work with external professionals, as required, to support your child’s development.
The first five years are a critical time for a child’s growth and development. During this period, children build the foundations for learning, behaviour, confidence and wellbeing.
At our Ermington childcare centre, we support children during these important early years through play-based learning, strong relationships and meaningful experiences that help them grow and thrive.
What this means for your child
- Building confidence and independence
- Developing communication and social skills
- Learning through play and exploration