Campus Overview
With a large outdoor play area, including dedicated spaces for our Nursery, Toddler and Kinder children, there is plenty of space for adventure, exploration and self-lead play at Only About Children Northcote. Built around a beautiful gumtree, our outdoor area includes a bike track, a worm farm and an undercover sandpit. Our Northcote childcare centre has six indoor age-based spaces, specifically designed to encourage children to learn and grow with a focus on safety and natural elements.
Children at our Northcote campus enjoy –
- Our expansive, dedicated outdoor play spaces, including sandpits and climbing equipment and plenty of space for children to explore, create and lead their own play.
- Our age-based indoor spaces that have been specifically created to encourage children in their learning and growth, with a focus on safety and natural elements.
- Getting out into our local community through planned excursions and community activities that build on our educational curriculum and the children’s interests. These include regular trips to our local shops and parks.
- Passionate educators and allied health specialists who are focused on creating a learning space where families and children can learn and grow together.
- A leading nutrition, health and wellbeing offering which includes a Dietitian designed seasonal menu and fresh meals prepared daily in-house by our campus cooks
- All-inclusive offering including our daily app diary updates, nappies, formula, bedding, sunscreen and more.
At Only About Children Northcote, we offer More Than Childcare. Our unique approach to early years learning goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and wellbeing of every child in our care. We call it The OAC Way.
Our innovative play-based Grow Curriculum gives Nursery, Toddler and Kindergarten children the best opportunity to develop their growing minds during their early years. It includes:
- Left Brain Logic – Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) and Sustainability
- Right Brain Creativity – Music, Dramatic Play and Art
- Health and Wellbeing – Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Social Development – Trust, Respect & Relationship and Resilience & Mindfulness
Our Grow curriculum is delivered via intentional teaching in dynamic small group learning environments where children’s successes, skills and challenges are monitored on an ongoing basis.
OAC Flexi (occasional care) is available at our Northcote Campus. This option is for families wishing to utilise occasional or back up childcare at short notice. OAC Flexi is available in 2 sessions, full day or part day and is available for children aged 12 weeks – 5 years old.
Our Northcote Early Learning Centre
Where to find us
Our purpose-built two-level Campus is located on the corner of Victoria Road and Separation Street and a 15-18-minute walk from either Dennis Station or Fairfield Station. We have bus stops right outside and a variety of local schools nearby. We are a 5-10-minute walk from our local parks, McDonell Park and Rubie Thomson Reserve, and a 15-minute walk from All Nations Park. We have underground parking available, so families can enjoy a smooth drop off and pick up every visit
Interested in learning more? The best place to start is with a tour or call us today on 138 622.
Northcote Nursery (6 weeks – 2 years)
At Only About Children Northcote, our passionate educators nurture curiosity, confidence and early learning for infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Our safe, stimulating environment combines structured routines with nurturing care and play.
Our Northcote Nursery Program includes:
- Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Sleeping rooms with a focus on positive sleep practices.
- Dietitian-designed baby menus with daily meals and snacks.
- All baby essentials provided, including nappies, cots, linen, and sunscreen.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
Download the Only About Children Nursery Room Guide to learn more.
Northcote Toddlers (2-3 years)
Our Only About Children Northcote, our toddler rooms provide a calm ,welcoming space that balances play, exploration, and learning. Passionate educators deliver play-based learning activities that support growth, problem solving, creativity and peer interaction.
Our Northcote Toddler program includes:
- Safe age appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning through the Grow curriculum
- Small group learning activities.
- Dietitian-designed menus with daily meals and snacks.
- Calm sleeping and resting rooms.
Download the Only About Children Toddler Room Guide to learn more.
Northcote Kindergarten (3-5 years)
At Only About Children Northcote, our kindergarten program is designed to give children aged 3-5 the strongest start to school. Led by qualified early childhood teachers, we focus on building school-ready skills through a balance of structured learning and play. Our Northcote kindergarten is part of the Victorian Government Free Kinder program, plus recognised with the Kinder Tick.
What’s Included in Our Northcote Kindergarten program:
- A play-based Grow curriculum covering literacy, STEM, sustainability, art, and music
- Individual learning and development plans with regular progress check-ins
- School-ready structure with core learning hours from 9am–3pm
- Long daycare hours for added flexibility and social growth
- Fully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
- Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including free Vision Screening
Download the Only About Children Kindergarten Room Guide to explore how we support your child’s school transition.
Helpful Info
Childcare Subsidy
For more information, visit our Childcare Subsidy Information (CCS)
Our Learning Spaces
Contact Us
- Open hours: Mon-Fri 7:15am – 6:15pm
- Phone: 138 622
- 160-162 Victoria Road, Northcote VIC 3070
Important Information
Under these standards, childcare services are assessed and rated against the seven quality areas, 18 standards, and 58 elements that make up the NQS. Click here to find out more about the NQS quality areas, standards, and elements.
Meet our Campus Director
Carley Cranston
Carley has worked in early childhood education for seven years and brings a deep passion for supporting children’s development during their most formative years. Growing up in a big family surrounded by nieces and nephews, she discovered early on how rewarding it is to nurture young minds and help them grow.
Currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Carley combines experience with a commitment to lifelong learning. Her philosophy centres on creating a play-based, child-initiated environment where children feel safe, respected and free to explore. She believes every child is unique and is dedicated to building a space where individuality is celebrated and children grow with confidence.
As Campus Director at Only About Children Northcote, Carley enjoys building strong relationships with families and leading a team of passionate educators. She’s driven by the joy of seeing children thrive and loves being part of a warm, supportive campus community.
Outside of work, Carley enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new places, and playing basketball — a sport she’s loved since she was 12. A fun fact about her? She’s a twin, and the experience of growing up side by side with someone so different has shaped her belief in valuing and celebrating individuality in every child.
Carley has worked in early childhood education for seven years and brings a deep passion for supporting children’s development during their most formative years. Growing up in a big family surrounded by nieces and nephews, she discovered early on how rewarding it is to nurture young minds and help them grow.
Currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Carley combines experience with a commitment to lifelong learning. Her philosophy centres on creating a play-based, child-initiated environment where children feel safe, respected and free to explore. She believes every child is unique and is dedicated to building a space where individuality is celebrated and children grow with confidence.
As Campus Director at Only About Children Northcote, Carley enjoys building strong relationships with families and leading a team of passionate educators. She’s driven by the joy of seeing children thrive and loves being part of a warm, supportive campus community.
Outside of work, Carley enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new places, and playing basketball — a sport she’s loved since she was 12. A fun fact about her? She’s a twin, and the experience of growing up side by side with someone so different has shaped her belief in valuing and celebrating individuality in every child.
Carley Cranston
Campus Director
Carley has worked in early childhood education for seven years and brings a deep passion for supporting children’s development during their most formative years. Growing up in a big family surrounded by nieces and nephews, she discovered early on how rewarding it is to nurture young minds and help them grow.
Currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Carley combines experience with a commitment to lifelong learning. Her philosophy centres on creating a play-based, child-initiated environment where children feel safe, respected and free to explore. She believes every child is unique and is dedicated to building a space where individuality is celebrated and children grow with confidence.
As Campus Director at Only About Children Northcote, Carley enjoys building strong relationships with families and leading a team of passionate educators. She’s driven by the joy of seeing children thrive and loves being part of a warm, supportive campus community.
Outside of work, Carley enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new places, and playing basketball — a sport she’s loved since she was 12. A fun fact about her? She’s a twin, and the experience of growing up side by side with someone so different has shaped her belief in valuing and celebrating individuality in every child.
