Northcote Childcare & Kindergarten
Also they had this year some leadership changes in the centre and Kinder Room . But all the Changes were really positiv and ensure a even better quality.
We have had great relationships with all of them and their communication is fantastic - sending us daily stories and lots of photos to show us how much fun the children are having.
We appreciate the focus on early education the centre has and the effort the educators make in ensuring the children are always learning, being supported emotionally and of course having fun!
We couldn’t be happier with the progress our toddler has made since he started at OAC and are very grateful for the care he receives when he’s there. Can’t recommend highly enough!
Their communication was always excellent, their facilities are great and they treated my children like their own. I will never forget the educators and the fact that it felt like our community, they really helped us as we started our own journey into parenthood. Would highly recommend.
Most of all, we love the educators at OAC - they are warm, creative, and responsive. She gets really excited when we mention her educators' names and when we ask if she's looking forward to seeing them after a weekend or a holiday. The educators will give her extra attention and cuddles if she's having a rough day from teething etc
Our child loves the different activities that she gets to do, loves the food that's cooked and given to her (eats better at daycare than at home to be honest), and the outdoor free play that she gets to enjoy - she especially loves the sandpit judging from the daily pictures and the sand she brings home in her shoes 😅
Another plus is it's been really easy to add casual days on a needs basis. We recommend OAC to our friends in the area and a few have since joined. Our daughter has been able to thrive in the daycare environment - we can't thank the OAC educators and staff enough for this.
The educators are kind and caring and have created lovely bonds with our kids. Our 3.5 year old daughter has formed some really special friendships over the years here which is so gorgeous to watch and I'm sure this will be the same for our 1 year old son. We've also made some lovely new 'family friends' which is a bonus.
They are constantly thinking of fun, new activities to challenge the children and help them learn and develop in a fun way through play.
Whenever we have been working on a new skill (i.e. toilet training or adjusting naps) at home, we communicate this to the educators and they are great at supporting us and our child with encouraging the same routine/development at OAC.
There has also been great continuity and tenure amongst the educators and many of them have been there for the whole few years we've been there and as such we have lovely relationships with them. The many familiar faces is a testament to the good team culture at the centre.
We have recommended this centre to lots of friends in the area and they have also had great experiences at OAC Northcote campus.
The educators at OAC are truly dedicated, professional, warm, and enthusiastic. Our son absolutely adores them, and the consistency in staff with no turnover means he builds lasting, trusting relationships. It’s clear that the educators are passionate about their work and invested in the well-being and development of each child.
The facilities are spacious, sun-lit, and purpose-built to foster both play and learning. The educational toys and expansive outdoor space provide endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Our son loves the variety of activities and the rich curriculum that the educators prepare with such care and enthusiasm. The chef-cooked meals are another highlight, featuring a diverse, multi-cultural cuisine made from fresh produce.
Last but not least communication with parents is fantastic. We appreciate the daily photos and diaries that keep us informed about what our son is doing and learning. It’s reassuring to see how much fun he’s having and the progress he’s making.
Every single educator, Director, Assistant Director even the Chef make our experience as parents so much easier and it's such a nice campus to come and pick up my kids.
I love that the team work on adding little touches to improve our experience, take home meals for the kids, activity ideas to do when the kids aren't feeling well and you're trying to work from home.
Another key differentiator of this campus is there are male educators who bring a nice balance and set a wonderful example for the children.
Most of all as a parent we feel listened to. I can't recommend this campus enough.
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.
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 Nursery, our passionate educators focus on laying a foundation for enduring curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. Our Northcote Nursery caters to the care and development needs of infants aged 6 weeks -2 years.
The Northcote Nursery focuses on safe sleep practices developed by qualified Family Health Nurses and Consultants. Our nursery is a safe and stimulating environment that encourages your child to explore and play and implements both structure and a nurturing environment with our exceptional caregiving and play routines.
Our Northcote Nursery Program includes:
- Age 6 weeks -2 years appropriate indoor/outdoor learning environments.
- Sleeping rooms with a focus on positive sleep practices.
- Dietitian designed baby menus with all meals and snacks included.
- Baby essentials such as nappies, cots, linen, and sunscreen.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning – Grow curriculum
For more information, download the Only About Children Nursery Room Guide
Northcote Toddlers (2-3 years)
Our Only About Children Northcote campus is focused on giving your child a calm and welcoming environment that balances play, exploration, and learning. Our Toddler rooms are led by passionate educators who create play-based learning activities designed to provide toddler-aged children with nurturing experiences that encourage growth and development.
Our Toddler rooms are safe, supportive spaces that facilitate creative exploration. Each space is expertly designed to encourage younger children to explore, solve problems, create, construct and interact with peers.
Our Northcote Toddler program includes:
- Age 2-3 years of appropriate learning and playing environments.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning – Grow curriculum
- Small group learning activities.
- Dietitian designed menus with all meals and snacks included.
- Calm sleeping and resting rooms.
For more information, download the Only About Children Toddler Room Guide
Northcote Kindergarten (3-5 years)
Only About Children Northcote Kindergarten is focused on creating quality experiences that place your child in the best position to begin school. Our nurturing kindergarten educators give special emphasis on building school-ready skills, such as Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math), Sustainability, Music, Dramatic Play and Art. We aim to make your child’s transition to school as smooth as possible by providing balanced, small group learning activities that build independence and resilience along with academic skills.
Our team of highly-skilled educators and health specialists work together to create an integrated journey that enhances your child’s learning and development. Individual learning plans are created to empower each child with skills that will help them reach their full academic and social potential.
We use the Kinder Tick at Only About Children Northcote because we’re an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program. That means our service delivers a play-based learning program, led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
Northcote Kindergarten program
- Provides an innovative curriculum focused on left brain logic and right brain creativity
- Includes both structured and unstructured play-based learning that considers the child’s individual interests and development
- Provides an ‘Individual Learning and Development Plan’ for every child with 6 monthly check-ins with families
- A learning focus from 9am to 3pm to prepare children for typical school hours and routine whilst providing the flexibility of long hours for social development and play
- Is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) for childcare.
- Includes Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including complementary Vision Screening
For more information, download the Only About Children Kindergarten Room Guide
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
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.
Here’s what our families have to say
Also they had this year some leadership changes in the centre and Kinder Room . But all the Changes were really positiv and ensure a even better quality.
We have had great relationships with all of them and their communication is fantastic - sending us daily stories and lots of photos to show us how much fun the children are having.
We appreciate the focus on early education the centre has and the effort the educators make in ensuring the children are always learning, being supported emotionally and of course having fun!
We couldn’t be happier with the progress our toddler has made since he started at OAC and are very grateful for the care he receives when he’s there. Can’t recommend highly enough!
Their communication was always excellent, their facilities are great and they treated my children like their own. I will never forget the educators and the fact that it felt like our community, they really helped us as we started our own journey into parenthood. Would highly recommend.
Most of all, we love the educators at OAC - they are warm, creative, and responsive. She gets really excited when we mention her educators' names and when we ask if she's looking forward to seeing them after a weekend or a holiday. The educators will give her extra attention and cuddles if she's having a rough day from teething etc
Our child loves the different activities that she gets to do, loves the food that's cooked and given to her (eats better at daycare than at home to be honest), and the outdoor free play that she gets to enjoy - she especially loves the sandpit judging from the daily pictures and the sand she brings home in her shoes 😅
Another plus is it's been really easy to add casual days on a needs basis. We recommend OAC to our friends in the area and a few have since joined. Our daughter has been able to thrive in the daycare environment - we can't thank the OAC educators and staff enough for this.
The educators are kind and caring and have created lovely bonds with our kids. Our 3.5 year old daughter has formed some really special friendships over the years here which is so gorgeous to watch and I'm sure this will be the same for our 1 year old son. We've also made some lovely new 'family friends' which is a bonus.
They are constantly thinking of fun, new activities to challenge the children and help them learn and develop in a fun way through play.
Whenever we have been working on a new skill (i.e. toilet training or adjusting naps) at home, we communicate this to the educators and they are great at supporting us and our child with encouraging the same routine/development at OAC.
There has also been great continuity and tenure amongst the educators and many of them have been there for the whole few years we've been there and as such we have lovely relationships with them. The many familiar faces is a testament to the good team culture at the centre.
We have recommended this centre to lots of friends in the area and they have also had great experiences at OAC Northcote campus.
The educators at OAC are truly dedicated, professional, warm, and enthusiastic. Our son absolutely adores them, and the consistency in staff with no turnover means he builds lasting, trusting relationships. It’s clear that the educators are passionate about their work and invested in the well-being and development of each child.
The facilities are spacious, sun-lit, and purpose-built to foster both play and learning. The educational toys and expansive outdoor space provide endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Our son loves the variety of activities and the rich curriculum that the educators prepare with such care and enthusiasm. The chef-cooked meals are another highlight, featuring a diverse, multi-cultural cuisine made from fresh produce.
Last but not least communication with parents is fantastic. We appreciate the daily photos and diaries that keep us informed about what our son is doing and learning. It’s reassuring to see how much fun he’s having and the progress he’s making.
Every single educator, Director, Assistant Director even the Chef make our experience as parents so much easier and it's such a nice campus to come and pick up my kids.
I love that the team work on adding little touches to improve our experience, take home meals for the kids, activity ideas to do when the kids aren't feeling well and you're trying to work from home.
Another key differentiator of this campus is there are male educators who bring a nice balance and set a wonderful example for the children.
Most of all as a parent we feel listened to. I can't recommend this campus enough.
