Childcare and preschool in Freshwater, NSW
The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater offers long day care and a preschool program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Freshwater, Harbord, Queenscliff, Curl Curl, North Manly, Fairlight, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Dee Why and Narraweena on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Recently renovated outdoor spaces
Children can explore recently renovated outdoor environments with cubby houses, a boat, bike track, sandpits and a water play area. These spaces give children many ways to move, imagine, dig, ride, play with water and enjoy time outdoors.
Indoor learning with engaging resources
Indoors, children learn with natural materials, interactive smart boards and open-ended resources that encourage exploration. These spaces support play-based learning, creativity, group experiences and individual discovery across the day.
Experienced educator team
Some of our educators have dedicated more than 15 years to nurturing young minds, bringing deep experience and knowledge to the centre. Educators and teachers tailor their teaching methods to meet each child’s individual needs.
Individual Learning Plans
Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with families, reflecting each child’s strengths, interests and developmental goals. Educators use these plans to guide learning experiences that suit each child’s needs.
Government-approved Preschool program
Our Government-approved Preschool program helps children build confidence and skills for school. Children develop early literacy, numeracy, social skills and independence through play-based learning, routines and group experiences.
Community guest visits
We partner with Up and Over, with two volunteers visiting the centre every Tuesday to work with children. These regular visits add connection, shared experiences and extra learning opportunities to the weekly program.
Sports program included in the daily fee
As part of the daily fee, children enjoy extracurricular activities, including a comprehensive sports program. These sessions support movement, coordination, teamwork and confidence through active group experiences.
Healthy meals an family updates
Children enjoy nutritious meals throughout the day, with menus planned to support energy, growth and wellbeing. Allergies and individual dietary requirements are catered for. Families can stay connected through our family app, with updates about routines, play, learning and centre experiences.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Age-appropriate early learning
We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.
0-2 years
Nursery
In our nursery room, our youngest learners are supported in a safe, nurturing environment where they can explore, grow and build strong connections.
Educators support sensory exploration, language development, and fine and gross motor skills through experiences such as tummy time, sensory play, music, singing, rhymes and reading. We also work closely with families to continue each child’s home routine, including sleep and feed times, and families are welcome to visit at any time during the day.
In this room, children are encouraged to:
- Explore through sensory play, music, songs, rhymes and reading
- Build fine and gross motor skills through age-appropriate activities
- Develop early language and communication skills
- Take part in tummy time and movement experiences
- Build social skills and a strong sense of connection
- Feel secure through familiar routines, including sleep and feed times
- Stay connected with family through our open-door policy
2-3 years
Toddlers
In our toddler room, children explore their world through play-based learning while building independence, confidence and social skills.
Educators support children’s language development, imagination, early cognitive skills, and fine and gross motor development. Children also take part in group play, reading, open-ended conversations, and real-life and play-based experiences that introduce early literacy and numeracy concepts.
In this room, children are encouraged to:
- Build social skills and self-confidence through group play
- Develop language skills through reading and open-ended questions
- Explore basic literacy and numeracy concepts through play
- Strengthen fine and gross motor skills
- Use imagination through real-life and play-based experiences
- Build independence, confidence and curiosity
3-5 years
Preschool
Our Preschool program is led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and supports children as they prepare for school and lifelong learning.
Children are introduced to early literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, social interactions, collaborative projects and imaginative activities. With longer and more convenient hours than traditional preschools, five days a week, 52 weeks a year, our program helps children feel prepared for school and life beyond.
In this room, children are encouraged to:
- Build early literacy and numeracy skills
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strengthen social skills through collaborative projects
- Explore imagination through creative and play-based activities
- Build confidence for a smooth transition to school
- Prepare for school and life beyond
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Freshwater child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$200.05/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$195.15/day
Preschool
4 – 5 years
$190.85/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Preschool/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
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Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
The Learning Sanctuary uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, The Learning Sanctuary is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.