Guardian Childcare & Education Mulgrave

Formerly Platypus Junction Mulgrave

  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read our approach here
  • Proud winner of the Family Choice Award 2025. As determined by our existing families rating their experience of our Centre via Family Satisfaction Survey and independent Google Reviews. Click here for more detail
  • From the most nurturing nursery room to our leading 2-year kindergarten Program – we are the leading Centre for the first 5 years of your child’s development in the area
  • You’ll feel a sense of belonging the moment you step into our Guardian Mulgrave centre, where children and families thrive in a connected, welcoming community.

Book a tour today to see what makes our Centre special & have all your questions answered

Mulgrave NQS Rated Exceeding by ACECQA

Our centre has been recognised as ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard. This is the highest rating you can receive from a regulatory authority assessment and we are proud to deliver an exceptional service to the children and families who attend our centre.

Mulgrave Map Image

HOURS

Mon to Fri 6:30am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS

Level 3/5 Nexus Ct Mulgrave, VIC, 3170

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

Check out our fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces your child will enjoy

Welcome to our Centre

Welcome to Guardian Childcare & Education Mulgrave, formerly Platypus Junction. We are proud to be an ‘Exceeding’ rated early learning centre.

At our centre, children are inspired through:

• An award-winning rooftop garden with edible plants, a sandpit, and water-play features.
• Engaging indoor spaces filled with quality resources for each age group
• Flying Start to School, our leading government-funded kindergarten program, preparing children for the big step to school.

Our personalised To BE Me learning program celebrates each milestone, ensuring every child feels supported in our nurturing daycare.

The experienced team at our childcare centre puts the safety and wellbeing of every child first, creating strong partnerships with families from their very first day.

Mulgrave Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Jessica and team

"I prioritise creating a secure and trusting environment where children feel safe to express themselves and engage in meaningful learning experiences."

Daily Fees

Value for quality care. See our daily fee and your CCS-reduced cost

View Daily Fees

Our Flying Start to School program provides a specialised 2-year curriculum for children aged 3 to 5. Our unique program has two stages - Becoming Me for 3 year olds and Being Me for 4 year olds. Using developmental milestones and continuous monitoring of your child's progress, this program is designed to make sure your child gets a flying start to school. Read more HERE

Flying start to school

Where children are supported to be brave, curious, and bold in their learning, for the best possible start to life.

Reviews from Google

5.0
(16)
Diana Y.
Diana Y.
09:18 26 Jul 25
Our son spent almost two wonderful years at the early learning centre in Fullarton, and we will always carry a deep appreciation for the care and love he received there. From the very first day, we felt welcomed—not only by the beautiful facilities but especially by the people. The carers were kind, responsible, and genuinely connected with the children. It was comforting to see that the staff team remained stable, giving our son the chance to build strong bonds and feel secure every day.The director and her support manager were truly exceptional—always warm, approachable, and ready to listen. Their presence made the centre a place full of trust and heart.We also appreciated the nutritious meals prepared by the in-house chef, who always provided a great variety of delicious food. Our little boy always came home happy, well-fed, and full of stories.This centre was more than just a childcare service—it was a community, a place where our child was not only safe but also loved, encouraged, and happy. We are so thankful for these beautiful years.
Marley B.
Marley B.
09:47 27 Mar 25
After having a not so positive experience elsewhere I can happily say that Guardian Fullarton has exceeded expectations when it comes to communication & care for my daughter and son. Emails are replied to within a couple of hours and not once have I walked into or watched the room and witnessed anything that felt funny, there’s always a good ratio and never little ones left to be upset. Childcare’s have huge discrepancies when it comes to the range of standards they uphold but Guardian Fullarton really seems to be running to a high standard and we have been very pleased. 😊
Chandana N.
Chandana N.
02:19 23 Jan 25
This child care center has been amazing for my little one since nursery. I am impressed with the level of care and attention they provide.
Lakmali B.
Lakmali B.
01:22 23 Jan 25
Beautiful centre with highly talented educators. My daughter loves her educators and we are really happy about the best care she had for the past year. Highly recommended.
Courtney M.
Courtney M.
01:34 11 Nov 24
Beautifully caring staff, who really get to know your child. Has a warm, friendly feel to the centre. Sue cooks amazing food for the children too!
Emma F.
Emma F.
22:03 21 Oct 24
isabelle G.
isabelle G.
01:45 27 Sep 24
We lived in the area for around 10 months and sent our son here during this time - he was in Nursery 1 and then 2 . We have moved away now and will be using a new daycare closer to home and I can't express how much we will miss the educators at Guardian Fullarton, especially Emily L, Lettuce and Georgia. Theyare so caring, passionate, nurturing and supportive - our son absolutely loves them and says their names on the way to and from daycare. He always has the biggest smile on his face when I go to pick him up and I feel confident and comfortable knowing he was in the best of hands. I'm so grateful for everything Guardian Fullarton did for our family - Rosalie you should be so proud, your team is 10/10.We will really miss Guardian and if we ever move back to the area, we hope to send our son there again.
Richer JIM L.
Richer JIM L.
02:54 14 May 24
Nice good
Lilly W.
Lilly W.
13:03 08 Apr 24
Elena V.
Elena V.
06:16 01 Apr 24
I strongly recommend it. Each visit, my daughter was delighted to be there. The staff is incredibly attentive, caring, and highly skilled in their profession
Mimi B.
Mimi B.
00:43 19 Mar 24
Gorgeous educators who my daughter absolutely loves - thank you to everyone for taking such good care of her
Shayla M
Shayla M
22:18 12 Mar 24
Awesome centre, great educators and the rooms are all clean and ideal for the age groups!
Fiona Z.
Fiona Z.
05:28 01 Feb 24
Sasha M.
Sasha M.
09:10 13 Dec 23
We’ve been sending our 16mth old son here for 5 months and have been very happy with the care they provide. The educators are extremely caring & have passion and skill for what they do. It’s never an easy transition to childcare for the first time, for parents as well as little ones, and they made it easy for us. I have confidence leaving my son there. The food provided is all cooked on site and really great.The site is purpose built, with lovely big bright rooms. The play equipment and toys are also wonderful. The outdoor area is shaded, with large sandpits, and I love how they’ve got little vege boxes too, which they plant with the children. They do creative activities with the kids and I love the little photo updates on the app to show us some of what they’ve done.
Chong G.
Chong G.
04:39 27 Nov 23
Sarah M.
Sarah M.
07:55 14 Sep 23
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Rhythm of the Day

We know children (and families) like routine. Whilst no two days of learning are ever the same - here's what a day at Guardian might look like.

Morning

Our friendly Nursery team of familiar educators will be there to greet you and support your baby to settle in for the day.  Breakfast time is available & families are welcome to stay and enjoy with the children. This is also a great chance for conversation to share what is important and how your baby’s night at home was.

Mid-Morning

Our nursery learning environments are set up indoors and outdoors for your baby to engage with a variety of planned experiences while they interact with our team such as exploring picture books, singing songs together. We also offer morning tea.

Middle of the Day

Dependent on the needs of every baby, we time lunch to suit the children. Team members will support your child to eat and/or have a bottle, and when they are ready, are gently settled for sleep or rest. With an open-door policy, families can enjoy lunch/bottle time with your baby if you wish.

Mid-Afternoon

Our nursery planned experiences (both indoor and outdoor) continue and there are opportunities for movement, playing games, more books and songs, or sensory exploration. Afternoon snack is provided.

End of Day

We’ll have your baby’s belongings ready for you at pick up time. The Nursery team will share information about your baby’s day and their learning, preparing you and your child for a smooth transition to your evening. Please grab a piece of fruit or snack on the way out!

What's included in the Guardian Experience

From nutritious meals and engaging learning programs —it’s all covered in your daily rate. No hidden extras, just peace of mind for you and a great day for your child.

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

Hat, wetbag and sunscreen

5 meals per day

5 meals per day

All incursions and excursions

All incursions and excursions

Nappies, wipes and formula

Nappies and wipes

Storypark parenting app

Storypark parenting app

Long day care hours year around

Long day care hours year around

Frequently asked questions

What we do to keep children safe

Create Safe Spaces & Practices

  • Nappy change areas are designed to have visibility windows and are set up for maximum supervision
  • Our policies also cater for team members being in sight or sound of another team member at all times.
  • Safety embedded in daily programs – by conducting daily checklists, comprehensive risk assessments, and more
  • personal phones or devices are not allowed in learning spaces.

Safe People Who Follow Safe Policies

  • Working With Children Checks for all team members. Automatic alerts if a WWCC is revoked and team member not eligible for shifts
  • Rigorous reference checks – must provide previous line managers for their past roles
  • Annual compulsory Suitability Declarations to confirm ongoing fitness to work with children
  • Mandatory reporting and speaking up – report concerns immediately and all concerns will be investigated fully
  • Ongoing mandatory training in child safety, including annual refreshers and leadership-specific modules

Controlling Access to our Centres

  • Multiple levels of security in all centres
  • All visitors must sign in and present photo ID before entry
  • All tradespeople must provide a WWCC & complete Guardian-specific induction.

Read more here

Daily Fee Information

Daily Rates

Our daily rates are all inclusive and have no additional charges for incursions / excursions or any of our learning programs. The rates shown are an estimate based on using Childcare Subsidy (CCS) subsidised hours. The CCS helps lower your out-of-pocket costs, with subsidy rates dependant on your individual family eligibility levels.

What You Might Pay After CCS
Age of Room Daily Rate 60% Subsidy 80% Subsidy
Nursery (0–2) $177.19 $77.12 $43.76
Toddler (2–3) $177.19 $77.12 $43.76
Kinder (3–5) $177.19 $77.12 $43.76

The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families up to 15 hours of Free Kindergarten a week, in addition to the Childcare Subsidy. The funding offsets the fees for three and four-year-old children that are part of the centre’s long day care Kindergarten program. Families will save up to $2,101 a year for children aged three-years-old and above in eligible long day cares in 2025. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.

What should I bring, and what do you provide?

What we Provide

  • Nappies and wipes
  • Bed linen
  • Guardian hat
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • All nutritious meals and snacks

What to Bring

  • Water bottle
  • Spare change of clothing, labelled
  • Soft toy or comfort blanket for nap time
  • Baby's bottles for formula or breastmilk

Who are the team that will be looking after my child?

Mulgrave Centre Manager Image

Jessica and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Jessica, prides themselves on creating a great sense of community for all families.

Each role in the Centre is designed to work together to help create a nurturing environment for every child in each of our learning spaces.

In our Nursery Room, the dedicated team has a special role in creating secure attachments, routines, and strong relationships. Unique to Guardian nurseries is our Baby Ambassador, who is your go-to person for you and your baby’s first 12 months with us. They will know every detail about your baby: how breast or bottle milk is managed, how they like to eat, their sleeping routines, the nappies they wear, and more. With babies as young as six weeks in the Centre, it’s the Baby Ambassador’s job to work with families and Educators to help make our Nursery feel just like home.

Our Educators across the age groups work together to create fun, stimulating, and age-appropriate experiences for every child in their care. They are dedicated, experienced professionals who are allocated to a specific room so they can get to know each child individually and support their learning and development.

As part of our 2-year Flying Start to School program, we have degree-qualified Teachers who use the latest teaching practices to help your child build essential practical and social skills, ensuring they’re ready for their next big adventure—school!

Each room has a Lead Educator or Teacher who is responsible for planning and implementing an effective ongoing cycle of planning, documentation, and evaluation of the room’s learning program.

At the core of the Centre is our Cook—make sure you check out their daily menu when you visit. They help make food part of the learning journey and love seeing how children respond to new and exciting flavours.

The team is supported by a strong Leadership Team, including an Assistant Centre Manager and an Educational Leader.

Every role at the Centre is as important as the next.

How will you share updates about my child’s day?

Great communication is vital in our collaborative partnerships with families at the Centre. We have a variety of different ways we communicate with you about your child’s learning and progress:


  1. Storypark app - Stay connected to your child's day with regular updates, including photos and learning insights

  2. Pick-up and drop-off updates – Our Educators will share highlights from their day, including experiences they enjoyed, mealtimes, and naps to support your evening routine.

  3. In-room learning exchange displays make our weekly learning plans easy to see so you know what your child will be learning.

  4. Centre Newsletters – Great for community connection and wider Centre and team updates.

  5. Development documentation and meetings for your individual child’s progress.


But remember our door is always open.

What are the main features of this Centre

Our Mulgrave childcare centre offers:

  • Quality learning programs such as Joy of Reading, Cooking and Sustainability
  • Engaging indoor learning spaces full of quality educational resources
  • Expansive outdoor play spaces with a sandpit, play equipment and veggie garden
  • On-site Chef providing fresh snacks and meals daily
  • Highly experienced Educators and degree-qualified Teachers
  • Nappies, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and bed linen provided
  • Extended hours of care each weekday from 6:30am to 6:30pm

Our Learning Programs

Learning should be fun! Learning through play encourages children to explore and understand their world at their own pace. It helps build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

Learning should be fun! Learning through play allows children to build their knowledge, develop confidence, and embrace curiosity.

Kindergarten Program

No state fee relief information available.

Out and about

Through excursions, children are supported to expand their world, to get to know their community, and have a sense of belonging. Their learning thrives when they feel safe, welcome, and that they belong.

STEM

Children discover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through age-appropriate activities that are designed to foster curiosity and develop foundational skills like problem-solving and creativity.

Cooking

Cooking experiences teach numeracy by counting ingredients, and weighing and measuring quantities and volume, while managing these tasks supports independence and confidence.

Ella Language

Learning languages through Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) supports brain development and social skills and creates opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity.

Joy of Reading

Reading aloud to children each day inspires imagination and supports thinking. Books with rhythm, rhyme and word patterns make stories more playful and memorable.

Sustainability

From growing veggies and foraging in the garden for that day’s meal ingredients to learning about recycling, children learn about being part of a community, connecting to their environment and understanding their impact on the world.

What our families say about the centre

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