Guardian Childcare & Education Allara Street

Reviews from Google

(31)
  • Keeping children safe always comes first. All of our team are committed to uphold the highest standards of child safety. Read more about our approach to child safety.
  • Proud GOLD 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.
  • We build a strong sense of belonging from day one as we get to know you and your unique child – come and be part of our Allara Street family!
  • Meet our dedicated team and discover how we lead the way in your child's development, where keeping you connected with regular communication about their progress as a top priority.

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

HOURS

Mon to Fri 8:00am to 6:00pm

Closed on Public Holidays

ADDRESS

51 Allara Street Canberra, ACT, 2601

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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

Welcome to our Centre

At Guardian Allara Street, we build a strong sense of belonging from day one where each child’s growth is celebrated. Our early learning centre provides a nurturing environment with play-based educational programs, from our nursery through to our government-funded Flying Start to School preschool program.

What makes our Allara Street childcare special?

• Engaging indoor learning spaces filled with quality, age-appropriate resources that inspire discovery.
• An expansive outdoor area featuring a bike track, sandpit, and veggie garden for endless adventure.
• Our To BE Me learning programs meet each child where they are, supporting their individual development. Our team understands and encourages your child at every stage.

We provide a premium daycare where each child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority. Be part of our leading community!

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Allara Street Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Hayley and team

We believe it’s a privilege to be a part of a child’s learning journey in their first 5 years. Through care, education and play, it truly is a magical time.

Daily Fees

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

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To Be Me

To BE Me is our exclusive learning program designed for each age and stage of a child’s first years. To BE Me sets the standard for early learning with a contemporary approach tailored to your child’s age, interests and strengths. It sets easy to follow Development Pathways and encompasses our educational programs, room set-ups, daily rhythms and the way we support your child. Read more here!

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

(31)
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Takumi K
At first, my son cried all the time because he couldn’t understand any English and was struggling in an unfamiliar environment. But thanks to the educators’ patient support and the warm friendship of the other children, he began speaking English within just a few months and soon came to love going to the day care centre. We are truly grateful for the caring environment that helped him grow with confidence.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Takumi for sharing your experience. We’re truly touched by your kind words and so proud of your son’s journey. It’s wonderful to hear how he has grown in confidence and embraced his new environment with the support of our educators and the friendships he’s built. Creating a caring and inclusive space where every child feels safe, supported and valued is at the heart of what we do. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of your son’s learning and development, and we look forward to continuing to support him as he grows.
John J.
We couldn’t be happier with the care our child receives here. The educators are warm, patient, and genuinely invested in each child’s wellbeing and development.

Every day our little one comes home with new words, stories, and a big smile — it’s clear they feel safe and loved.

The communication from staff is fantastic, and we love getting updates and photos throughout the day.

Thank you for creating such a nurturing environment — it’s made a huge difference for our family.
Response from the owner:We’re pleased to hear how happy you are with the care your child receives at our centre. Knowing that your little one comes home each day with new words, stories, and a big smile truly warms our hearts — it’s the best kind of feedback we could hope for. Our educators are deeply committed to creating a warm, patient, and nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow. It’s wonderful to hear that this has made such a positive difference for your family. We also really appreciate your kind words about our communication — we love being able to share updates and photos throughout the day so you can feel connected to your child’s experiences. Thank you again for your trust and support. It’s a privilege to be part of your child’s journey!
Rebecca S.
Allara Street is honestly amazing. My son has been attending full-time since he was 12 weeks old and I cannot fault the team for the love they have given to our family. The centre rarely has outbreaks of illness and the educators are so attentive to children’s needs. Having a child in care so young was made easier knowing the team were caring and understanding of him, as well as my needs as a parent.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! It warms our hearts to know that our centre has been a positive part of your family's journey. Watching your son grow and thrive since he was just 12 weeks old has been a joy for all of us. We take great pride in maintaining a healthy environment and ensuring that our educators are attentive to each child's needs. Knowing that our care and understanding have made a difference for both your son and you as a parent means the world to us. Your trust and kind words inspire us to continue providing the best care possible. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community!
Jimmy Q.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your services and support. While we are sad to leave, we are excited for our son to join your care. We are confident he will enjoy his time with you.

Reflecting on the past two years, our daughter has cherished every moment at your childcare, and she often shares wonderful stories about her experiences.
Amazing Service keep it up.
I highly recommend this Childcare for every family in Canberra city area. Excellent staff and delicious food for kids to eat.
Thank you so much
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message Jimmy! We’re truly honored to have had the opportunity to care for your daughter, and we’re excited to welcome your son into our care. It’s lovely to hear that your daughter has cherished her time with us and that she’s been so happy sharing her experiences with you. We take great pride in providing excellent service, delicious meals, and a nurturing environment for all the children, and it’s heartwarming to know that you’ve seen the positive impact this makes. Thank you for recommending us to other families in the area. Your trust and support mean the world to us, and we look forward to continuing to care for your son with the same dedication and love!
Gyb T.
Highly recommend Guardian childcare Allara street. Our son started to join the centre since he was 3 and been going to the centre for almost 2 years now. All the educators and staffs are very attentive and my son has made a beautiful relationship with his educators. Especially Carmen. She has been very supportive and we can see how cares for every children. The manager Hayley is amazing. We’ll also send our daughter to the centre too when she’s a bit older 😊❤️
ayla E.
Guardian Allara has exceeded all expectations. Centre manager Hayley, all the amazing educators, the curriculum, food and family connection are all fantastic! My daughter has made some beautiful relationships with the educators and peers and I’m so grateful.
Response from the owner:Thank you Ayla for your 5-star rating for our centre in Allara Street. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Caitlin C.
Guardian is fantastic and we're so happy our family chose the centre. The staff are so attentive to every child, no matter which room they are in. They engage with families and really promote a community feel to the place. We love the wide range of activities and how the eductors include the families and keep them up to date on plans. Our toddler is learning something new every day - would recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you Caitlin for your great review for our centre in Allara Street. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for out families and children 😊
Kirsten K.
A very supportive environment for little ones to flourish. We love the educators, the environment, the activities and the support we receive. Communication is excellent and our little is thriving. Thank you! Can't think of a better place for our little one to be exploring and learning!
Response from the owner:Thank you Kristen for your great review for our centre in Allara Street. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Elise R.
My two sons have been attending Guardian Allara St since they were 9 months old (now aged 4 and 2). The educators at Allara St are not only exceptional in the care they provide the children, but clearly love being early childhood educators. They design learning experiences to suit all the children, ensuring each one is supported and met where they are up to. There's also lots of time for unstructured play and the development of core socialisation skills amongst their peers. Children are taught age appropriate self-help skills like serving their meals or drinks, and washing their hands.
The food provided to the children is nutritional and the menu is varied so they can try new things each week.
Importantly, communication from the Centre is always clear and timely, and they are always willing to listen to, and follow up on, any concerns.
I would highly recommend choosing Guardian Allara St to care for the most important people in your life.
Response from the owner:Thank you Elise for your great review for our centre in Allara Street. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for out families and children 😊
Buddini K.
Bella T.
davidn
Very good facilities. Staff are friendly and great with kids. Not easy to park for drop off and collection. My fine was $172! My daughter very happy with them.
Mark B.
Guardian Allara is an excellent daycare. Modern and with the highest level of accreditation, they have provided excellent care for our little one from the time she was 9 months old. Very well run with competent and caring educators.
Matt C.
The educators at Allara St have been sensational with my son. He is in 5 days and loves it. He has formed strong connections with different educators and other kids, and enjoys all the different activities they provide. They allow the kids to explore and engage with the world in many different ways, including getting their hands dirty.
It's more than just baby-sitting - they actively teach and build on skills, so he comes home with new words and interests. I'm aiming to set up a space at home so my son has a similar opportunity to play like he does at daycare.
Jody L.
An amazing centre with amazing educators. We were nervous to start our childcare journey but Hayley, Caitlin and their wonderful team of educators have made the transition so easy. Our daughter now jumps out of our arms to give her educators cuddles during our drop offs, a sentiment on just how nurturing and positive their relationships are with the children. The environments are set up in a beautiful way and the educational programs are planned to support childrens learning no matter what stage they are at, our little girl has hit most of her milestones early with the help of the Allara street team. Highly reccommend this service to anyone who wants to start their childcare journey in a safe, welcoming and homely centre.
Response from the owner:Thank you Jody for your great review for our centre in Allara Street. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊
Kathleen D.
Great carers, activities, food and outdoors play
shilpa K.
jyoti R.
Very friendly staff… love to see my daughter’s progress day by day..
Zoe E.
Our first experience with a daycare centre and cannot fault Guardian on Allara. First class staff and educators who are passionate about their roles. The centre is welcoming, fun and an excellent environment for child development.
SR
Guardian Allara St is home to a wonderful team of educators who are passionate about the well-being of the children! My son absolutely enjoys coming in to the centre each week and is thriving from the various play based activities they have each day! 😀❤️ Could not commend this centre highly enough to other families who are looking to start their little one’s journey to education!
Violet B.
Sophie B.
A fantastic centre full of love, professionalism and fun. As first time parents, we have been blown away with the support and quality of care that we have received from all the wonderful educators at Allara Street. The educators are unbelievably kind and welcoming, which is shown in how quickly the children gravitate to them, highlighting the safe and warm environment Allara street have created. We really value the time and effort the centre put into knowing their families, always asking how they can make sure they are doing their absolute best for not only your child, but for the whole family. The Storypark updates are always a delight to read each day, to discover what the children have gotten up to throughout the day. 10/10 recommend this centre!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Sopie ! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear that we met your expectations. We strive to find ways to improve our centres as we play a vital role in lives of our families and children. Appreciate the kind words Sophie.
Matthew C.
We highly recommend this centre, a little gem tucked away in the city centre that should not be overlooked. We are so happy with our decision to send our 7 month old here. The staff are dedicated, enthusiastic and attentive in their work. They are passionate about providing meaningful development opportunities for children across all ages and highly skilled in their roles. As parents who have experienced four different Canberra childcare centres with our first child, we can confidently say that this centre is by far the best managed, with the highest qualifications for staff. Enrolling our child in amongst the COVID-19 pandemic was daunting, but the management and staff made this transition easy, comfortable and safe. Their management of the health and wellbeing of the children, staff and families during this time has been excellent. We’ve also noticed that our son’s personality has grown and flourished since starting here; he’s become incredibly social, increased in confidence and is really happy. Best childcare we’ve experienced in over 5 years.
Dione S
Overall, an excellent centre. Strong, experienced management team. Caring, passionate, professional and engaged educators. Great resources and outdoor play area. Healthy menu, with a cook who carefully caters to all dietary requirements. My kids have been attending the centre for four years and I couldn't ask for anywhere better.
Response from the owner:Hi Dione, thanks so much for leaving a review and for the positive feedback. We are very happy to hear that your children are enjoying the Centre, the team, the menu and the programming we have in place at Allara Street.
Candice M.
Allara Street ELC has nurtured and cared for our three children over the past seven years and we are so happy and impressed with the high quality care and professionalism at the centre. The educators genuinely love and care for the children, always have their best interests at heart and always go above and beyond the call of duty. It’s not just a job for the educators here, you can see that they genuinely love what they do and no request is ever a problem. We value the family-like feel of the centre and we know that our children are getting the best care every day.
Response from the owner:Hi Candice, thanks so much for the review. We are so pleased that you feel like a part of the family at Allara Street. The team pride themselves on the relationships they build with our families and the children, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Linda W.
The childcare centre has high quality facilities. The outdoor area is spacious and has appellate decoration and view. It is in a convenient location with prominent sign at the entrance. Staff are friendly and keep the place secure with locked doors and speakers at the entry.
Dlea 1
We are very happy with Allara Street, my child has attended full time for the past 3 years and is upset to miss a day.
I'm exceptionally happy with the commitment and passion all staff bring to child development targeting physical (sensory), social, emotional and cognitive development via variois engaging methods.
Leadership at this centre is well structured and filtered down by a great active centre Director through well considered policy and procedure.
My employer does not partner with Allara Street however with the occasional phone call staff were able to accurately predict a suitable opening for me within my timeline.
The centre is always clean and staff happy, no problem or ask is to much for these professionals!
So lucky to have found Allara Street.
sara
Very happy with this centre and my kids are happy here
Tris B
Mia C.
Have been really happy with Allara St for my son. The educators are great and very engaged, the quality of food is excellent and my son has a great day every day he is there. Highly recommend.
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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

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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) $183.46 $100.07 $72.27
Toddler (2–3) $182.23 $98.84 $71.04
Preschool (3–5) $181.01 $97.62 $69.82

The ACT Government offers funding to provide families fee relief of up to $2575 for children who turn 3 on or before 30 April 2025. This provides families up to 300 hours of free preschool in 2025. This support is in addition to the CCS and can help to lower your out-of-pocket fees. 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?

Allara Street Centre Manager Image

Hayley and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Hayley, 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.

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.

Preschool Program
Flying start to school

Our Flying Start to School preschool program is lead by degree qualified Teachers in a long day care setting. Our specialist two-year program is committed to supporting your child as they prepare for big school. We focus on nurturing their confidence, making friends and social emotional growth while also supporting their abilities in reading, writing, counting, and thinking skills. Whether it’s building with blocks, practicing their first letters, or learning to share with friends, every experience is carefully designed to support your child’s development.

Our Centre is a recipient of funding as part of the ACT Government’s Three-Year-Old Preschool Program. Eligible children who turn three years old on or before 30 April 2025 will receive up to $2545 in additional subsidies to reduce your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.

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.

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What our families say about the centre

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