Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest

  • 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 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. Click here for more detail
  • 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 Forrest family!
  • At Forrest you’ll feel confident that your child is thriving; building their confidence in our great learning spaces which include an art studio, sandpit and vegetable garden. Your child deserves the best.

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

Forrest Map Image

HOURS

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

ADDRESS

25 National Circuit Forrest, ACT, 2603

SPACES AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS ROOMS

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

Welcome to our Centre

At Guardian Forrest, families are valued, with each child’s growth celebrated. At our childcare centre, our experienced team of educators provides a nurturing environment, from our nursery rooms through to our government-funded Flying Start to School preschool program.

What makes our early learning centre the ideal choice for your family?

• Newly refurbished indoor learning spaces, including an art studio, filled with quality, age-appropriate resources that engage and inspire.
• An expansive outdoor area that encourages adventure, featuring a sandpit, bike track, and a vegetable garden for hands-on learning.
• 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 early learning centre where each child’s safety and wellbeing is our priority, building their confidence for the big step to school. We’re proud of our daycare centre – your child will never want to leave! Join the leading childcare provider in the area!

Forrest Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Lauren and team

"We believe in advancing our profession through advocacy and innovation to support our educators to deliver high quality education to our youngest citizens. Through focusing on inclusion, innovation and sustainability we can build a better future alongside our children for our children."

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

4.2
(30)
karma C.
karma C.
07:35 20 May 25
Jacquie K.
Jacquie K.
00:49 04 Apr 25
Amazing place for children to attend, staff, great facilities, huge play spaces, the management and healthy food are amazing. Most of all children love being here !
Mish k
Mish k
20:48 01 Apr 25
Very excellent centre - strong focus on education and development, great nutrition with a very involved chef, a warm culture and motivated educators. Centre design is open plan and parents can drop in at anytime, providing reassurance about children's welfare being met
Corrinna W.
Corrinna W.
10:42 27 Feb 25
We only started our two year old at Guardian this year - and like most parents we were very anxious about drop off and pick up/how she would settle in/would she bond with the educators etc etc. Two months in she is absolutely thriving! When we pick her up in the afternoon she is always happy playing and makes sure to wave goodbye to each educator we pass on the way out. Cannot recommend these guys highly enough!
Lauren P.
Lauren P.
12:15 25 Feb 25
The nursery educators are absolute super stars, they demonstrate their care and passion of education every day, with their warm welcome, daily updates and detailed accounts of our daughters development. Our daughters confidence has sky rocketed thanks to the entire team at Guardian Forrest.They some how manage to get our daughter eat items, she won't try at home, thanks to their varied and nutritious menu. Their approach to learning and development is considered and adapted to each individual child. The management team are supportive, responsive and engage with all parents, educators and the wider community.We are so happy with Guardian Forrest.
Juniper J.
Juniper J.
06:09 10 Feb 25
Ever since we have started at the centre we have seen a constant journey of growth and quality. We could not be happier with the infants team who have cared for our child with so much thoughtfulness. Our older child has received so much care and inclusion and their additional needs have been at the forefront of the educators interactions. The centre is clean, the educators care, the food is amazing (we even get delicious treats as parents at pick up time!), the education is engaging and based on what our children are interested in, there are so many community engagements and in centre activities. The list of what we love just goes on and on. Our child’s allergies have been taken seriously and you can see in the communications and when we go in and have breakfast with them that they are serious about safety. After a journey through quite a few centres with our older child that were overall not very positive, we are so happy to have found a second home where our children belong at Forrest.
Zaka H.
Zaka H.
11:14 02 Oct 24
This centre is under new management and our two kids are thriving. The educators are responsive and attentive and there is a very personalised approach to their interactions with each of the children.
Briege W.
Briege W.
08:16 04 Jul 24
Since Lauren and Ayla were appointed as the Guardian Forrest management team four months ago, the care and education throughout the center has improved tenfold.When I walk into the centre, it is apparent that they have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to recruit quality educators, review and improve room cleanliness and functional layouts, centre and room communications for parents, hygiene practices and educational experiences for the children. Furthermore, when Brendon, the chef, is in the kitchen, there is a beautiful aroma wafting throughout.Guardian have also demonstrated their commitment to quality education by investing back into the centre, with upgrades both internally and externally, especially with the resources for the children to play with - they definitely have taken into account the interests of the children.My son absolutely loves going to Guardian Forrest and I have complete trust in the leadership of Lauren, Ayla and the quality of care in his room.
Maria K.
Maria K.
22:26 08 Apr 24
We moved our 2yo to Forrest and I cannot speak highly enough of the team here. Lucy and Sam have changed our kiddo's life and I don't know what we would do without them. They really show our kid love and we're so grateful to have them. He loves going to daycare, the attention, the space, the food are all awesome. He had stopped napping and was always upset at his old daycare, at Forrest he is napping for 2 hours! and has started napping again at home thanks to Forrest! He is a calm, happy bubs. You can really see they invest in the kids, there's always deliveries of new toys and science/arts activties. I've seen their meals myself as there's some days we dropoff late, and its beautiful healthy food, they are lucky kids. We get daily posts online to see what our kiddos are up to, Lucy's always found some interesting new activity for them to try. The premises is really secure, parking is easy and I've always got a spot and nice to get a coffee right next door after drop off :P We've had two kids at a few different daycares and this one is by far the best we've been to.
Michaela S.
Michaela S.
01:47 26 Mar 24
We have been going to Guardian Forrest for going on 2 months and it’s clear that my children are having amazing days are well cared for each dayThey come home each day and tell me awesome stories about the day they had and are always exhausted with the amount of fun they have had.I wish I could say thank you more to all of the educators for taking such good care of my babies! :)
Joanne O.
Joanne O.
01:25 20 Nov 23
I have nothing but praise for Guardian Forrest. We have been coming to the centre for a couple of years after relocating from another city. Tayla and her team have helped settle my baby girl into the centre beautifully. She has grown into such a smart, confident and caring child with a love of learning, all fostered by the love, comfort and incredible learning experiences provided by the exceptional teachers at Guardian. Every activity has a purpose, though my child is just having fun. The communication from the centre is incredible, I always know what my child has been up to each day so it’s great for us to talk about at home. Tayla and her team always make time to chat to us, and if there are any concerns we might have Tayla and the team always move quickly to help out support into place. It makes me sad that this is our last year here, I feel like the centre is another home and the educators are part of our family. Thank you to the entire team at Guardian, and Tayla for her incredible leadership for making the centre into what it is today. My little girl has had the best fun with you all. I highly recommend Guardian Forrest to anyone considering exceptional care for their children.
Alison N.
Alison N.
09:35 21 Sep 23
A wonderful centre with excellent caring educators and staff. Would highly recommend the centre.
Singh D.
Singh D.
02:24 19 Sep 23
Kiara
Kiara
22:43 28 Mar 23
This daycare is absolutely amazing, and I wouldn't have any hesitations recommending to other parents. My 5-month-old is absolutely spoiled by the Nursery staff every day. Guardian Childcare Forrest makes going back to work full-time so much easier. Knowing that my son is so well cared for gives me peace of mind and that's priceless. A huge thank you to all the staff in the Nursery and front desk; you have made the transition so seamless. It's been a wonderful experience to date!
Immie M.
Immie M.
23:48 16 Feb 23
My son is thriving under the care of Taylor and the whole team. They work hard to keep on top of his complex medical needs, he feels loved and welcomed and I have no doubt every kid in the centre feels the same. Could not recommend this place highly enough.
Leah C.
Leah C.
22:11 16 Feb 23
Guardian is a fantastic centre and I wouldn't hesitate to send my child here. The centre is clean and well-maintained, which put me at ease knowing that my children are in a safe and healthy environment.What I appreciate most about this daycare is the holistic approach they take to their curriculum. They not only focus on the academic development of the children but also on their social and emotional growth. The activities and games they play are not only fun but also help build important life skills like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.Tayla and the team are also just wonderful people. They have a genuine passion for what they do, and it shows in the way they interact with the children. They are patient, kind, and always willing to answer any questions or concerns that I have.Overall, I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for a fantastic childcare experience. Tayla and the team go above and beyond to create a warm, nurturing, and enriching environment for the children in their care.
Farah T.
Farah T.
01:33 21 Nov 22
fan T.
fan T.
22:50 23 Aug 22
Kids very enjoyed
casey M.
casey M.
03:06 28 Jun 22
Simon S.
Simon S.
10:39 04 Apr 22
Julia L.
Julia L.
22:44 09 Dec 19
Highly recommend this daycare for so many reasons: it's clean, the great quality of activities/toys and most importantly the educators and staff which are all so wonderful and incredibly committed to the children. Our daughter feels very comfortable here and is always excited when Monday comes around :)
Warren M.
Warren M.
08:13 08 Dec 19
The benchmark for childcare in Canberra. The focus here is the children and this is evident. Staff do an outstanding job in keeping up with modern philosophies and truly love their job. You can tell that all the equipment is well thought out and caters for each child individually. For a large centre it definitely doesn't feel like it due to the open layout. If you want the best for your children you can't do better than Forrest. Oh and the food is amazing, healthy and fresh.
Bec J.
Bec J.
10:26 05 Dec 19
We have been really happy with Guardian Forrest. All the educators are such genuinely caring, lovely people. They really go out of their way to help the little ones feel at home and many of them have been around the whole time we have been there. They always have really engaging, creative and imaginative activities for the children and have created an environment which fosters adventure, fun and inquiry. It has a really nice community feel and even though we have moved further away we still send our girls there as we don't think we would find somewhere else as lovely.
Hashim P
Hashim P
01:18 06 Feb 24
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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) $193.18 $109.79 $81.99
Toddler (2–3) $191.97 $108.58 $80.78
Preschool (3–5) $190.74 $107.35 $79.55

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?

Forrest Centre Manager Image

Lauren and team

Our Centre team, led by our experienced Centre Manager Lauren, 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 Forrest 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, bike track 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 modern day care facilities include an art studio, library, shaded outdoor areas thanks to beautiful established trees, a water pump, a creek bed, a fort, and herb and vegetable gardens from which the children often harvest goodies for our on-site cook.

The children at Guardian Forrest enjoy four nutritionally balanced meals co

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

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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