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Guardian Childcare Freshwater

Google Reviews

(48)
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  • Safety always comes first at Guardian Childcare. Every member of the team is fully committed to upholding our child safety approach, ensuring a safe environment for all children.
  • We're the proud winner of the Family Choice Award 2026, based on ratings from the Family Satisfaction Survey and independent Google Reviews.
  • Newly renovated, with stunning indoor and outdoor spaces to inspire children's curiosity and imagination.
  • Our centre feels like home, where each day is exciting, from our nursery to our leading 2-year preschool program.

4-8 Waine St Freshwater, NSW, 2096

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

Spaces available now across rooms

Premium Freshwater Childcare Centre

Freshwater Centre Manager Image

Meet our Centre Manager Irene and team

"We are committed to nurturing the potential in every child, and passionate about empowering young minds and their families through purposeful, high quality learning experiences."

Daily Fees

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

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Guardian's Flying Start to School program delivers a Government-approved Preschool program within long day care hours, providing flexibility, holiday coverage, continuity of Educators and access to the same Government funding available through other providers. Read more >

At Guardian Freshwater, your family is at the heart of all we do. Our daycare centre offers a nurturing environment and high-quality education for the communities of Freshwater, Brookvale, Balgowlah, Curl Curl, Queenscliff, Manly Vale, North Manly, and Fairlight.

From our nursery through to our government-funded Flying Start to School long daycare preschool program, we provide a place where your child’s learning and growth are celebrated.

The families of Freshwater and surrounding suburbs choose our centre because of our inspiring indoor spaces, filled with quality, age-appropriate resources, and our personalised, sector-leading To BE Me learning milestones program.

We Care More. The Guardian Difference.

A new era in early learning.

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Premium Learning Spaces

Inspiring environments for curious minds.

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Where care meets peace of mind.

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Building lifelong healthy habits with every bite.

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2 year Preschool / Kinder program for school readiness.

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Partnership with families & community

Stay connected, every step of the way.

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To Be Me

A new era in early learning. To BE Me is our exclusive learning program designed for each age & stage of a child's first years, tailored to their age, interests & strengths. Their pathway is personalised, with every milestone captured to makes the link between play & learning clear & memorable.

Google Reviews

(48)
Tom D.
3 weeks ago
We couldn't be happier with our experience at Guardian Freshwater. Our daughter absolutely loves attending and excitedly runs to her educators every morning. The level of care provided by the team—particularly Zoe, Laxmi, Robha, Lily and Mel—is outstanding, and we've seen incredible development in her confidence, language, and social skills. The daily communication, including photos and detailed feedback, gives us total peace of mind knowing she is in safe hands. Furthermore, the centre's leadership and administration team (Neysa and Irene) have been incredibly empathetic and flexible, helping us navigate care seamlessly during periods of illness and recent career transitions. They truly support the whole family. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a safe, nurturing, and highly professional environment.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tom, for your fantastic review. We're delighted to hear that your daughter is so excited to come to the centre each day and that you've seen such wonderful growth in her confidence, language and social skills. Zoe, Laxmi, Robha, Lily and Mel will be thrilled to know the care and support they've provided has made such a positive difference. It's also wonderful to hear that Neysa and Irene have been able to support your family during periods of change, helping make the transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your kind recommendation and for trusting us to be part of your daughter's early learning journey.
Methok D.
1 month ago
We have our daughter at guardian freshwater. It is her first child care and we had a great experience. Special thanks to Chantel Oates and Madeline Gilbert.
Response from the owner:Methok, thank you for your wonderful review. We're so pleased to hear that your daughter's first childcare experience has been such a positive one. It's especially lovely to know that Chantel Oates and Madeline Gilbert have made such a meaningful difference for your family. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to them, and we appreciate you trusting us to be part of your daughter's early learning journey.
EMILY W.
1 month ago
An excellent centre filled with professional, supportive and creative educators. The entire team from management to chef make it a wonderful place for your little people to thrive. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Emily, thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation. We're delighted to hear that you've had such a positive experience with our team. It's lovely to know that the professionalism, creativity and support shown by everyone, from our educators and management through to our chef, have helped create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Your kind words mean so much to us, and we'll be sure to share them with the team.
Marcelo C.
3 months ago
Great environment and staff for the little ones. I only have good things share about Guardian Freshy.
Response from the owner:Marcelo, thank you for your kind feedback. We’re so pleased to hear you’ve had such a positive experience with us. Knowing that you have only good things to share means a great deal to us, and we truly appreciate your support. Thanks again!
Sammie W.
8 months ago
I am genuinely so sad that our time is coming to an end at this wonderful centre, we've been there close to 5 years with our two boys and the love and care from the educators is second to none. They know our kids so well they know the signs before they get sick, what they love and don't and everything about their little personalities. Huge shout outs to Maddy, Irene, Jess, Zoe, Sadaf, Lily, Robah and all the others who have been integral in our boys lives.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review, Sammie. It is clear how much the relationships built over the past five years have meant to your family. The way you describe the educators knowing your boys so deeply and supporting them with such genuine care speaks to the strong connections formed. Your kind words about the team, including the educators you mentioned, mean a great deal. We are truly grateful for the trust you have placed in us throughout your journey.
Sabrina M.
8 months ago
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sabrina, for taking the time to leave us a rating. We truly appreciate your support, and our team is always here if you’d like to share any further feedback in the future.
Phoebe O.
9 months ago
We absolutely love the Guardian Freshwater Centre, Irene is such a caring and friendly Centre Manager. The Educators are all so lovely, our son is thriving!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Phoebe, for your lovely feedback. We’re so pleased to hear your son is thriving and that you value the care and warmth provided by Irene and the team. Your support means so much to us. Thanks again!
Hannah C.
9 months ago
My son attended the nursery on Mondays and he really enjoyed it! Would always come home happy and the educators are the most lovely people 🥰 Always welcomed you with a smile, you feel safe leaving them and gave you a good summary of your child’s day. I would definitely recommend this centre to families. It is a spacious place and doesn’t feel too crowded. Easy to park and drop off/pick up. Lots of outdoor space and so much for children to learn and play with. The only thing I’d say is the administration can be difficult at times, it was very hard to get through on the phone or an email response back. But overall a beautiful centre!
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience Hannah. We're really glad to hear your son enjoyed his time in the nursery, it's lovely to know he came home happy and that you felt confident and welcomed by the educators. Creating a safe and warm environment for families is something we care deeply about, so it’s great to hear that came through. We also appreciate your comments about the centre’s space, parking, and outdoor areas. It’s important to us that drop-offs and pick-ups feel easy and that children have plenty of room to explore and learn. Thank you for your honest feedback about the administration side. We’re sorry to hear it was difficult to get through at times, we will actively work on improving in this area, to make communication smoother for families. We’re grateful for your recommendation and glad your overall experience was a positive one. Thanks again for your thoughtful review!
Kris Y.
1 year ago
I’ve had children at Guardian Freshwater since 2020 and have always been happy with the care provided. My children rarely get sick, the centre is clean and there’s plenty of outdoor play. Educators take the time to understand each child’s needs and personalities, and it’s been lovely seeing familiar educators care for all three of my children over the years. There’s a strong focus on fresh food and a varied weekly menu. The centre recently extended hours which has increased flexibility. I’ve also noticed a positive shift toward hiring more highly qualified staff. I also appreciate that Guardian offers a swap day to make up for missed public holidays. It’s a warm, nurturing centre that I’d happily recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you Kris for sharing this beautiful review. It means the world to us that you've trusted Guardian with your children’s care since 2020. Watching your little ones grow and thrive over the years has been such a joy for our team, and seeing familiar faces caring for all three of your children is exactly the kind of continuity we strive for. We’re so glad you’ve noticed the little things we work hard on—like keeping the centre clean, offering fresh and varied meals, and creating a warm, outdoor-rich environment where every child feels seen and supported. Your feedback about our extended hours, educator qualifications, and swap day flexibility is incredibly appreciated. Thank you again for your kind words and for being such a valued part of our community. We’re lucky to have your family with us!
Laetitia P.
1 year ago
Very happy with this centre. Our son started at this centre when he was 9 months, and he settled very well there. Educators in the Joey's room are amazing and so kind. They really care about children and they have created a very nice relationship with him. We have moved recently, and we miss them so much :-(
Response from the owner:Thank you Laetitia for your beautiful message. It truly warmed our hearts to read it. We absolutely loved having your little one with us in the Joey’s room — he brought so much joy and laughter every day. Watching him grow and settle in so well was such a special experience for all of us. Our educators still talk about him and miss his bright smile and curious spirit. It means the world to us to know that you felt the love and care we put into building those relationships. We’re so sad to see you go, but we wish you all the happiness in your new home. Please don’t be strangers — we’d love to see you again if you’re ever nearby!
Helen A.
2 years ago
I really can’t thank everyone at The guardian enough they go above and beyond. Our daughter was very nervous when she first started and hated goodbyes but they were so caring and helped her through it. They would even ring me to let me know she was all settled and happy so I wouldn’t worry. Our daughter has made some amazing friends and adores her educators. We all hold such fond, special memories from here, thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Freshwater! We understand how nervous little ones can be when they come into a new environment, and our team are committed to making these transitions as smooth as possible for all family members. It's wonderful to hear that your daughter is now settled, with some amazing friends and has built strong connections to her educators. We really appreciate your review!
Julie D.
2 years ago
My children started attending this center early on, and we absolutely loved it! We were really sad to leave when we moved, as the staff and educators were incredible. Our kids formed strong connections with them. I can’t recommend this center highly enough!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words, Julie! We’re so happy your time at our centre in Freshwater went so well. We are keen to keep providing a great experience for all Guardian families and their little ones 😊
Carolina J.
2 years ago
I have had the most beautiful, experience with Guardian. The team have been so lovely and go above and beyond to support the families. My little girl adores all of the teachers and staff there and they are always happy to see her, giving her all the love and cuddles while I am away at work. They keep me updated through the app about her day & I am always delighted to see what they're up to when a notification comes through with photos and videos. I always see everyone happy and smiling and it's a beautiful environment they create for the children that allows them to come into their own personality and understanding of the world. Sofia has matured so much from all the incredible programming they do & it often makes me giggle to see the different experiences they have in their day from science experiments to going shopping, training for the olympics (LOL), dancing & cooking. As a mum, it can be worrying going away for hours on end to work, but I am always reassured that I am doing thew right thing for me and for Sofia when I see how much she learns and how happy she is at the end of each day. It's very cute and also very important for me to have these lovely people in my life and in Sofia's life and I could not be more grateful and happy with their service.
Response from the owner:Thank you for Carolina your feedback on Freshwater centre , we are happy to hear such great feedback, here at Guardian, we are all about partnering with our families to deliver high- quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your positive response. Once again thank you for your feedback and look forward to seeing you at the centre!
Elizabeth R.
2 years ago
Guardian is the best Center for childe
Response from the owner:Thank you Elizabeth for your 5-star rating for our centre in Freshwater. We really appreciate your positive review and look forward to creating a great experience at Guardian over many more days to come!
Paula L.
2 years ago
Ria F.
2 years ago
Our Kids had an absolute amazing time at the Guardian in Freshwater. The Educators all really enjoy their job and gave us a great feeling to leave the kids with them. The program in each room also makes sure to find the right balance between playful learning and just play, so you feel the kids have an awesome time but also develop really well.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the awesome review, Ria! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and always strive to find ways to improve our centres. Glad to you hear you have had such a great experience!
Carmen S.
3 years ago
I can't express enough gratitude for the wonderful care my daughter Olive has received at Guardian Freshwater. The staff are not just professional but genuinely caring, creating a warm and nurturing environment. As full-time working parents, we have really appreciated the level of service; from nutritious meals to continuation of care throughout the holiday periods. Thank you for being an exceptional daycare that goes above and beyond, we will miss you guys!
Response from the owner:Hi Carmen, we are so glad to hear that Olive has enjoyed such a 5-star experience! We hope to give you and your family more of this in years to come :)
Cristian V.
3 years ago
Megan P.
3 years ago
We have loved everything about Freshie Guardian. It has been the best space for our son to start daycare in. We are moving overseas, and I'm worried we won't ever find a daycare this amazing again -- the bar has been set high. Sarah is extremely organized, and our son was in the Possoms room, where Novi and her team welcomed him into their family. It feels great to drop him off knowing he's so happy and excited to run in and hug his teachers, and comes running over to us at pick up time with a huge smile. They provide updates and photos throughout the day and know him and his funny quirks so well. The educators at Freshie Guardian have loved our little guy as their own during his time there. We are so thankful to have found such an amazing community of people at this centre.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback about our centre in Megan! We are happy to hear such good things about you and your little one’s experience with us. At Guardian, we’re all about partnering with our families to deliver the best quality outcomes for our children and really appreciate your review.
Fernanda M.
3 years ago
The main reason to give 5-starts is that I really like the educators. They seem to be warm, caring and respectful towards the children. Also, the premises look great and I love the the food Mia cooks (whish I could take her food home).
Dominika P.
3 years ago
I am very happy with this daycare. The manager Sarah and girls in my daughters class are just amazing and always very helpful
Response from the owner:Thank you for your great review for our centre in Freshwater. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations, Dominika. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊 ​
Cale and C.
4 years ago
We could not be more happy with the experience we've had a Freshwater Guardian. Our daughter Aggy loves the centre and it's staff and we are very sad to be leaving (we are moving towns). The genuine care and interest the staff have for our daughter is amazing, the centre is very well equipped and from the photos we see the food is brilliant. Could not recommend more highly.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your great review for our centre in Freshwater. We are so happy to hear that we are meeting your expectations, Cale and Clare. We will continue to provide the best possible care for our families and children 😊 ​
Carolina Jimenez O.
4 years ago
Simon Christopher R.
4 years ago
We had a fantastic experience with this centre. Children really enjoy going here and there is great food and lots of outdoor play.
Dushka A.
4 years ago
We love our day care! We absolutely love the staff very caring and professional ladies. The food is cooked on the premises always healthy great menus every days for the kids. The layout of the day care is fantastic with lots of outdoor space protected from the sun and rain. There is always great open communication with the educators. And the manager off course Sarah , a fantastic lady always ready to help always trying to accomodate everyone with anything she can. Thank you!

Rhythm of the Day

We know children and families like routine, so you will always receive a warm welcome each morning and an invitation to stay for breakfast. At the end of the day, a smooth transition is assured with your child’s belongings ready for you after a day that fulfils your child's interests and curiosity. In between, the day is filled with new and exciting experiences to engage young minds as part of their early childhood education. Here’s a glimpse of what a day of play-based learning at our childcare centre often looks like.

Morning

Breakfast time provides a great chance for you to share what is important and how your baby’s night at home was.

Mid-Morning

Your baby will enjoy engaging in both our indoor and outdoor nursery environments with planned experiences like songs and story time, followed by morning tea.

Middle of the Day

Your baby’s lunch times will suit their needs, and with our open-door policy, families are welcome to enjoy lunch/bottle time with your baby. When your baby is ready, they are gently settled for sleep and rest.

Mid-Afternoon

Our planned indoor and outdoor nursery experiences continue with the chance for movement, games and more books and songs, with an afternoon snack provided.

End of Day

The Nursery team are eager to share information about your baby’s day and their learning, preparing you and your baby for a smooth transition to your evening.

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) $199.00 $95.10 $60.47
Toddler (2–3) $199.00 $95.10 $60.47
Preschool (3–5) $199.00 $95.10 $60.47

The New South Wales Government offers funding to provide families fee relief for Children attending our preschool program. For 3-year-old's this is between $423-$769 and for 4-year-olds between $1,783-$2,563. This support is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy and can help to lower your out-of-pocket fees. Ask for more details when you tour the centre.

What do you provide?

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

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 NSW Government’s Start Strong Program which subsidises the cost of preschool in long day care. For 3-year-old’s this is between $423-$769 and for 4-year-olds between $1,783-$2,563. This support is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy and can help to lower 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.

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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