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Welcome to Lilyfield Early Learning Centre

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Guardian Childcare Lilyfield Early Learning Centre

Proudly owned by Guardian

  • 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.
  • Leading learning programs where children aged six weeks to six years grown and discover through play.
  • Discover our newly refurbished centre that feels like home and where each day is exciting, from our nurturing nursery to our leading 2-year preschool program. Your child deserves the best.
  • Come and see why our families are our raving fans where belonging to our community and strong communication is a key part of a child's development. You will feel part of their day, every day.
Lilyfield Early Learning Centre 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.

2-6 Justin St, Lilyfield, NSW, 2040

Mon to Fri 7:30am to 6:00pm

Spaces available now across rooms

Premium Lilyfield Early Learning Centre Childcare Centre

Daily Fees

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

View Daily Fees

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 >

Welcome to Lilyfield Early Learning Centre, proudly owned by Guardian. Set in a restored heritage building, our childcare centre blends character-filled architecture with bright, open, spaces that connect children to the outdoors.

Here, children are inspired through:

• Thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces for every stage and age, including cot rooms off the nursery.
• Premium learning programs including Bush Kindy, junior parliament, and an artist-in-residence
• Our leading government-subsidised preschool curriculum that builds confidence and school readiness

We believe in strong partnerships with families and creating a supportive environment where the safety and wellbeing of each child is paramount. At our quality daycare, your child will feel safe, inspired, and right at home.

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.

rahul R.
5 months ago
We have sent our daughter to LELC for the past 4 years. Our younger son will also attend this centre when he turns one. I think this centre had a bit of flux and transition challenges when Guardian took over (you will see a bunch of -ve reviews from that time) but it has now stabilised and the the educators and care staff are great. I can’t sing enough praises of the staff and the care they take of our children.
Response from the owner:Rahul, thank you so much for your honest and thoughtful feedback. We really appreciate you acknowledging the journey over the years and are so pleased to hear how positive your experience has been more recently. It means a lot that you’ve trusted us with your daughter for the past four years and are planning for your son to join as well. We’re very proud of our team and the care they provide, and your kind words truly mean a lot.
Olivia S.
9 months ago
We have been sending our daughter to the centre since she was 10 months old. At nearly 3 years we have experienced amazing educators across all rooms being the nursery, transition and toddler room. She loves her daycare days and has made great friends. Centre and app communication is great and feedback has always been warmly received and changes made. Would recommend this centre to any local parents.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Olivia, for your kind and thoughtful review. It’s wonderful to hear about your daughter’s journey with us over the past few years, from the nursery through to the toddler room, and how supported she has felt by the educators across each age group. Knowing that she enjoys her days, has formed strong friendships, and looks forward to attending means so much to our team. We’re also glad the communication through the app and with the team has been positive, and that your feedback has always been welcomed and acted upon. Building strong, respectful partnerships with families is something we truly value. Thank you again for recommending us to other local families and for being part of our community.
Sophie W.
11 months ago
I have to admit, I was hesitant to send my son to this childcare after reading some of the older reviews — but now I truly regret not enrolling him earlier! The nursery teacher is amazing, and the level of care they provide is exceptional. It might sound like basic stuff, but I’ve been to other centres and it’s definitely not something to take for granted. My son comes home with relatively clean clothes (of course, a few food stains are expected!). I also no longer have to worry about his bottles and dummy getting mixed up with others — everything is handled so well and with real attention to detail. And amazingly he gains back his home routine there. When he was in the other centre, he has no routine but coming home with extremely tiredness. I believe the calm environment this centre provides matters. We’ve only just started, but I’m already so impressed with the care and professionalism of the team. I think it’s unfair for this centre to be defined by past reviews — they truly deserve recognition as a high-standard childcare in this community. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Good morning Sophie Thank you so much for sharing your experience and kind words with our team! We completely understand how important it is to feel confident and comfortable with your child’s care, and we’re so glad to hear that your son is thriving in our centre. Our team works hard to provide that calm, attentive, and nurturing environment, and it means a lot to know it’s making a real difference for your family. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your trust in us. Thanks again for giving us the chance to care for your little one, we’re excited to continue supporting your son’s early learning journey.
Rachel F.
11 months ago
The nursery staff are amazing. They have been there for a long time and truly care about the children.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your review Rachel! We're lucky to have such a dedicated and experienced team at our centre who genuinely care for each child. Your support means a lot to us!
Petra K.
1 year ago
We love this centre, our almost 4 and almost 2 year olds have been here since they were both 8months old. The carers are wonderful and consistent - yes there are changes, as there are everywhere but the new staff settle in quickly and get to know the children and their individual needs and quirks rapidly. The takeover from guardian was absolutely clunky yes, but we’re coming out the other side and we can now see improvements to the centre. We love the family atmosphere with lots of interaction between the age groups - which my kids particularly love. I always have and will continue to recommend this centre. Happy kids who ask to go to ‘school’ on a Sunday and want to stay on ‘for 5 more minutes’ at the end of the day
Response from the owner:Thank you for your great review! Our educators strive to create a nurturing and consistent environment, and it's wonderful to know that their efforts are appreciated. We acknowledge that the transition during the takeover was challenging, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. It's great to hear that you're noticing improvements and that the family atmosphere and interactions between age groups are benefiting your children. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support.
Shannon B.
2 years ago
Doug C.
4 years ago
My 2 boys had a wonderful and memorable time at Lilyfield Early Learning Centre (2021). The service has a quality curriculum that results in diversity of play and learning, valuable staff who envelop a passion for nurturing our children and a management team that rewards and recognises them! (and retains them). If you’ve wondered what a model Early Learning Centre looks like, LELC certainly sets the benchmark - and all this during a pandemic. A+
Nisha S.
5 years ago
Aditya B.
6 years ago
Jie X.
6 years ago
We selected this centre because 1) of its exceptional NQS rating 2) we liked the set up (i.e. generous play areas for each age group, lots of toddler gym equipment, both indoor and outdoor) 3) the variety of activities for children and excursions 4) and most importantly, the big smile on every child and educator’s face during our tours (we went there twice) He’s been there 5 months now, and I am very pleased we enrolled him here. The educators are experienced, loving and reassuring. Although my son doesn’t quite talk yet, I can tell how much he likes his daycare by him excitedly packing his diaper bag into the pram upon hearing the word ‘daycare’! He’s transitioning to the next age group soon (meaning access to more/new equipment/toys), and I’m super excited for him!
noorinder W.
6 years ago
Sherry L.
6 years ago
Lilyfield ELC is definitely the best daycare that I have ever been to. The people in the centre are lovely, respectful, kind, and supportive. The learning environments are well designed and it is nurturing and cosy. Children here are free to explore and learn. Also, the educators' beautiful teaching practices impressed me the most. Moreover, they have frequent excursions planned for children. I think it really good for children's development and wellbeing as I believe that the more children see and experience, the more they learn, the faster they grow.
Natalie M.
7 years ago
Amazing long day care service with exceptional programs. My daughter loves attending each day and the educators go above and beyond to deliver high quality care and education. Highly recommended if looking for care in the area.
Tamara M.
7 years ago
A++ childcare service. Wonderful educators, excellent learning and development programs & a lovely sense of community spirit. Highly recommend.
Kate B.
7 years ago
Lilyfield Early Learning Centre is fantastic and the staff were so attentive to our son's needs. They have a wonderful centre that runs smoothly and the kids are so happy. We only wish we could have taken this centre and it's staff with us when we moved!
Natasha B.
7 years ago
Lilyfield Early Learning Centre is fantastic. My son has been there for just over 6 months and loves it. The educators are amazing, super energised in working with children and look after them with the same care and attention as they would their own. The director of the centre is fantastic, super supportive, organised and amazing. Highly recommend!
Lyssa T.
7 years ago
My son has been going to the Centre from 1 year old and is just over 3. It has been a transformative experience for him and us; his language and social skills continue to develop rapidly and we are looking forward to him entering their offered preschool program next year in preparing him for primary school. They provide excursions, a lot of programs pertaining to sustainability and ran an excellent Naidoc week that had my son asking lots of questions. I am pleased to say my newly born son will be starting at the Centre at 6 months and I look forward to him developing and making friends as my first son has! The educators are wonderful and very knowledgeable of my own child’s individual needs. Highly recommend!
Haylee N.
7 years ago
I have two girls at Lilyfield Early Learning Centre. 18 months and almost 4 years. We only started a few weeks ago and my 4 year old has already been on 3 excursions and been examined by a speech pathologist. I have never seen such amazing education in the Early Learning sector. My girls attended a child care centre in Melbourne which was fantastic but Lilyfield is far superior in its education program. The app keeping families up to date throughout the day with photos of the kids is also really great. The staff are wonderful. It is expensive in my opinion, but worth the investment!
CeCI C.
8 years ago
Kristen A.
8 years ago
My two kids who are 1 and 3 attend Lilyfield Early Learning and it's just a beautiful centre with the most gorgeous staff. I would recommend to anyone.
Elvira L.
8 years ago
We love this place. The educators are super friendly and caring. My son really enjoys his days in day care. I was so nervous when my son started day care. He was super attached to me and I was worried he couldn’t adjust. The staffs here are very experienced, they really helped my son to settle in. And now he loves to go to day care. The centre is also well equipped. Lots of activities to keep the little one occupied.
Vishesh M.
8 years ago
Perri L.
9 years ago
Great centre with really lovely and caring staff.
Dior L.
9 years ago
Our kids love it here and so do we. The care provided, facilities and educators are beyond amazing.
Liz P.
9 years ago
A beautiful centre with excellent carers. Our daughter was there from two to three years old. She loved her carers and enjoyed the activities they planned for her group. They have music, French and a garden area with chickens. Really convenient to nip into Lilyfield on the way to the city.

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 $108.09 $77.78
Toddler (2–3) $207.35 $116.44 $86.13
Preschool (3–5) $207.35 $116.44 $86.13

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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