FAQ

Lakeside Creative Minds offers a rich, creative and play-based learning environment focused on curiosity, expression and community. Our centre stands out because:

• In-house gourmet chef: freshly prepared meals crafted on-site with childcare nutrition in mind — this allows us to tailor menus and cater for dietary needs with flexibility.
• Creative curriculum: programs guided by the EYLF that prioritise imaginative play, arts, STEM exploration and collaborative learning.
• Family & community focus: we actively partner with families and celebrate cultural diversity.

Learn more about our philosophy: Lakeside Philosophy (PDF).

We are open Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 6:00pm, excluding public holidays.

Our fees are inclusive and designed to reduce day-to-day hassle for families. Inclusions are:

• All meals prepared on-site by our in-house gourmet chef.
• Wipes and nappies provided — Lakeside is the centre that supplies nappies as part of everyday care.
• Regular excursions and incursions, planned and risk-assessed by staff.
• A welcome pack on enrolment: hat, branded t-shirt, school bag and bottle.
• An activity book that stays at the centre during care and is gifted to families at the end of the child's enrolment or at year-end.

Yes — we accept the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Our admin team works on behalf of families to ensure all eligible subsidies, including Start Strong where applicable, are claimed. If you need help with claims or documentation, contact us and we’ll assist.

To arrange an in-person tour please complete our contact form: Lakeside Contact Form. We also offer a virtual tour for a first look: Lakeside Virtual Tour.

Safety is central to our design and daily practice. Measures include:

• Purpose-built layouts with sightlines that allow educators to observe children from multiple angles.
• CCTV coverage in public areas to support safety and operational transparency.
• Robust policies, risk assessments and ongoing staff training to ensure high standards of care and wellbeing.

We follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and deliver a play-based, creative curriculum that supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Activities are intentionally designed to foster curiosity, creativity and early learning skills.

More detail in our philosophy: Lakeside Philosophy (PDF).

Our team comprises Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma-qualified educators and Certificate III assistants. We meet and often exceed the minimum government ratios, and all staff engage in continuing professional learning so they can provide the best possible guidance and support to children.

When a child enrols at Lakeside they receive a welcome pack (hat, t-shirt, school bag and bottle) and we maintain an activity book for their days at the centre — this activity book remains at the centre and is presented to families at the end of the child’s enrolment or the end of the year as a memento.

We run an annual calendar of events that includes seasonal celebrations, cultural festivals and family community days. We intentionally celebrate culturally important dates to reflect the diversity of our families. See the full calendar: Lakeside Annual Events (PDF).

Join the Lakeside waitlist online: Lakeside Waitlist Form. We’ll confirm receipt and advise on availability.

Downloadable resources:

• Philosophy: Download PDF
• Digital Brochure: Download Brochure
• Annual Events Calendar: Download Events PDF
• Virtual Tour: View Virtual Tour

Contact details:

• Phone: 02 4983 1609
• Email: info@lakesidecreativeminds.com.au
• Contact form: Lakeside Contact Form