FAQ

Lakeside Creative Minds Early Learning and Preschool is a family owned and run, 39-place long day care centre and preschool at 89 Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324. We have cared for local families since 1994 and are rated Meeting NQS.

We care for children from infancy through to preschool age, with long day care and a structured preschool program for the years before school.

Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed on public holidays. You can drop off and collect your child at any time within those hours.

An in-house chef who cooks fresh meals every day, a state-of-the-art outdoor area and equipment, nappies and wipes included in the fee, and a family owned team. Our owner has worked in childcare since 2005 and is a part time professor and assessor of Early Childhood Education at TAFE NSW.

Our team includes Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma-qualified educators and Certificate III educators. Every educator holds a Working With Children Check and first aid training, and takes part in ongoing professional learning. Read more on Our Team.

We meet, and often exceed, the minimum ratios set by the National Quality Framework for each age group.

Take the virtual tour, or download our philosophy (PDF), our brochure (PDF) and our annual events calendar (PDF).

Each day follows a consistent routine of play, group learning, meals, outdoor time and rest, so children know what comes next and feel secure.

Spare clothes and any comfort items your child needs. Meals, nappies and wipes are provided, and every new child receives a hat, t-shirt, school bag and bottle. We will give you a full list when you enrol.

Yes. Rest time follows each child's needs and safe sleep guidelines. Children who don't sleep are offered quiet activities instead.

Gently and at your child's own pace. Before the first day you are invited to an orientation session, and educators work closely with you to support the move from home, including for children who are shy or anxious at drop-off.

We share regular updates about your child's day and development, including photos where appropriate, and you can talk to the educators at drop-off, at pick-up or any time you need to.

Your child receives a welcome pack (hat, branded t-shirt, school bag and bottle). We also keep an activity book for their time with us, which stays at the centre and is given to you as a keepsake at the end of the year or of their enrolment.

Yes. We run an annual calendar of seasonal celebrations, cultural festivals and family community days, and families are welcome to take part. See our annual events calendar (PDF).

All meals are cooked fresh on site every day by our in-house chef. The menu is approved as healthy by the relevant authorities and follows best practice nationwide.

Yes. Because our chef cooks on site, meals can be adjusted for allergies and dietary needs. Tell us about your child's requirements when you enrol.

All meals, nappies and wipes, regular excursions and incursions, a welcome pack on enrolment, and your child's activity book.

Current daily fees, what they include and an estimate of your cost after the Child Care Subsidy are on our fees, CCS and availability page.

Yes. We accept the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), and our admin team makes sure eligible subsidies, including Start Strong where it applies, are claimed for you.

Yes, flexible enrolment options are available, subject to availability.

Complete the Lakeside waitlist form. We will confirm we have received it and let you know about availability.

Yes, and we encourage it. Book a tour by phone on 02 4983 1609 or through our contact form, or start with the virtual tour.

Children are actively supervised at all times. Our purpose-built layout gives educators clear sightlines across the rooms, access to the centre is controlled, CCTV covers public areas, and we carry out regular risk assessments and review our safety practices.

Only people you have authorised. We follow secure procedures at every drop-off and pick-up.

We follow clear health guidelines and contact you when needed. Educators are trained in first aid and emergency response.

Yes. Every incident is documented and you are informed.

Yes. We have emergency procedures in place and run regular drills.

With positive, supportive strategies that help children understand their feelings and build confidence.

Our chef prepares food to food safety standards, and the centre follows daily cleaning routines and hygiene practices. We also follow sun safety guidelines, and every child has a centre hat.

We follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) with a play-based, creative curriculum: art, music, imaginative play, STEAM exploration and group learning. Read our philosophy (PDF).

Yes. Our preschool program builds independence, early literacy and numeracy, and the social and emotional skills children need for primary school.

Educators plan from their observations of each child's interests and development, and document progress over time so it can be shared with you.

Yes, every day. Our state-of-the-art outdoor area and equipment are used for active play, exploration and learning.

Yes. We respect and celebrate the cultures of our families, including through the cultural festivals on our annual calendar.

Call 02 4983 1609, email info@lakesidecreativeminds.com.au, or use our contact form.