Audrey Early Education and Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

• About Audrey Early Education and Preschool

  Audrey is a brand-new, purpose-built early education and preschool in St Leonards, operated by Gowrie NSW. We offer 60 places for children aged 6 weeks to school age. The centre has been designed from the ground up for early learning - the spaces, the light, the materials and the layout all reflect how young children learn best.  

  
  Children will also enjoy a thoughtfully designed outdoor play environment that encourages exploration, creativity, physical activity and connection with nature as part of their everyday learning experience

• Who is Gowrie NSW?

  Gowrie NSW is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 85 years of experience in early childhood education and care. We operate centres across New South Wales and are recognised as leaders in the sector. Every decision we make is guided by what’s best for children and families - not profit.

• When will Audrey open?

  We’re planning to open later in 2026. We’re working through the final stages of construction and are expecting to receive our Occupation Certificate in June. Tours and family information nights will begin from July/August.

• How will I know when places are confirmed?

  Families on the waitlist will hear from us first. We’ll contact you directly with updates on enrolment availability, tour dates and open days as we get closer to opening.

• Can I come and tour the centre before it opens?

  Yes. We plan to open the centre for tours later in the y ear, once we receive our Occupation Certificate. You’ll be among the first to know. Tours are a great opportunity to meet the team, see the spaces and ask questions.

• How do I book a tour?

  Once tour bookings open, we’ll send details directly to everyone on our waitlist. You can also contact our enrolments team at enrolments@gowriensw.com.au or call (02) 8594 4200.

• What will I see on a tour?

  You’ll walk through all of our learning spaces -infant, toddler and preschool rooms, outdoor areas and shared spaces. Our team will walk you through the Primary Educator model, our approach to early learning and what a typical day at Audrey looks like. No question is too small.

• Will there be information sessions for families?

  Yes. We’re planning family information nights later in the year, ahead of opening. These are a relaxed way to learn more about our program, meet educators and ask questions alongside other families. Details will be sent to waitlisted families closer to the date.

• What are Audrey's operating hours?

  Audrey operates Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm, 50 weeks of the year.

  
  Are you open during school holidays?
  Yes. We operate 50 weeks a year, closing for public holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year.

• What are the daily fees?
  Our current daily fees (before Childcare Subsidy is applied) are;

  Ages	Price
  0 - 2 yrs	$195.00
  2 - 3 yrs	$190.00
  3 yrs+	$184.00

  All meals and nappies included in the daily fee.
• What is the Childcare Subsidy (CSS)?

  Most families are eligible for CCS, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs. Your subsidy amount is based on your family’s income, activity level and the number of days your child attends.

  You can use the CCS calculator at gowriensw.com.au/subsidy-calculator to get an estimate.

  
  All Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligible families can now get 3 days of subsidised child care per week, or 72 hours a fortnight (equivalent to 3 days per week) regardless of activity levels.  Find out more here 

• What is Start Strong Fee Relief?

  If you nominate Audrey as your child’s primary service, you may also be eligible for Start Strong funding through the NSW Government. This relief is provided on top of CCS and is not means-tested.

  • Children aged 4 by 31 July 2026: $1,783 to $2,563 per year
  • Children aged 3 (but not yet 4) by 31 July 2026: $423 to $769 per year
• What does the daily fee include?
  Your daily fees include all meals throughout the day. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, late snack. Our menu is freshly prepared on-site and designed to be nutritious and varied. Your daily fee also includes nappies, formula and sunscreen.
• How many places does Audrey have?

  Audrey has 60 places across all age groups: infants (6 weeks to 2 years), toddlers (2–3 years) and preschool (3 years to school age).

• What is the Primary Educator model?

  Every child at Audrey is assigned a primary educator who works closely with them and their family from day one. That educator gets to know your child’s routines, interests, how they settle and who they are. Over time, that relationship becomes the foundation of your child’s sense of security and wellbeing at the centre.

  You’ll always know who to talk to. Your primary educator will share what your child explored, engaged with, learned and loved throughout the day.

• What does play based learning actually mean?

  It means children learn through doing -through exploration, investigation, creativity and social interaction. Our educators are highly skilled at observing children’s play, asking the right questions and creating experiences that build skills in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and social development.

  There are no worksheets. Learning happens through real, joyful, purposeful experiences.

• How do you support my child's transition to school?

  Our preschool program is carefully designed to build the skills, confidence and independence children need for the transition to school. This includes early literacy and numeracy woven into everyday play, strong social and emotional development, and a growing sense of agency and self-regulation.

  A confident transition to school doesn't begin in Preschool. It begins in the Babies and Toddlers rooms. From the moment a child arrives at Gowrie NSW, their primary educator is building the relationships, skills and dispositions that set the foundation for all future learning. Secure attachments, the ability to express feelings, early language development, problem-solving, curiosity, learning to collaborate with others: these are the building blocks of school success, and they take years to develop. By the time a child reaches our Preschool program, they've already been on a rich, intentional learning journey. Starting early means starting well.

• What are Gowrie NSW's Program Foundations

  Our programs are built on four foundations that you’ll see in practice every day at Audrey:

  • Respectful Relationships -We take a Primary Educator approach because we understand how important relationships are for young children. Every child is known and valued as an individual.
  • Intentional Play-Based Teaching -Our educators observe, listen and respond to children’s play to create purposeful learning experiences that build real skills and ignite curiosity.
  • Empowerment -We support children to express their ideas, make choices, explore their identity and develop a genuine sense of agency. Children’s voices matter here.
  • Practitioner Inquiry -Our educators are committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice, staying current with research to continuously improve what they do.
• Tell us about your Charter of Children's Rights
  Gowrie NSW is guided by a rights-based framework that sees children as capable, active participants in their own learning and community. Children at Audrey have the right to be heard, to be respected, to make choices and to be seen as individuals -not just recipients of care. This is woven through everything from how our educators talk with children, to how we plan the program, to the way our spaces are set up.
  
  Download our Charter Here
• Is Gowrie NSW a Child Safe organisation?

  Yes. Child safety is central to everything we do. Gowrie NSW has a comprehensive Child Safe framework aligned with the NSW Child Safe Standards. All staff are trained in child protection, hold current Working with Children Checks and are required to report any concerns immediately. Our Child Safe Statement is available on our website.

• What qualifications do teachers and educators at Audrey have?

  Every room at Audrey has a University Qualified Early Childhood Teacher. All educators hold, or are working towards, relevant qualifications in early childhood education and care. Our team is selected for both their expertise and their genuine love of working with young children and families.

  How do you ensure consistency for my child?

  The Primary Educator model is specifically designed to give your child consistency and stability. While a team of educators cares for your child throughout the week, their primary educator is their anchor -the person who knows them best and maintains a close relationship with your family.

• Will I have a chance to meet the team before my child starts at Audrey?

  Yes. Our family information nights and tours will run later in the year, and will give you the chance to meet teachers, educators and the leadership team before the centre opens. Once your child’s enrolment is confirmed, we’ll also arrange orientation visits so your child -and you -can get comfortable in the space before their first day.

• What if my child has dietary requirements or allergies?

  We take allergies and dietary requirements seriously. Our team will work closely with you to ensure your child’s needs are documented, communicated to all educators and safely managed every day.

• How will I know what my child is doing every day?

  We use Storypark, a secure digital platform, to share observations, photos and learning stories with families. You’ll see what your child has been exploring and can contribute observations from home. Your primary educator will also speak with you at drop-off and pick-up.

• What does the settling in process look like?

  We take settling in seriously. Before your child’s first day, we’ll arrange orientation visits so they can explore the space and begin to build a connection with their primary educator. Every child settles differently and we’ll follow your child’s lead, in close communication with you.

• Is there parking near Audrey?

  Audrey is located at 13–19 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards. St Leonards Station is nearby and the centre is accessible by bus. We’ll share detailed arrival information, including a centre map, ahead of opening.

• Is Audrey rated under the National Quality Framework?

  As a new service, Audrey will be assessed and rated under the National Quality Framework (NQF) after opening. Gowrie NSW services consistently achieve Meeting or Exceeding NQF ratings, and Audrey is being built to the same standard.

• How do I move from the waitlist to a confirmed enrolment?

  Once places are confirmed, we’ll contact waitlisted families and guide you through the enrolment process. This includes completing enrolment documentation and setting up your Child Care Subsidy through MyGov/Centrelink (if you haven’t already).

• Who do I contact if I have questions?

  Our enrolments team is happy to help.

  • Email: enrolments@gowriensw.com.au
  • Phone: (02) 8594 4200
  • Instagram: @gowriensw.audreystleonards
  • Website: gowriensw.com.au