QLD child care centres, KindiCare ratings revealed for 2024

The top rated and underperforming childcare centres across Queensland have been revealed. Search and see the list and watch our exclusive videos.

The two highest rated childcare centres in the country are in Queensland, with the state boasting four spots in the nation’s top 10.

The results from the KindiCare Quality Index, which rated 17,680 childcare services across Australia, are based on the results of official government inspections, as well as online reviews.

Out of 3279 childcare services in the state, 3.6 per cent – or 118 – were rated ‘outstanding’, but 6.7 per cent – 220 – could not be rated, mainly because they had not had an official inspection yet.

More than 55 per cent received a ‘very good’, ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding’ classification, while 7.8 per cent – or 257 – were rated ‘fair’.

KindiCare founder Benjamin Balk said centres with a rating of ‘fair’ typically provided early learning services that were well below the national average.

The lowest rated centres in the state included those in very remote areas, highlighting the challenges of providing childcare services outside of the towns and cities, where there are more recruitment challenges.

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Tagai State College – Moa Island (Kubin Ngurpay Lag) Kindergarten was the lowest rated centre in Queensland.

Its last official inspection was back in 2013, when the kindy was only meeting one of seven national standards.

Centres are marked down if they have not had a recent inspection, but this is not always the fault of the service, especially if they are in a remote location.

The Courier Mail contacted the lowest five ranked performers, but did not receive comment.

Queensland produced the top two rated childcare centres in the country – Winston Glades Early Education Centre and Preschool in Ipswich and Goodstart Early Learning Red Hill – both scoring a perfect 10.

Goodstart Early Learning in Red Hill scored a perfect 10 in the latest KindiCare Quality Index. Educational Leader Davinia Munn is pictured here with Ned, 5, and Sophie, 3. Picture: Richard Walker

At Winston Glades, under-fives are encouraged to take risks from carrying glassware to climbing trees.

The centre’s playground promotes “courageous play”, with a tree and monkey bars, bush tucker garden and a little river.

Educational Leader Wendy Van den Berg said the area allows them “to explore their sense of thrill with risk-taking”.

The centre’s owners Lydia and Jack Amouzandeh also value staff, and provide on-site perks, including a massage chair and aromatherapy.

Goodstart Red Hill Assistant Director, Charmaine Greenwood, said the centre prides itself on its “calm vibe”.

She said children are never rushed – from drop-offs to achieving certain developmental goals.

“When families come through for tours or orientation visits, they always comment on how calm the spaces and the children are,” Ms Greenwood said.

The other two Queensland centres in Australia’s top 10 were The Woods Early Education Centre and Preschool in St John’s Woods and Gan Gani Kindergarten in Fig Tree Pocket, claiming fifth and sixth spots respectively.

They both achieved a KindiCare rating of 9.9.

KindiCare founder Benjamin Balk said centres with a rating of ‘fair’ typically provided early learning services that were well below the national average. Picture: Supplied

Mr Balk, who runs a childcare comparison app, said subscribers to his platform are treated equally with all other services in the KindiCare Quality Index and do not receive any boost as part of the rating process.

“The KindiCare Rating is based on publicly available information including previous and current assessment and ratings under the national quality framework from

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority as well as reviews provided by families on KindiCare direct as well as Google reviews,” Mr Balk said.

He added that the average inspection rate is every two years and 11 months. The KindiCare rating degrades over time after three years, rewarding those that have regular inspections.

Services can request an inspection, although they may have to wait, especially in remote or rural areas.

He said the aim of the list is to help parents make an informed choice about child care and “to recognise the outstanding services across the country that go the extra mile every day to look after our youngest children”.

He said with the cost of living crisis and childcare fees costing some parents as much as their mortgage, choosing the right centre was more important to parents than ever.

HIGHEST RATED

Goodstart Early Learning Red Hill was rated as one of the top centres in the country.

Goodstart Early Learning Red Hill, RED HILL

Winston Glades Early Education Centre & Preschool, FLINDERS VIEW

The Woods Early Education Centre and Preschool, ST JOHNS WOOD

Gan Gani Kindergarten, FIG TREE POCKET

Sesame Lane Kippa Ring Regency Street, KIPPA-RING

Eagleby Kids Early Learning Centre, EAGLEBY

Bribie Island Community Kindergarten, BRIBIE ISLAND

Everton Park Child Care and Development Centre, EVERTON PARK

Rosie’s Early Learning, DAISY HILL

Mother Duck Childcare and Kindergarten Gaythorne, MITCHELTON

Condon Kids Early Learning Centre, CONDON

LOWEST RATED

Tagai State College - Moa Island (Kubin Ngurpay Lag) Kindergarten, MOA ISLAND

Inspired Kids Family Day Care, ROCKLEA

Little Steps Family Day Care, BEENLEIGH

Children in Learning Family Day Care, COOPERS PLAINS

PCYC Gordonvale Outside School Hours Care, GORDONVALE

KINDICARE RATINGS EXPLAINED

Outstanding

Scored 9.5 and above, and in the top 3 per cent nationally.

Excel in environment, culture, educators and curriculum.

Excellent

Score 9-9.5. Very high quality education and care.

Consistent high feedback. Only 11.5 per cent of services achieve this category.

Very good

Score 8.5-9. Very good parent feedback. 97 per cent of services meet or exceed the national quality standard.

Good

Score 7.5-8.5. Typically meet national quality standards in all or most areas.

Fair

Score 5-7.5. Services often have limited or poor reviews from families. Sometimes a

new centre’s first review.

Poor

Score 5 and below. Limited or poor family reviews.

Not Rated

Operating less than three years and have yet to be formally assessed.

Source: KindiCare