Victorian childcare centres ranked by KindiCare

Victoria’s childcare centres have been handed a score out of 10, showing which services have rated fair to excellent. Now, 4500 of the state’s best and worst centre ratings can be revealed. Full list.

Every childcare centre in Victoria has now been ranked thanks to industry website KindiCare.

The top rated centres in the state are Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre in East Melbourne and Goodstart Early Learning Hughesdale in Oakleigh South, both with a rating of 9.79 out of 10.

At the bottom of the pile is Daylesford Family Day-care with a score of 6.28 out of 10.

KindiCare said its rating was “unique” and developed to enable parents and guardians, childcare providers, childcare educators, directors and government to compare the quality of services provided in Australia.

The KindiCare Rating is a number out of 10 that provides an overall indicator of a centre’s quality, performance and customer satisfaction compared to all the other childcare centres and services on the market.

The rating is also influenced by government service quality audits, ratings, reviews, trends and community feedback aggregated by KindiCare.

The type of childcare service is also considered along with the characteristics of the provider, the currency and quality of the information available for the service and the stability and length of operation.

Powlett Reserve Children's Centre said the key to its success was their philosophy of community and family involvement which they live by.

“We are active members of our community, whether it be visiting our local aged care home for music sessions with the residents or working with neighbours to establish and maintain native gardens; our children know that being a member of East Melbourne is a part of their identity,” a spokeswoman for the centre said.

They said its focus on high quality education, backed by the most up to date research and incorporating innovative and modern aspects into the children’s days had led them to be a stand out centre in Victoria.

“By investing in employing and retaining highly qualified and passionate educators, we are able to provide care and education that is based on best contemporary practice,” they said.

“We are committed to play based learning. Through carefully developed educational programs, the children are able to participate in focused, in-depth inquiry based learning opportunities and projects.

“We are fortunate to have very large, green outdoor spaces for the children to engage in these programs. Our yards are filled with mature trees as well as established native and edible gardens. It truly is an oasis for inner city families.”

Powlett Reserve Children's Centre has been ranked as one of the top childcare centres in Victoria.

Powlett Reserve Children's Centre has been ranked as one of the top child care centres in Victoria.

They also spoke to the honour of being ranked the top centre in the state and said they couldn’t do it without the community surrounding the centre.

“It is immensely validating to be ranked at the top. It speaks to the passion, knowledge and commitment of everyone involved in our wonderful service.”

“We are very fortunate to have a sister service in East Melbourne, Yarra Park Children’s Centre located in Berry Street. EMCC is an institution and our centres have been a beacon for children and families in the area for more than 30 years.”

Goodstart Early Learning Hughesdale in Oakleigh South also credited their community involvement along with their diverse team when asked about their success.

“It is our friendly and multicultural team and our focus on inclusion; for all children, their families and our team. We have staff from all ages and experiences in life that are able to bring their experiences,” Goodstart Early Learning Hughesdale said.

“Our committed educators combined with the close-knit community of our centre, allows us to provide a secure, friendly and caring environment for both children and their families.”

Best childcare centre in Vic

Just behind the top two centres is Patterson lakes Kindergarten in Patterson Lakes with a score of 9.78. In third place is Renown Kindergarten in South Yarra with a score of 9.77.

Top 10 rated childcare centres

1. Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre, East Melbourne (9.79)

1. Goodstart Early Learning Hughesdale, Oakleigh South (9.79)

2. Patterson Lakes Kindergarten, Patterson Lakes (9.78)

3. Renown Kindergarten, South Yarra (9.77)

4. Birch Street Children and Family Centre, Bayswater (9.76)

5. Starfish Early Learning Centre, Nunawading (9.75)

6. Penrose Promenade Kindergarten, Tarneit (9.74)

6. Manor Lakes Kindergarten, Wyndham Vale (9.74)

6. Firbank Grammar School, Brighton (9.74)

7. The Grange Kindergarten, Hoppers Crossing (9.73)

7. Rivercrest Early Learning Centre, Clyde North (9.73)

7. Arndell Park Kindergarten, Truganina (9.73)

8. York Street Kindergarten at Glenroy West Primary School, Glenroy (9.72)

8. Presbyterian Ladies College Early Learning, Burwood (9.72)

9. Yarra Valley Grammar School Early Learning Centre, Ringwood (9.71)

9. Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School, Moonee Ponds (9.71)

9. Craig Family Centre, Ashburton (9.71)

10. Royal Children‘s Hospital Early Learning, Parkville (9.69)

10. Play CC & K (Child Care & Kindergarten), Belmont (9.69)

Bottom 10 rated childcare centres

1. Daylesford Family Daycare, Daylesford (6.28)

2. Sharaf Family Daycare, Glenroy (6.38)

2. St Alipius Kindergarten, Ballarat (6.38)

3. Century Star Early Education, Dandenong (6.49)

3. Montessori Beginnings, Officer (6.49)

4. BYK KIDS, Ferntree Gully (6.60) Six other centres received this same ranking

5. Dallas Family Daycare, Bundoora (6.70) Six other centres received this same ranking

6. 3C Kidz Care Dandenong (6.91) Eleven other centres received this same ranking

7. Al Nur Family Daycare, Dandenong (6.91) Ten other centres received this same ranking.

8. California Gully Primary School OSCHC, California Gully (6.97)

9. Acacia Ave Preschool, Mentone (7.02) Thirty-Two other centres received this same ranking

10. Andy’s Before and After School Care, Elwood (7.13) Thirty-four other centres received this same ranking.