The best preschools in Canberra

teacher and preschool children playing a game

Where are the best preschools in Canberra? Photo: File.

Our children mean everything to us. Their happiness, health and wellbeing are our top priorities, which is why finding a welcoming, safe and reputable preschool is so important.

While starting preschool can be a big transition for children and parents, the right preschool can make the experience a positive one.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a quality preschool and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great preschool?

A great preschool takes the stress out of what can be an emotionally draining experience. After all, you want your little one to get the best start on their education. You want them to feel safe and you want to feel calm and confident.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a preschool.

Dedicated, quality staff. Preschool staff can make or break your child’s experience at preschool. The very best staff are dedicated to their work and they go above and beyond to support your child as they grow and learn. They’re patient, engaging and energetic.
Excellent facilities. Some of the most highly rated preschools have great kid-friendly facilities and features. This could include vegetable gardens, quality playgrounds and intriguing cubby houses.
Convenient location. You don’t want to live or work too far away from where your child attends preschool. Look for a preschool that’s close to your home or workplace.
Stellar reputation. One way to judge a preschool is to ask for feedback from others who have direct experience. This could include other parents, friends, family members, and even those you work with. You can also review the preschool’s website.
Innovative environment. The best preschools provide environments in which children can explore, build their confidence, gain a stronger sense of self and are eager to play, play and then play some more.

The best preschools in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Watson Preschool

Connected to Majura Primary School, Watson Preschool is known for its close-knit community, passion for education, and commitment to quality care. The school believes in fostering respect and responsibility in kids of all ages. Staff continually strive for excellence by challenging and engaging little ones through play-based experiences.

The University Preschool and Child Care Centre

The University Preschool and Child Care Centre – also known as the Uni Preschool – is a community-minded, not-for-profit childcare centre situated on-campus at The Australian National University. Since 1969, this highly regarded preschool has delivered an industry-leading level of care and education to children of those attending the university and of the general public.

Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre Kingston

Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre is in Kingston, within the Parliamentary Triangle and a five-minute drive from the CBD. Professional, friendly staff make preschool fun and welcoming. The centre uses the Early Years Learning Framework which fosters learning through play. Parents are invited to participate. Outside, the centre has age-appropriate play spaces and equipment, all geared to enhance childrens’ awareness of their surrounds and the greater environment.

Goodstart Early Learning Centre Turner

Tucked away on a quiet leafy street just a stone’s throw from Canberra’s city centre is the Goodstart Early Learning Centre Turner. This fully licensed preschool is home to quality educators. It can welcome 65 children. The passionate team provides all meals and a nappy service for nursery and toddler children.

Inner North Playschool

Inner North Playschool is for 3 and 4-year-olds. It began life as the Reid Playschool in 2000. It provides more for children than a playgroup. Parents and carers can leave their children knowing they’re in the care of trained and experienced staff who will keep them engaged through a mix of free and directed activities. The playschool is operated by the Inner North Playschool Inc. Committee, made up of parents and carers.

If you’re looking for more information on services in Canberra for young ones in your family, you might like our articles on the best childcare centres in Canberra and the best family day care providers Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with preschools in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the preschools listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great preschool?

Many features go into making a great preschool. This includes quality staff who are dedicated and committed to quality care. Other factors include location and facilities. Reputation is also important.

How much do preschools cost?

This depends on many factors so it’s best to make an appointment with the preschool to explore their offering and discuss specific costs.

Do the best preschools offer more than just play?

The best preschools offer play-based experiences that challenge and engage little ones. They support preschoolers to build their confidence and respect. They also encourage them to take an interest in learning. Great preschools support children to grow and learn in innovative ways.

How do I check a playschool’s reputation?

You can check a playschool’s reputation by visiting its website, exploring itssocial media and making an appointment for a tour or discussion about what they offer. You can also check with other parents, friends, family members and even those you work with to see if they have feedback for you.

Is location important?

Most parents and carers feel location is important. They don’t want to live or work too far from where their child is attending preschool. This means it’s convenient to get to and from the preschool.

Join the conversation

All Comments

All Comments
Website Comments
Facebook Comments

LatestOldest

Tony4PM8:26 pm 21 May 13

Given you mention inner south, if you wanted to go private the Early Leaning Centre at Girls Grammar takes kids from 3 years old in their Reception level, which goes on to Pre-Prep. From there it’s onto Prep in the junior school to year 6, and up the road to the senior school for 7-12. Not cheap though.

Jurls10:40 am 04 May 13

thatsnotme said :

Madam Cholet said :

thatsnotme said :

Just to clarify re early childhood schools, the Government funded portion of the school is preschool to year 2. Before that, they have childcare providers attached to the school, who operate like any regular childcare and charge fees.

Also, regular preschools are subject to Priority Enrollment Areas, so it’d be worth you looking up which preschool covers your area. Being accepted to a preschool outside of your area is a matter of hoping they’ve got a spare space. The early childhood schools don’t have priority areas though.

Isabella Early Childhood does have priority areas – which is the suburb of Isabella. They kept referring to us as ‘out of area’ – makes you sound like you are trying to get something you are not entitled to.

That doesn’t sound right to me. Not saying you’re wrong – I’m sure that’s what they’re telling you – but that directly contradicts what the ACT Government have to say on the matter here http://www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/enrolling_in_an_act_public_school/preschool_enrolments

Early Childhood Schools
The Early Childhood Schools are located at Narrabundah, Isabella Plains, Lyons and Scullin (Southern Cross) and Franklin. The O’Connor Co-operative School continues to operate as a Preschool to Year 2 school. The schools are a highly successful model of early years learning that provide children with the best start to their early development and education. Student placement in an Early Childhood School is not governed by Priority Placement Areas such as preschool classes that are part of primary schools. For more information please contact the school.

I think they have priorities/priority areas which they set themselves, as opposed to the Government defined Priority Placement Areas. I looked into the Early Childhood School at Scullin and their priorities are as I was told; 1) Scullin, 2) siblings of children already at the school, 3) children attending the daycare centre at the school and 4) everyone else.

emd7:39 pm 02 May 13

I’ve had kids at South Curtin and it was quite good. That pre-school feeds into Curtin Primary across the road, which has lots of programs to suit kids with all kinds of interests and developmental needs and has some really great teachers.

sepi5:06 pm 02 May 13

I think those areas have more space in their preschools, but i would stick pick one and enrol ASAP. You are only allowed to enrol in one govt preschool. many fill up and you will not be offered a place if you book in too late.

Many preschools will first accept kids from their own enrolment area (on the link above). any left over spots go to out of area enrolments, but if the preschool is full with in-area kids you miss out.

So I’d get on the list at your local in-area preschool, and then only change if you are prepared to possibly miss out, or find out great things about another school, and they have low enrolments.

thatsnotme1:17 pm 02 May 13

Madam Cholet said :

thatsnotme said :

Just to clarify re early childhood schools, the Government funded portion of the school is preschool to year 2. Before that, they have childcare providers attached to the school, who operate like any regular childcare and charge fees.

Also, regular preschools are subject to Priority Enrollment Areas, so it’d be worth you looking up which preschool covers your area. Being accepted to a preschool outside of your area is a matter of hoping they’ve got a spare space. The early childhood schools don’t have priority areas though.

Isabella Early Childhood does have priority areas – which is the suburb of Isabella. They kept referring to us as ‘out of area’ – makes you sound like you are trying to get something you are not entitled to.

That doesn’t sound right to me. Not saying you’re wrong – I’m sure that’s what they’re telling you – but that directly contradicts what the ACT Government have to say on the matter here http://www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/enrolling_in_an_act_public_school/preschool_enrolments

Early Childhood Schools
The Early Childhood Schools are located at Narrabundah, Isabella Plains, Lyons and Scullin (Southern Cross) and Franklin. The O’Connor Co-operative School continues to operate as a Preschool to Year 2 school. The schools are a highly successful model of early years learning that provide children with the best start to their early development and education. Student placement in an Early Childhood School is not governed by Priority Placement Areas such as preschool classes that are part of primary schools. For more information please contact the school.

Madam Cholet1:10 pm 02 May 13

thatsnotme said :

Just to clarify re early childhood schools, the Government funded portion of the school is preschool to year 2. Before that, they have childcare providers attached to the school, who operate like any regular childcare and charge fees.

Also, regular preschools are subject to Priority Enrollment Areas, so it’d be worth you looking up which preschool covers your area. Being accepted to a preschool outside of your area is a matter of hoping they’ve got a spare space. The early childhood schools don’t have priority areas though.

Isabella Early Childhood does have priority areas – which is the suburb of Isabella. They kept referring to us as ‘out of area’ – makes you sound like you are trying to get something you are not entitled to.

thatsnotme11:49 am 02 May 13

Just to clarify re early childhood schools, the Government funded portion of the school is preschool to year 2. Before that, they have childcare providers attached to the school, who operate like any regular childcare and charge fees.

Also, regular preschools are subject to Priority Enrollment Areas, so it’d be worth you looking up which preschool covers your area. Being accepted to a preschool outside of your area is a matter of hoping they’ve got a spare space. The early childhood schools don’t have priority areas though.

Kramer11:40 am 02 May 13

Unless you are planning to move house, I suggest your local (in area) pre-school.

Watson11:32 am 02 May 13

Forgot to say: enrolments started yesterday so you want to do some quick thinking and get your form in.

Watson11:31 am 02 May 13

You really should be thinking a bit more long-term than just the preschool decision. You basically should decide now which primary school you would like your child to go to the year after and whether or not you want them to go to a K-6 place or are happy to move them to another school in year 3 (at which point you probably want to take high school choice into account). You would then normally choose the preschool that is linked to that primary school as that will mean a smoother transition to kindy and beyond. That’s not a fixed rule, but any schooling decision should not be made in isolation, but be viewed from a longer term angle. Just my 2c.

View more conversations

Featured Businesses

Electricians

True Connection Electrical

Since 2014, True Connection Electrical have been servicing residential and small commercial clients with reliable, trustworthy and top-quality electrical work.

Find out more