Childcare and kindergarten in Castlemaine, VIC
Ray Street Children’s Centre offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Castlemaine, McKenzie Hill, Muckleford, Chewton, Golden Point, The Green Folly and Muckleford South.
Three large outdoor yards
Children can explore three large outdoor yards with a mix of barked and turf areas. Each yard includes a sandpit and large, established trees that provide natural shade in summer, giving children space for active play and outdoor learning.
Flexible indoor learning spaces
Our four indoor rooms are equipped with a variety of resources to support children’s development across all areas. Children can move between creative spaces, role-play zones, quiet areas, reading spaces and construction areas.
Longstanding educator team
Our longstanding team of passionate educators is dedicated to nurturing and caring for children. Strong relationships help children feel secure, supported and encouraged as they take part in routines, play and early learning experiences.
Individual Learning Plans for every child
We create Individual Learning Plans for each child, based on their interests, strengths and developmental goals, and partner with families to regularly review and update each plan.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program focuses on language, literacy, numeracy and social skills to support a smooth transition to school. Children build confidence through play-based learning, routines, friendships and growing independence.
Community guests and local learning
Children regularly welcome community guests, including emergency services, dentists and the Responsible Pet Program. These visits bring new people and experiences into the centre and help children learn about health, safety, care and community roles.
Nutritious meals provided daily
Children enjoy nutritious meals throughout the day, with menus planned to support energy, growth and wellbeing. Allergies and individual dietary requirements are catered for so every child can take part in mealtimes safely.
Updates through our family app
Families can stay connected through our family communication app, with updates about their child’s routines, learning experiences and important centre information. It helps families stay informed and engaged in their child’s day.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Age-appropriate early learning
We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.
0-2 years
Nursery
In our nursery environment, educators focus on building strong, secure and respectful relationships so babies feel safe, settled and supported as they explore the world around them.
Educators work closely with families to support each baby’s routines, comfort and developmental needs.
Children in our nursery room are supported through:
- Responsive care and nurturing relationships that support emotional security and attachment
- Sensory exploration through textures, sounds, music and movement
- Early communication through songs, stories, gestures and conversations
- Tummy time and movement experiences that support physical development
- Calm, predictable routines that help babies feel safe and confident
- Age-appropriate play materials that encourage curiosity and discovery
2-3 years
Toddlers
Our toddler program encourages curiosity, independence and early social skills as children explore the world with growing confidence.
Educators support toddlers to express their ideas, make choices and develop confidence in their abilities.
Children in our toddler room are supported through:
- Play-based learning that encourages curiosity and problem-solving
- Storytelling, songs and conversations that support language development
- Creative exploration through art, music, dramatic play and movement
- Self-help skills and routines that build independence
- Social learning that supports sharing, cooperation and empathy
- Outdoor exploration that builds coordination, strength and confidence
3-5 years
Kindergarten
Led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, our Goverment-approved Kindergarten program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that build confidence, independence and a love of learning.
Children in our Kindergarten program are supported through:
- School readiness learning that builds early literacy and numeracy skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking through play-based projects and exploration
- Collaboration and teamwork through group learning experiences
- Creative expression through art, music, storytelling and dramatic play
- Outdoor learning that supports confidence, resilience and wellbeing
- Independence, responsibility and decision-making skills
We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Castlemaine child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$178.35/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$178.35/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$166.90/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
Nurture One uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Nurture One is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.