Ray Street Children's Centre

Nurturing and inclusive environments

Nurture One Ray Street in Castlemaine strives to provide a warm, happy and secure environment for children and their families that encourages respect for each other and the environment. We encourage children to let their creative juices flow through our fun and engaging, sometimes messy learning activities. Our rooms include creative spaces, role play zones, quiet areas, reading and construction areas, we have something for everyone. We are focused on using natural materials & creating a home like environment.

Children are provided time and space for uninterrupted play as they explore the outdoor spaces to test their limits and develop strength, balance, and self-confidence. We love our large natural trees providing shade for our centre. Children learn about the importance of saving our environment by learning about recycling and effective energy use. We also incorporate our sustainability practices into our centre with our vegetable patches, worm farm and water tank.

A dedicated team of educators

We are very team and family focused and strive to treat each and every family member and educator as though they are part of our family. Our longstanding team of educators are passionate about nurturing and caring for children and supporting them on the early learning journey. Our centre manager has worked in the centre for the past 15 years helping it to develop into the environment it is now.

We understand that communication is critical between our staff and families and partner with our families to keep you informed every step of the way. You will also receive daily updates and photos detailing children’s learning and development on our parent App – Xplor.

Inclusive menus designed by in-house chef

We have everything covered here at Nurture One child care centre in Castlemaine, so you won’t need to worry about preparing lunch or snacks. Nutritious meals and snacks created and prepared by our on-site chef. Shared mealtimes between children and educators strengthen relationships, with opportunities to share stories and experiences, and model healthy eating practices.

Victorian Government approved Kindergarten Program

Our Kindergarten programs are tailored to meet your child’s individual learning needs across numeracy, literacy, emotional and social development, resilience, and self-regulation.

Our Castlemaine child care centre offers the VIC Government-approved Kindergarten program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. In Victoria, 3 and 4-year-old children are able to access a funded Kindergarten program led by a Bachelor Qualified Teacher. If eligible, your child will be able to participate in the government-approved Kindergarten program, at no cost, up to a minimum of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Talk to us about how this reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

The added benefits of our Kindergarten program include:

• VIC ‘Best Start, Best Life’ Government-approved program
• Extended opening hours
• Open all year round (excl public holidays)
• Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
• Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation

Our Family Support Team is happy to chat through your child care needs. Call them today on 1800 517 027 to book a tour at our centre, meet our team of educators, and learn more about why these first five years are so important for your child’s development.

Jennah Millard

I have been working in child care for the past 15 years, all of which have been here at Ray Street Children’s Centre. After working here for 3 years I took on the role of Assistant Manager, which then led to being Centre Manager. I have been Centre Manager since June 2015. I hold a Diploma in Children’s Services.

The relationships between our families, children and staff would have to be my most favourite part. We here at Ray Street believe strongly that good relationships are key to meeting the individual needs of each family.

I am most proud of how far the industry has come in the last 10 years of my career and how each educator has embraced the changes to provide the highest quality of care for each child. In learning the the first 1000 days of a child’s life is the most important, I pride our centre on provide a rich learning environment.

I value respect, trust and honesty in my staff. We are looking after the most important person in your life and to do that you need to have a strong connection with your staff members.

I believe that children learn from play and by providing an enriched play based program streaming from the children’s interests with educators scaffolding their development each child is capable of anything.

As a child I knew I wanted to work with children in some way. As soon as I finished school I started my Diploma in Children’s Services and have never looked back. I had the opportunity to go into Kindergarten Teaching but early childhood is where my passion lies.

I would say come in and meet us, I believe that when you walk into our centre and meet the staff and see our beautiful purpose built centre you will know that this place is the place for your child to grow and learn.

Rooms

Our centre provides care for the following age groups:

Facilities

Our service provides the following facilities:

• Nappies
• Breakfast
• Morning tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Other meals – Late snack/fruit available
• Chooks and worm farm
• Sustainability program
• Veggie garden
• On-site parking
• SMART Interactive Whiteboard
• In-house cook
• Fully air-conditioned
• Large, natural play environments
• Water Play Area
• Xplor – a parent communication app that will keep you up to date about your child anywhere, anytime, from any device.

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time suitable to your family schedule. Nurture One also offers the virtual tour option in all our centres. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to 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.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care centre together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Click here to read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

Most of our Nurture One child care and early education centres offer the following:

• Nappies and wipes
• Sunscreen and hats
• 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 the need for families to provide documentation.