At Little Scholars, our commitment has always been to deliver the highest standard of early education and care — and this year, we are thrilled to recognise three of our campuses that have been officially rated Exceeding during their 2025 Assessment & Rating visits, joining our growing list of ‘exceeding’ campuses! These results reflect the dedication, passion, and professionalism of our educators, as well as our commitment to creating exceptional early learning environments.
In February, our Nerang campus was recognised for its warm, inclusive community and its rich, play-based learning program. This Exceeding rating highlights the incredible work of the team, who cultivate an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired.
Our Ashmore campus proudly achieved its Exceeding rating in September. Known for its inviting learning spaces and strong educator-family relationships, Ashmore continues to set the benchmark for quality practice and meaningful learning experiences.
In October, Parkwood earned its Exceeding rating — a reflection of its engaging educational programs, nurturing educators, and commitment to children’s wellbeing. The team’s dedication to going above and beyond in all areas shines through in this achievement.
These three campuses joined our growing list of ‘exceeding’ campuses, which now consist of: Little Scholars Burleigh, Little Scholars George Street, Little Scholars Nerang, Little Scholars Ashmore, Little Scholars Parkwood, and Little Scholars Deception Bay.
An Exceeding rating signifies that a service is not only meeting the National Quality Standards but consistently surpassing expectations across quality areas — from educational programming and relationships with children, to health, safety, leadership, and family partnership.
For families, these results offer confidence and reassurance: your children are learning, growing, and thriving in environments that exceed national expectations. For our teams, these achievements reflect their unwavering dedication to providing the very best early learning experience possible.
These results affirm the hard work and heart our educators bring to their roles — and the trust families place in Little Scholars each day. We are incredibly proud of all our Little Scholars campuses — and deeply grateful to our educators, children, and families who make these communities so special.
Preparing to welcome your baby is an exciting journey. While there’s so much to plan, joining a childcare waitlist early for premium centres like Little Scholars School of Early Learning is one important step many expectant mothers overlook. High-quality childcare spots fill up quickly, so registering your interest early for your baby’s place means peace of mind and may result in more choice when it comes time to start care.
With demand high for premium childcare centres, families often join waitlists during pregnancy to avoid long waits and limited options after birth. Getting on the waitlist early means you may have greater flexibility with start dates and days, helping you plan your return to work or lifestyle with confidence.
Important note: Joining a waitlist does not guarantee a childcare spot. It simply registers your interest and puts your child on a list to be considered when a position becomes available. The guarantee depends on factors such as the centre’s capacity, educator-to-child ratios, and demand in your area.
The safest time is as early as possible — for many families, this means during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Infant and toddler spaces are often the hardest to secure in high-demand locations. Here’s a general guide:
Wait times may depend on several factors, including:
At Little Scholars, our nursery program feels like a home away from home, offering:
At Little Scholars, we believe every child deserves the best start, and every parent deserves peace of mind. Registering your child on our waitlist early ensures your family is considered when a place becomes available, helping you plan with confidence.
The festive season is fast approaching, and there’s no better way to soak up the Christmas cheer than by joining in some of the magical events happening across Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. From twinkling lights to carols under the stars, here’s your guide to the best family-friendly Christmas experiences this December.
The season wouldn’t be complete without the sound of Christmas carols filling the night air, and South East Queensland delivers in spectacular fashion.
Returning for its 14th year, this much-loved event at HOTA, Home of the Arts, promises two magical nights of festive music and family fun on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. Tickets are required for entry, but you can also catch the live screening from the HOTA Parklands, free and no tickets required. Pack your picnic rug, grab a bite from the food trucks, and enjoy the show under the stars.
Head to Riverstage on Saturday 6 December 2025 for Brisbane’s biggest Christmas party. Featuring live music, star-studded performances, and plenty of sparkle, this annual event captures the spirit of the season perfectly. If you miss out on tickets, don’t worry, the show will also be livestreamed to Roma Street Parkland, complete with pre-show entertainment and food trucks.
For a relaxed, family-friendly celebration, the City of Logan Christmas Carols are not to be missed. Running from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday 6 December at Griffith University Logan Campus, this free event offers markets, food stalls, live music, and free rides, capped off by a spectacular fireworks finale. Tickets are not required for this one, so you can simply show up and set up your picnic!
On Saturday 13 December, Robelle Domain will light up with live performances, delicious food trucks, market stalls, and fireworks at 8:30pm. It’s a community favourite for both children and grown-ups alike. No tickets required.
This December, Broadbeach Mall will transform into a magical gingerbread village, offering free festive fun for the whole family. From Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December 2025, the space next to The Oasis Shopping Centre will burst with colour, creativity, and Christmas spirit.
During the daytime sessions (10am – 3pm daily), families can dive into festive workshops—decorate your own gingerbread cookies, enjoy Christmas craft sessions, and settle in for storytime theatre. Each one-hour session includes all activities, but bookings are essential.
Little adventurers can also take part in The Oasis Treasure Hunt, collecting a map and following clues to uncover hidden surprises throughout The Oasis Shopping Centre. No bookings required for this one.
For those in the northern Gold Coast, Christmas in Coomera brings a full weekend of free festive fun, with activities running across Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December. Families can dive into the celebrations with a lively DJ dance party complete with snow machines and surprise performances, or try their hand at the North Pole Putt Putt course. Little ones will love spotting stilt-walking candy canes, Rudolf, Hip Hop Santas and even the Grinch as they roam the precinct bringing Christmas cheer. Of course, Santa himself will make special stage appearances throughout the event.
Between face painting, photo moments in Santa’s sleigh or on his throne, and plenty of roving entertainment, there’s something to keep every age smiling. It’s also a great chance to tick off some last-minute shopping with market stalls offering unique gifts and stocking fillers, while food trucks serve up tasty bites for hungry families. If you’re looking to add a joyful, high-energy outing to your Christmas calendar, Christmas in Coomera is the perfect way to celebrate together.
For a unique twist on holiday celebrations, don’t miss Santa and Sirens at the Nicholas Street Precinct on Thursday 27 November (5pm–7pm). This free event combines festive fun with a tribute to our real-life heroes, showcasing emergency service vehicles decked out in Christmas lights. Families can snap photos with Santa, enjoy live carols by Journey Church, and stay to witness the official lighting of the City Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place at 6:45pm.
Finally, round out your Christmas adventures with the Brisbane City Hall Light Spectacular. Beginning 5 December, King George Square comes alive each evening as dazzling projections light up City Hall’s historic façade. It’s a breathtaking visual display of festive storytelling that will delight families of all ages.
Whether you’re decorating gingerbread in Broadbeach, singing carols under the stars, or taking in some stunning lights, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this Christmas season. Gather your loved ones, embrace the sparkle, and make this festive season one to remember.
Find Lara’s recommendations at her website Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials Facebook and Instagram
As a parent, you want your child to love learning, feel confident, and explore the world safely. At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we believe the best way to achieve this is through play-based learning, the heart of our philosophy that guides everything we do for children aged 0–5 years.
Play-based learning is more than just fun. It’s a research-backed approach where children learn by exploring, experimenting, and engaging with their environment. Through play, children develop essential skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning, including:
Problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity
Communication, collaboration, and empathy
Self-regulation, confidence, and resilience
Fine and gross motor development
Play allows children to take charge of their learning, following their interests and building confidence as capable learners.
At Little Scholars, our educators create rich, stimulating environments that encourage exploration and discovery. Every activity is designed to connect with child development while keeping learning fun and hands-on.
Children can:
Our approach blends guided play with child-led discovery, allowing children to learn at their own pace while reaching developmental milestones.
Unlike traditional early learning settings, we view children as active contributors to their own learning. Instead of passive instruction, we encourage children to ask questions, experiment, and solve problems, fostering independence and curiosity from a young age.
Our educators act as partners in exploration, observing interests, asking open-ended questions, and providing materials that extend learning naturally. This ensures that every moment of play is also a meaningful learning experience.
Children who engage in play-based learning develop:
At Little Scholars, we’re proud to offer an environment where play and learning go hand in hand, shaping curious, capable, and joyful children.
Give your child the gift of exploration, curiosity, and confidence. Book a tour and visit your local Little Scholars School of Early Learning campus to see how our play-based philosophy helps children aged 0–5 grow, learn, and thrive.
When was the last time you visited your local library with your children? Libraries across South East Queensland have transformed into vibrant community hubs packed with hands-on experiences, tech adventures, toy libraries, craft corners and more- and most of it is completely free! Whether you live on the Gold Coast, in Ipswich, or around Brisbane, here’s a closer look at some of the hidden gems waiting for families.
Gold Coast Libraries have a strong focus on early literacy, and their First 5 Forever family sessions are a big hit with parents and little ones. From Baby Rhyme Time (0-2 yrs) which includes songs and rhymes to help build early language skills, to Toddler Time (2-4yrs) with singing and movement, and Story time (0-5yrs), families are guaranteed to create lasting memories together.
But it’s what happens beyond storytime that really surprises families. The Gold Coast Library network includes a fabulous Accessible Resource Collection (similar to a Toy Library), where families can borrow toys, puzzles and games the way you would borrow books. You can browse in person or put things on hold online, and pick them up from your local branch. Their after school programming is also a highlight, with every branch running weekly drop in LEGO® building sessions, and also a Monthly Learners Hub for primary-school aged children designed to get them connecting, playing, and learning in fun, hands-on ways.
If you’re planning a visit to one of the Gold Coast libraries, these branches stand out as extra special for children:
This beloved library has long been a family favourite. With a slide, padded reading nooks, toys and games, it’s a space designed for children to explore, imagine and play. Once it reopens, it’ll no doubt continue to be a go-to destination for families.
It may be tiny, but parents of under-fives rave about its dedicated play space and educational toys. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed morning with little ones.
Just steps from the beach, this branch was recently refurbished and now features a bright, vibrant children’s area. It’s the perfect combo: stories and songs inside, followed by sandcastles outside.
All the branches across the Ipswich Libraries network offer a huge range of early literacy programs such as Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time and Story Time sessions to help build language skills from day one. Ipswich Libraries also have a few “out of the box” sessions, such as Books and Blocks and Messy Play Time, which mix movement, sensory exploration and storytelling. They also take the magic beyond the library walls, with storytime sessions in parks, Bunnings stores, and even at local pools through the Dive Into Books program – perfect for those hot Ipswich days. For children who love tinkering and exploring, STEAM ON: All Things Tech sessions introduce science, technology, engineering, art and music through robots, digital play and creative challenges.
Ipswich has taken the library experience to a whole new level with Australia’s only public library dedicated entirely to children aged 0–12. Located in the Nicholas Street Precinct, the Ipswich Children’s Library is an incredible space filled with books, interactive tech, craft activities and even two life-sized Plesiosaurs hanging from the ceiling. It’s honestly worth a visit even if you don’t live nearby.
Brisbane City Council Libraries have something for every age and stage, beginning with the First 5 Forever Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time and Storytime programs for babies and toddlers. They also offer family friendly opportunities such as Make and Create Afternoons, where children can drop in for art and craft sessions that blend science, technology and creativity. Robotics has a large focus here too, with after school and weekend sessions focused on robot building and basic coding and robotics.
One standout is their Annual Reading Challenge, held each July and August. Children can join the Gold Star program (6–12 yrs) or Little Stars (0–5 yrs) and work towards receiving a certificate and medallion.
If you are looking for some libraries to explore in Brisbane, two branches really stand out for families:
Garden City Library has a magical Secret Garden City theme, complete with murals of birds and butterflies, interactive floor projections (think lava flows and space scenes), and digital tabletop games.
Carindale Library has a fun children’s entryway, a Duplo wall, marble maze, interactive floor, craft zone and cosy reading corners – perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon.
Libraries today are spaces where children can play, imagine, build, code, craft, and connect – and where parents can find community too. Whether you’re borrowing toys on the Gold Coast, exploring the wonder of Ipswich’s Children’s Library, or joining a coding session in Brisbane, there’s a hidden gem waiting for you. So next time you’re looking for something fun (and free!) to do, head to your local library. You might just discover your family’s new favourite hangout spot.
Find Lara’s recommendations at her website Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials Facebook and Instagram
There is something magical about creek days with little ones: bare feet in cool water, sandy toes, the sound of gentle trickling streams, and endless opportunities for simple, unplugged fun. The Gold Coast is best known for its beautiful beaches, but you can discover some incredible rockpools and creeks perfect for toddlers and young children. Here are five family-friendly spots where little feet can paddle safely, explore nature, and make a splash.
Best for: A classic hinterland swimming adventure with shallow spots for toddlers and deeper pools for older children.
Just a 15–20 minute drive inland from Currumbin Beach, this natural swimming spot is surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a local favourite for good reason.
There are BBQs, picnic tables, grassy areas and toilets, making it easy to settle in for a relaxed family day. Keep in mind that it is extremely popular on warm weekends and you will need to arrive early to get a car park!
Best for: A peaceful, easy-access creek spot perfect for younger children.
Just down the road from the Currumbin Rock Pools, Long Tan Park is a lovely, often quieter alternative for families.
It’s a brilliant spot for families with toddlers or preschoolers who want a gentle, nature-filled adventure without the hustle and bustle.
Best for: Calm, sheltered creek paddling just a short walk from the café strip.
Instead of the busy Pirate Park, Palm Beach access point to Currumbin Creek, head a little further down the road to Apex Park. Here you get easy access to Currumbin Creek for a peaceful, shady paddling experience.
Best for: A peaceful rainforest adventure with shallow natural pools.
At the very end of Currumbin Creek Road, you’ll find the Cougal Cascades walking track. This is a short, pram-friendly path through beautiful rainforest that leads to:
There are no cafes or playgrounds here, so pack snacks, towels and enjoy the serenity. It’s a lovely spot for a half-day nature escape.
Best for: Creekside paddling with a city-meets-nature vibe.
Looking for something closer to home? Tucked away just a few blocks from the bustle of Surfers Paradise, Budds Beach feels like a hidden gem.
This is a brilliant choice for families who want easy access, a quick paddle, and facilities close by without trekking too far inland.
Rockpools and creeks offer something beaches sometimes can’t: calm, clear water, natural shade, and a slower pace that suits young families perfectly. However, it is very important to ensure your day at the creek is safe and enjoyable. Supervise children closely – even shallow water can have slippery rocks or changing currents. The creeks are also home to a variety of wildlife, so always check before entering the water and don’t swim if you can’t see the bottom. Bring water shoes to help children with firm footing while exploring. Also, after heavy rain the creeks can flow faster than usual and have poor water quality. Check Council water quality reporting for updates on creek closures.
Whether it’s a rainforest dip at Cougal Cascades, a lazy paddle at Currumbin Creek, or a quiet splash at Long Tan Park, the Gold Coast has a creek adventure for every kind of family day out. So pack the towels and go exploring! These are the kinds of days little feet (and big hearts) remember.
Find Lara’s recommendations at her website Mrs. Lardeedah.com, and follow her socials Facebook and Instagram
Halloween is just around the corner — and for our Little Scholars, it’s one of the most magical times of the year! From spooky ghosts to silly pumpkins and brave superheroes, dressing up is a chance for children to explore creativity, pretend play, and imagination.
At Little Scholars, we love seeing our children light up when they put on their costumes. But we also know that sometimes, time (and the budget!) can get away from us.
If you’re wondering, “What Halloween costume can I make at the last minute?” — don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Here are some of our favorite easy, affordable, and crowd-pleasing Halloween costume ideas for kids, inspired by what we’ve seen our Little Scholars wear over the years.
You can never go wrong with a classic ghost costume — it’s timeless, simple, and spooky in all the right ways.
What you’ll need:
How to make it:
Cut out eye holes and pop the sheet over your child’s head. You can cut the bottom in fun jagged edges or keep it simple.
Quick tips:
It’s one of the easiest last-minute Halloween costumes for kids, and it never fails to impress!
If you’re looking for something with a bit more character, Frankenstein is a Halloween favorite that’s easy to recreate at home.
Here’s how to make your own Frankenstein costume:
💡 Variation: Got leftover fabric or craft supplies? Turn it into a colorful DIY monster costume with mismatched patches, horns, and fuzzy details — a great twist on the Frankenstein look!
If you’re running short on time, you can still find budget-friendly Halloween costumes at local stores like Kmart — both for under $15!
These store-bought options are quick, affordable, and stress-free — perfect for parents looking for last-minute Halloween ideas.
💡 Variation: Got leftover fabric or craft supplies? Turn it into a colorful DIY monster costume with mismatched patches, horns, and fuzzy details — a great twist on the Frankenstein look!
A Halloween favourite that never gets old!
If you’re short on time (or don’t want to splurge), grab a black t-shirt and a tutu for a quick DIY witch look. Add some green face paint and a broom made from a stick and paper streamers — and you’re done!
For an easy store-bought option, Kmart’s Witch Costume is both affordable and adorable. Pair it with sneakers or boots, and your child will be ready for a day of spooky fun.
If your child already knows exactly who they want to be, don’t stress!
Your local retailers have plenty of ready-to-go costumes featuring favourites like Batman, Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Bluey, firefighters, princesses, and more.
Check out Kmart, Big W, Target, or Spotlight for affordable options that fit most budgets and ages.
And if all else fails — pull out your favourite Book Week costume! It’s a great way to reuse and recycle outfits your little one already loves.
We’re celebrating Halloween with a night full of fun at Little Scholars Ormeau 2 on Friday, 31 October!
Expect:
Whether you’re a Little Scholars family or part of the local Ormeau community, everyone’s invited — so grab your costume and come join the fun!
Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity — and a few household items — you can create fun, memorable costumes your kids will absolutely love.
At Little Scholars, we believe Halloween is all about imagination, joy, and making memories together. So grab a sheet, some face paint, and a dash of creativity — your perfect costume is closer than you think!
A brighter future for families is on the way. Starting 5 January 2026, the child care subsidy 2026 changes will introduce the new 3 Day Guarantee, giving CCS eligible families access to three full days (36 hours) of subsidised childcare per week – no matter how many hours you work or study.
At Little Scholars, we know how important affordable, flexible care is for families, and we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you.
The 3 Day Guarantee is part of upcoming changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It removes the strict work and study requirements previously tied to accessing subsidised hours of care according to the Department of Education.
Here’s what families can expect from 2026:
This means more affordable care, more flexibility, and more opportunities for your child to thrive in early learning.
Not sure how much Child Care Subsidy you might be entitled to? Use our online Child Care Subsidy Calculator.
For many families, these changes will mean thousands of dollars in savings each year. But beyond the financial relief, it means every child has the opportunity to access quality early education – the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and wellbeing.
With your three guaranteed days of subsidised care, your child will experience the very best in early education across our purpose-built campuses.
Children connect with the natural world through exploration and play.
Bush, Beach, and Pram-kinder programs, music, dance, sport, soccer, swimming, gardening and more.
Experienced teachers deliver our nationally recognised Kindergarten program.
At Little Scholars, children engage with STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through hands-on, play-based experiences. Alongside our brand-new, Australian-first, WonderNest Virtual Reality program, opening new worlds of discovery and learning for kindergarten children in 2026.
Every child is more than just a number, they are part of our family. We provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children feel valued, celebrated, and encouraged to be themselves.
Our educators take the time to understand each child’s unique personality, interests, and learning style. This personalised approach to childcare ensures that every child feels a sense of belonging while developing confidence and independence.
Families choose Little Scholars because we combine high-quality early learning programs with a genuine family-first philosophy. From the moment you step into our campuses, you’ll see children thriving in a space that feels like home – where safety, wellbeing, and happiness come first.
With the 3 Day Guarantee set to launch in 2026, we anticipate an incredible level of interest and demand across our campuses. If you are a current family and your current CCS entitlement is less than 72 hours per fortnight, please speak with your Campus Manager to learn more about the 3 Day Guarantee and how to optimise your Child Care Subsidy.
If you are looking to enrol your child, you can book a tour at your local Little Scholars Campus or chat with our enrolments team on 1300 896 139 to see how your family could benefit from the CCS changes.
At Little Scholars School of Early Learning, we believe sport in early childhood education plays a vital role in helping children thrive beyond the classroom. For children under five, movement, play, and physical activity aren’t just fun—they’re essential building blocks for healthy development, both physically and mentally.
Whether it’s running on the grass, kicking a ball, playing group games, or exploring the outdoors, physical activity lays the foundation for so many important life skills.
Here’s how sport and movement shape young learners:
For little ones, physical activity helps build essential gross motor skills like balance, coordination, and strength. These are the building blocks for everything from climbing and jumping to writing and self-care. Encouraging movement early on sets children up for physical confidence and lifelong health.
Sport is a powerful tool for brain development. Activities that involve movement also engage memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. By learning to follow instructions, stay focused, and solve problems through play, children sharpen their thinking skills in natural, joyful ways.
Sport teaches children how to take turns, cooperate with others, and manage big emotions—like frustration, excitement, and even disappointment. Through group games and team play, young children learn empathy, communication, and how to build positive relationships.
Each little achievement—whether it’s catching a ball or trying something new—boosts a child’s self-esteem. Physical play provides ongoing opportunities to succeed, fail, try again, and grow. This builds resilience and a healthy mindset for the challenges ahead.
At Little Scholars, movement and sport are a vital part of our play-based curriculum. We also offer a diverse range of exciting extra-curricular activities that enhance learning, creativity, and physical development including dance, soccer, swimming, and more.
These programs are integrated into your child’s week, offering them diverse opportunities to explore their interests, stay active, and develop new skills—all while having fun.
At Little Scholars, our love for active learning goes beyond our centres. We’re proud sponsors of local sporting clubs including the Ormeau Bulldogs AFL and Gold Coast North Netball, supporting grassroots sport and the families in our communities.
With 17 purpose-built campuses across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich, Little Scholars offers environments designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and growth – both in the classroom and on the playground.
Ready to learn more? Book a tour today and discover how our programs support whole-child development from the very beginning.
Wondering what an Educational Leader at Little Scholars does and why it’s important for your child’s early learning? This key role shapes the high-quality education your child receives. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes roles that plays a huge part in your child’s day-to-day experience.
So let’s break it down in parent terms.
At Little Scholars, every campus has an Educational Leader – someone whose main job is to support our amazing educators and make sure the programs we run are the best they can be. They guide the team, introduce new ideas, help with planning and problem-solving, and basically make sure everything we do is helping your child learn, grow, and thrive.
They’re not counted in educator-to-child ratios, so they have time and space to really focus on quality. That means they’re free to mentor educators, work on exciting learning projects, and stay up-to-date with the latest in early childhood education.
Because when educators are well-supported, children benefit… big time.
Educational Leaders help make sure every learning experience is thoughtful, engaging, and tailored to children’s needs. They’re constantly reflecting on what’s working, what could be better, and how we can keep improving. That means your child is part of a program that’s always growing and evolving, just like them.
At Little Scholars, we do more than just tick the boxes. Our Educational Leaders:
In simple terms: they help make Little Scholars the best it can be — for our team, and most importantly, for your child.
Our Educational Leaders might not be in every photo or pickup conversation, but their impact is felt in every room, every interaction, and every learning moment. They’re here to support our team so your child can have the rich, high-quality early learning experience they deserve.
Because when our educators thrive, your little scholar does too.
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!
