Preschools in the Northern Districts

For couples who are buying real estate in the area and thinking of starting a family, it’s reassuring to know that along with the many great schools, there are excellent preschools and daycare centres here in the Northern Districts.

Some are long-running community based organisations, others are designed to help working parents, and some have an emphasis on nature play. Most importantly, all of them are great places to start your child’s formal learning.

Here are some of my picks for Northern Districts preschools. And feel free to let me know of any good ones I might have missed.

Larool Preschool

Running since 1972, this is a much-loved preschool programme for 3 to 5-year olds. It has a long tradition of play-based learning in a beautiful, leafy setting next to a nature reserve and playground. Its welcoming spirit and long-standing presence in Thornleigh make this not-for-profit preschool a great asset to the local community. Open during school term times only.

Visit Larool Preschool website.

Normanhurst West Community Pre-School

This parent-run organisation shares its grounds with Normanhurst West Primary School. Open from 9am until 2.30pm during the school term, it gives your preschooler the opportunity to form friendships and transition smoothly to kindergarten with some of the same children. Taught by two Early Childhood Educators with a parent helper in the mornings, this preschool provides a great introduction to school life, with lots of craft, play-based learning and visits to the ‘big school’ library.

Visit Normanhurst West Community Pre-School website.

Thornleigh Preschool

This centre is open year-round for children aged two to six, apart from over Christmas and New Year, with extended hours for working parents. It follows the National Curriculum, so is a great start to formal education. The focus on school readiness, the warm and friendly teachers, and the small group sizes are all praised by parents.

Visit Thornleigh Preschool website.

Chilverleigh Early Learning

Opened in 2006 by director Renee Passfield, this family-run daycare offers longer hours for working parents, and an age-appropriate curriculum delivered by qualified educators. A full-time cook prepares fresh meals daily, and extra-curricular activities include Japanese classes and a School Readiness programme.

Visit Chilverleigh Early Learning website.

Pennant Hills Preschool

This preschool is another great facility with long hours for working parents. It also has a pre-school programme, casual hourly childcare, a playgroup and holiday care. There is an annual concert as well as fun ‘incursions’. These include an in-house egg hatching programme, magic shows and wildlife shows and even bike-riding lessons – all providing a rich learning environment for preschoolers.

Visit Pennant Hills Preschool website.

Talk to me

As an agent who lives locally and raised my own four daughters here in Thornleigh, I am only too aware of the importance of finding the right childcare and preschool for your children. I am always happy to talk to you about school boundaries and the area’s many excellent services for families. Please feel free to give me a call.