The best daycare around! My son has been attending Una for just over a year now and it has been the best experience. I personally found the whole concept of putting my baby into daycare so hard. I didn't want to be away from him and I was really upset about having to go back to work and have "strangers" raise him instead of me.
I went to several daycares and just didn't get a good vibe until I went to Una after hearing amazing reviews off a local facebook group and old work colleagues.
The educators treat my little one in such a caring, calm and nurturing way, we always feel so comfortable dropping him off- knowing he is having fun and learning so much. I love how much effort they put into all the activities but mostly how attentive and accommodating they are to each childs needs. Whether it's adjusting sleep, changing bottle requirements or addressing developmental behaviours- they always do their best to work with what we are trying to achieve.
As a family with no family support, having such a caring, reliable and passionate daycare centre has given us the amazing "village" that everyone talks about needing when raising a family.
Thank you to the admin team and all the amazing educators for creating such a wonderful environment for our babies - you are making such an impact and we are so grateful!
We've been using Chatterbox/Una for seven years and with many more to come. We love it here. The continuity of staff is excellent, and everything is managed seamlessly. Staff are continually professionally developed (Well done to Miss Jordana for furthering her career with her undergraduate degree!), which is testament to hers and everyone's commitment to professionally understanding, nourishing, and growing young children. All staff genuinely and professionally care for their work and for the children and their families. We couldn't have hoped for better.
Una Paddington (formerly Chatterbox) is a wonderful centre - well-qualified, caring and professional long-term staff; outstanding leadership team; excellent programming/activities; and highly responsive to any additional child needs. We have been with the centre since 2022 (and returned after a short stint in a local community kindy). We could not feel more supported by the team. I never write public reviews but wanted to share how impressed we are with this centre.
Excellent centre with fantastic educators! Highly recommend it! Staff are very attuned to children’s’ needs and I always feel confident leaving our child under UNA’s care.
Such an amazing childcare centre. The staff are all so kind and caring and I feel so comfortable knowing my child is very well looked after and happy here.
Absolutely amazing staff at Una Paddington. They are always on the ball and super friendly and caring. Always want to engage in conversations and show so much care towards the children. Would recommend them to everyone!
We've been with this child care centre since 2022 and love the staff and environment there. The staff are lovely, friendly, take great care in planning innovative activities and sending us updates daily, along with individual stories of his progress in various areas, and even photos and updates of how he's settled in when he's returned after a holiday and has a tough time saying goodbye to us. The administrative staff are very friendly and supportive - assisting when we need change of days, organising the best activities for our little ones, greeting us with a smile and friendly chat. All in all, a very wholesome family environment and a supportive community for all!
Our PROGRAMS & AGE GROUPS
Environments to inspire
Our learning environments have been thoughtfully designed with specific age groups and developmental needs in mind.
A safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where your child thrives every day.
Explorations Await: A Place For Your Child’s Imagination and Growth
In our early learning centre, you can expect your child to play and learn by experiencing the following:
Connect with Nature: Our educators foster a love for the outdoors and a sense of wonder for the natural world and materials. Your little ones will gain awareness of the space around them at a young age and become passionate about nature.
Play with Purpose: Play isn’t just about fun but learning and exploration. Through hands-on activities – building bug hotels, collecting leaves, creating imaginative play spaces and more, children become active participants in rewilding efforts, understanding the importance of their role in the environment.
Develop a Growth Mindset: Rewilding isn’t just about restoring nature; it’s about fostering resilience and adaptability. Una encourages experimentation, observation, and learning from their experiences, which are valuable skills that translate into all aspects of life.
Benefits of Rewilding Childcare
Environmental Awareness: Children develop a deep appreciation for the natural world and a responsibility to protect it.
Social and Emotional Learning: Rewilding experiences and learning encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy.
Physical Development: Outdoor play stimulates gross and fine motor skills while also giving your little one a healthy appreciation for physical activity.
Cognitive Development: Curiosity is ignited through exploration and discovery, leading to enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Creativity and Imagination: Play in nature provides the perfect canvas for boundless creativity and imaginative play.
Our Centre: A Place of Belonging Nursery
Our outdoor spaces, including our gardens, mud play and sandpits, provide children with hands-on opportunities to explore, create and connect with the natural environment in meaningful ways.
Learning is naturally embedded into these experiences. Whether it’s turning play into “nature detectives” or using magnifying glasses to take a closer look at insects and birds, children are encouraged to observe, question and discover.
We value our connection with the local community, helping children build a sense of belonging and purpose within the world around them.
Our educators intentionally support children to take safe risks and build confidence through both indoor and outdoor play.
Diverse Programs: For Infants and Beyond
We provide opportunities for exploration both indoors and outdoors, with our gardens, sandpits and open play areas supporting a wide range of play experiences including sensory play, building, natural and imaginative play.
Children are encouraged to notice and engage with their surroundings, from observing insects in the garden to exploring different textures and materials in their environment.
Some of our story times are enjoyed outdoors in the fresh air, creating a relaxed space for children to listen, engage and share ideas, often leading to conversations about caring for our environment.
We foster creativity through the use of natural and open-ended materials, where leaves, sticks and loose parts inspire children to create, build and express their ideas.
Children have space to move, climb and explore, supporting their physical development, confidence and overall wellbeing through active play.
We offer a range of enriching experiences including cultural learning opportunities, introductory Japanese and Spanish language experiences, art therapy, music and yoga, supporting children’s wellbeing, creativity and sense of connection to the world around them.
Curious Minds: Child-Led Play for Exploration and Growth
Rewilding childcare facilitates a nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Our programs teach children valuable life skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Children develop a strong sense of self-confidence through hands-on experiences and a sense of accomplishment in rewilding efforts.
Offers a unique and enriching experience for your child where they will develop a deep connection with nature and learn valuable skills.
Our Team, Your Child’s Guides
A team of experienced educators who inspire, support, and celebrate every child’s journey.
Our Director holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and brings over 10 years of experience in the early childhood sector, including more than 3 years with our service. She is a dedicated, compassionate and gentle leader who is deeply committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for both children and educators.
She takes great pride in fostering strong team morale, ensuring every team member feels valued, supported and empowered in their role. Her kind and approachable nature helps build meaningful relationships with families, creating a welcoming and trusting community. Under her leadership, the service continues to thrive as a space where children feel safe, nurtured and inspired to learn.
Lara
Director
Our 2IC and Educational Leader holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has been a valued part of our service for over 7 years. Throughout her time with us, she has grown from educator to 2IC and into her leadership role, bringing consistency, dedication and a deep understanding of our centre and community.
She is known for her nurturing and calm approach, with a strong passion for supporting children in the early years. She is committed to fostering secure relationships and creating environments where our youngest learners feel safe, supported and confident to explore. Her focus on early development ensures each child is given the best possible start, with meaningful experiences that support their growth, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
Kirra
Assistant Director
Our Educational Leader brings over 16 years of experience in early childhood education and within this service, having grown within the industry from trainee to educator, Lead Educator, 2IC and now Educational Leader. With a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Bachelor of Primary Education, she brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and understanding to our centre.
She is particularly passionate about supporting children’s school readiness and social and emotional development, ensuring every child is supported to build confidence, resilience and a love of learning. She also values building strong, trusting relationships with families, creating a welcoming environment where every family feels supported, informed and confident in their child’s care and education.
Monique
Educational Leader
FAQs
How is safety managed at your childcare centre?
Rest assured, our environment at Una Paddington is safe and clean. We enforce regulations to the letter, and the safety of your child always comes first. All of our Educators hold a current First Aid including Anaphylaxis and Asthma as well as their CPR certificate. All centres are SunSmart registered. All children who attend must be vaccinated.
I’m very keen for my child to have a place at Una. Is there a wait list available if I don’t get an immediate spot?
Of course. There is no fee to go on our waitlist. We will only charge an enrolment fee once we can offer a spot.
My child has a medical condition/allergy, will they still be able to enrol?
If your child has a diagnosed condition (e.g. asthma, allergy, epilepsy) that may cause him/her to become ill at the Centre you will be asked to have a medical practitioner complete a Medical Conditions Action Plan/Anaphylaxis Action Plan.
If your child requires additional support or specialised equipment when at the Centre we will work with you to endeavour to secure appropriate funding through the Inclusion Support Agency (ISA) to provide the additional resources required. Enrolment however is subject to our care environment being able to meet individual needs.
What happens when we want to take holidays?
Your family is entitled to 4 weeks of absence with a 20% fee reduction during any one calendar year, calculated on a pro rata basis (e.g. 1 week for every 3 months of attendance). These absences must be taken in week blocks (not individual days) and your annual entitlement must be used by the beginning of the first term the following year.
We also offer a 20 % reduction of fees on public holidays.
Will I be informed of any illness in the Centre?
When there is a diagnosed case of an infectious illness or disease at the Centre, a notification is sent to families via the parent portal and a notice will be posted in the foyer or entrance of the centre informing parents that a child with the illness has been present at the Centre. Where available, a fact sheet or similar information regarding the illness will also be posted with the notice.
