Waratah Cottage

Welcome to Waratah Cottage, a premier early learning centre located at Macquarie Park, University Avenue. Our institution is dedicated to providing high-quality education and care for children aged six weeks to five years. As an establishment of interest, we pride ourselves on our child-focused, play-based programs that are designed to reflect current research and the Australian Government's Early Years Learning Framework.

At Waratah Cottage, we believe that each child's learning journey is facilitated, guided, and extended by our experienced team of educators. Our indoor and outdoor environments are custom-designed and equally important in providing learning opportunities for children. We prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and diversity, which are embedded in our practices and policies.

Our program delivery is led by university qualified Early Childhood Teachers under the guidance of our Educational Leader, supported by the Program and Practice Support Teacher. We utilize the university's spaces and facilities, such as the Art Gallery and Library, to enhance our learning programs.

The safety and well-being of all children and young people are of utmost importance to us. We are committed to protecting them from foreseeable harm and take all allegations and complaints seriously. Our staff, volunteers, and contractors understand their legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities.

Waratah Cottage is an Approved Service, which means eligible families may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, reducing fees. Our fees include nappies, all meals, and a high-quality education program. Priority is given to Macquarie University staff and students, although limited places are available for children aged three to five years.

For Macquarie University staff, salary sacrifice is available for Long Day Care enrollment at Waratah Cottage. However, please note that the Child Care Subsidy cannot be claimed when fees are being paid through salary sacrifice. We recommend seeking independent financial advice before making this decision.

Parking is available around the campus, but it does come at a cost. However, we offer free parking for up to 30 minutes for picking up and dropping off children in front of the centre. Please refer to the Campus Parking Map for more information.

For further details, including our full range of policies and procedures, please visit our Centre. You can find our contact information for each of our three on-campus centres below.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land where Macquarie University is situated, the Wallumattagal Clan of the Dharug Nation, whose cultures and customs have nurtured the land since time immemorial.