Welcome to Sandcastles Childcare Chatswood 1! We are an early education service that operates between the hours of 7:30 am and 6:00 pm to allow for an early drop-off and pick-up service to suit your busy schedule.

Our service caters to the needs of children from birth to six years and offers nappies as part of what we offer for your convenience. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided throughout the middle of the day to make sure you child is sustained well after their breakfast.

Our Bachelor-qualified teacher forms part of a team of quality educators who work together to deliver the School Readiness 
program. This program, under the Early Years Learning Framework, aims to prepare your child for education in a formal learning environment by encouraging creativity, inquisitiveness, and wonder by learning through play.

Samantha Maan

What is your name?

Samantha Maan.

How long have you been working in childcare?

I started working as a nanny for twins 8 years ago and absolutely loved it! Once I finished my Certificate 3, I began working at Sandcastles Chatswood and continued my studies by completing my Diploma and am now half way through my Bachelor Degree. I have been at Sandcastles since January 2011 and have worked across all the rooms up until receiving my role as Director.

What is your favourite part of working at the centre?

Ultimately, being greeted each morning with a giant smile and an enthusiastic “Hi Sam!” from so many long-term children makes this place feel like home! Even though I commute each day for upwards of 2 hours, I never fail to return home fulfilled, as this industry is so rewarding! There is nothing like seeing each child grow into a beautiful little person and building and maintaining strong relationships with all the families.

What qualifications do you hold?

I am currently completing my Bachelor of Teaching (Birth-5 years) but hold both my Certificate 3 & Diploma in Children’s Services. I am also up to date with my first aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis and child protection as well as being trained to support children with additional needs.

What are you most proud of at your centre?

There are so many things I am proud of at the centre but the most important to me are the relationships between all the staff, families and children. It really feels like a big family here and everyone feels welcome.

What inspired you to become an educator?

My main inspiration to become an educator was my Dad. He returned, after more than 20 years, to University and became a teacher while my sister and I were at school ourselves. He showed me that it’s possible to follow your dreams and do what you really want to do. He has continued to show me how important being an educator for young children is and the benefits of mindfulness, especially to be an inspirational leader myself.

What makes your team/centre special?

Our team at Sandcastles Chatswood is very close. A lot of us have been here for a number of years and have helped each other grow and become a very inclusive and supportive network of educators. Everyone in our Sandcastles family makes each other feel welcome and part of team whether they are new staff, here for their work placement, volunteer work, or new families. We always try to include everyone in our decisions and what we do around the centre each and every day.

What message would you like to tell parents considering your centre?

I am always available for a chat and to answer any questions or queries you might have. The team at Sandcastles Chatswood strives to make everyone; children, parents, grandparents, and friends, feel part of the family. We are always inclusive and maintain respect for everyone who comes through our doors each and every day!

Rooms

Facilities

Our service provides the following facilities:

• Nappies included
• Breakfast
• Morning tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Individual number code for the door
• Petting zoo/animals
• Sustainability program
• Veggie garden
• Music program and other incursions can include: Zumba, Yoga and Sport
• SMART Interactive Whiteboard
• In-house cook
• Fully air-conditioned
• Large, natural play environments
• Early Childhood Teacher

Reviews and Testimonials:

“We love the centre because of the staff. All of them are really nice and it shows that they love their job. They helped Hemontika settle in the new environment without her parents. The centre provides a great learning environment, where my child can explore and develop in her early learning stage. Thank you to everyone for your hard work.”

– Debalina

“The teachers are very friendly, Yan learns a lot every day. The place is great, with a supportive learning environment. Teachers care for the kids at all times. Thank you, Sandcastles staff!”

– Grace

“The carers got to know my daughter very well. I have no doubt she is well looked after at the centre. Their planned activities are many and varied. They keep my child challenged and engaged.”

– Wei-Ling

“The educators at this centre are very caring. They are also very flexible in terms of assisting my son with his learning. I really recommend this centre.”

– W.Y.

“Sandcastles Chatswood is an incredible daycare.  Our two sons both attended Sandcastles Chatswood from 6 months age until recently, graduating from daycare to go to school. We could not have been happier with the centre as it tailored for the boys needs as they progressed through the centre. The educators are exceptional.  We found each of the educators to be caring, trustworthy and genuinely interested in getting to know and look after our boys. This allowed us to develop a strong relationship with them so we could navigate any issues together. They serve nutritious and delicious meals and are always changing up the menu. The rooms are spacious and have everything the children need. The centre was always clean, organised and welcoming. The learning and playtime was well structured so our boys has the opportunity to learn as well as play with friends. We could not have been happier with our choice to send our boys to Sandcastles Chatswood. Thanks to Sam and all the staff at Sandcastles Chatswood”

– Megan

“Your centre have been absolutely amazing in terms of support and flexibility for my son and my family. I cannot express how much I appreciate you, Rachael, Nikki, Sammy and the whole Sandcastles team for everything you have done for Hayden. Most childcare centres have the same facilities, same resources but it’s the people who makes a difference to my son’s early education. You and your team have supported every single silly request my family have made. Thank you very much.”

– Wendy

We’d love to welcome you to one of our Sandcastles Childcare & Early Education centres. If you would like to register your interest in a place at Sandcastles Childcare Chatswood, please fill out the childcare enrolment form below. One of our educators will then be in touch to discuss your needs.

Please note: filling in this form does not guarantee a place. We recommend visiting a centre for a tour and meeting our friendly educators.