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.

At Sandcastles Chatswood 1 we aim to ensure that every child has the ultimate experience each and every day. We strive to nurture and develop children’s minds, social skills, and confidence in a safe and stimulating environment. Click here to read more of our Centre Philosophy. 

Our centre proudly offers a kindergarten/preschool program to ensure your child is supported for their transition to school every step of the way. With a focus on language, literacy, numeracy, social skills and more your child will become Big School Ready.

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 Centre Manager.

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!

Take a Virtual Tour! 

Photo Gallery 

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:

“I want to take this opportunity to write a few words about my experience at Sandcastles Chatswood and what a difference you all have made to my son’s life. We started at Sandcastles in 2015 and the director back then kindly alerted us there may be some concerns regarding my son’s development. No doctors, specialists, friends or relatives have said anything to us before and thanks to all the educators at Sandcastles – we started our journey of early intervention. 

Early intervention is vital for children with any kind of delay as there is only a short period of time that we can teach skills and allow them to catch up as much as possible. None of this early intervention would have been possible without the support from Sandcastles Chatswood. Throughout the 3 years at Sandcastles, I have had teams of therapists and professionals in and out of the centre every week. I have made all sorts of ridiculous requests regarding training, scheduling and no one at Sandcastles ever said NO. Professionals in the field could not believe the things that I have managed to arrange at Sandcastles – in our society inclusion is not a given and it is wonderful to see how the educators at Chatswood embraces the concept without hesitation. 

Now my son is having a crack at mainstream school and this is all possible because of the wonderful educators at Sandcastles Chatswood especially Sam and Niki for managing such a great team under the leadership of Rachael. I know you will continue to support any children with additional needs. Don’t underestimate the difference you are making for the kids and their families. Early intervention only works in the first few years of the child’s life and once we miss that window of opportunity it’s gone. Thank you for being so open and understanding. My family and I will be forever grateful that we started our journey at Sandcastles Chatswood.”

– Wendy

“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

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.