A place to belong
We foster warm, supportive relationships and an environment where children feel respected, comfortable and included.
OUR STORY · OUR COMMUNITY
A community built around a child's right to play.
The Centre @ Westmead is a parent-managed, not-for-profit before and after school care service for children attending Westmead Public School. We believe school-aged children deserve time to relax, create, connect and simply be children.
NURTURING A CHILD'S RIGHT TO PLAY
Growing together since 1981
EST.1981
A LOCAL STORY
Created by parents.
Rooted in community.
In 1981, a group of working parents from Westmead Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School came together to establish a quality outside school hours care service for local children.
That community spirit continues today. The Centre is operated as a not-for-profit organisation, with a volunteer Parent Management Committee helping shape its direction and a team of educators managing children's day-to-day experiences.
We care for school-aged children in a familiar setting on the grounds of Westmead Public School, with age-appropriate spaces and opportunities to develop friendships across the school community.
1981
Founded by local families
More than four decades of community-minded before and after school care.
PLAYBELONGGROW
OUR PHILOSOPHY · MAY 2025
Nurturing a Child's Right to Play.
We want every child to experience a sense of acceptance, comfort and inclusion, with opportunities to enjoy leisure, develop friendships and grow in confidence.
Play, leisure and choice
Children have meaningful opportunities to rest, use their imaginations, create and choose the experiences that interest them.
Celebrating every culture
Our multicultural community enriches everyday life. Programs celebrate cultural traditions and encourage acceptance and understanding.
Growing together
Our educators support children's physical, social and emotional development through reflection, collaboration and engaging experiences.
Read our complete philosophyThe Centre’s official philosophy · May 2025
THE CENTRE’S PHILOSOPHY — MAY 2025
At The Centre @ Westmead, our dedicated team of professional school-aged care educators is committed to providing enriching, supportive, and age-appropriate care for every child. We strive to create an environment that fosters acceptance, comfort, and inclusion—nurturing the growth and well-being of each child in our care. Our goal is to offer diverse opportunities for play and leisure, ensuring children experience enjoyment, relaxation, and the development of essential life skills that extend beyond their time at the Centre.
We take great pride in the multicultural makeup of our Centre community. Through thoughtfully designed programs, we celebrate cultural activities and experiences from around the world, reinforcing a spirit of acceptance and inclusivity.
Recognising the vital role of play in middle childhood, our educators focus on children’s physical, social, and emotional development, encouraging imagination and creativity to flourish. We also place strong emphasis on parent involvement in shaping policies, programs, and events, fostering open communication and collaboration between families, staff, Centre management, and the broader community.
Our educators uphold the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in their daily practices. They engage in reflective assessments of programs, activities, and child development within the Centre, ensuring a continuously enriched learning experience for all.
CHILDREN'S VOICES MATTER
More than activities. It's their time.
Our approach places children’s interests, choices and ideas at the heart of our program. Educators provide inviting spaces, open-ended resources and opportunities for exploration, allowing children to direct their play and develop experiences together.
Through spontaneous and planned experiences, children build friendships, express their creativity, solve problems and enjoy the freedom to simply be children.
Explore our programsOUR EDUCATORS
Friendly faces.
Warm welcomes.
Our educators support children throughout their OOSH day, from welcoming them at morning drop-off to supporting play, friendships and safe transitions between school and care.
Our team includes experienced educators, Responsible Persons and an Educational Leader. Children and families can easily recognise The Centre’s educators by their bright yellow uniforms.
PARENT-MANAGED & NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Families are part of our story.
The Centre is managed by a volunteer Parent Management Committee. Our philosophy values open communication and parent involvement in shaping the policies, programs and events that bring our community together.
We welcome family perspectives, traditions and ideas, helping maintain a strong connection between children, educators and our broader school community.
Community care, guided by families
Locally established. Parent managed. Built around children's wellbeing.
COME AND GET TO KNOW US
A warm welcome awaits.
Located at Block K, Westmead Public School, The Centre offers before and after school care during school terms. We look forward to getting to know your family.