At St Luke’s, we provide a nurturing early learning environment where children grow through curiosity, connection, and care.
Our FAQs below answer common questions about our programs, fees, enrolment process, and daily practices. We encourage families to explore how our approach supports each child’s sense of belonging and love of learning from infancy through to preschool.
Our Service
We provide early education and care for children aged six weeks to five years, across seven studios: Infants 1 & 2, Toddler 1 – 3, Junior Preschool (three-year-olds), and Senior Preschool (four-year-olds).
We are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, for 50 weeks each year. The service closes on public holidays and for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.
St Luke’s Early Learning Community is operated by Anglican Diocesan Services, with a leadership team including the Director, Leader of Pedagogy, and Service Manager.
Fees and Payments
Our daily fee (before Child Care Subsidy) is listed on the current fee schedule. Fees are charged fortnightly in advance on Thursdays through Pay Choice Direct Debit. Payment options and surcharges:
- Bank account: $1.00 flat fee
- Visa/Mastercard: $1.00 + 1.8% of the transaction amount
- Amex: $1.00 + 3.6% of the transaction amount
Yes. Fees are charged for public holidays but not during the two-week Christmas closure.
Yes. A $100 registration fee (non-refundable) is payable when submitting a wait-list request, and an $800 bond per child upon acceptance of a place. The bond is credited once your child commences.
We require four weeks’ written notice to withdraw a child from the service.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply online via your MyGov account. Once approved, provide both the parent’s and child’s Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs) to St Luke’s so your enrolment can be confirmed in MyGov. For assistance, contact Services Australia on 136 150. Each child is entitled to 42 allowable absences per financial year.
Orientation and Settling In
After accepting a place, families are invited for an orientation visit to meet educators, explore the studio, and observe daily routines. Families also complete an “All About Me” form so educators can tailor support to each child.
Establishing consistent arrival routines and brief, calm goodbyes helps children feel secure. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch during the day and to share any home changes that may affect their child’s wellbeing.
Children usually move to their next studio together with their peer group to maintain friendships and continuity. Visits to the new studio occur gradually before the formal transition.
What to Bring
- Two changes of clothes (more if toilet-training)
- Hat and water bottle (clearly named)
- Comfort item if required
- Blanket or sleep bag for rest time
- Bottles and milk (for infants, pre-prepared if formula)
Yes. We provide Huggies Essentials nappies and Sudocrem. Families may supply alternative nut-free creams if preferred.
We use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Families may supply a labelled alternative if required.
Health, Medication, and Safety
Please keep children at home if they are unwell or display symptoms of infectious illness. For vomiting or diarrhoea, children must remain home for 48 hours after the last episode.
Children must be up to date with immunisations or on an approved catch-up schedule to access government assistance payments (FTB Part A and CCS).
Only prescribed medications in original pharmacy packaging can be given, accompanied by a completed authorisation form. Medication must be handed to educators on arrival, never left in children’s bags.
A medical management plan, risk minimisation, and communication plan must be developed with the Director before enrolment is finalised. Plans are reviewed annually.
Parents are contacted immediately in the event of a serious incident. All accidents or illnesses are recorded on an Incident Report requiring parent signature. Regular evacuation drills are conducted throughout the year.
Daily Practice and Communication
Communication occurs through Storypark posts, newsletters, emails, meetings, and informal discussions. If concerns arise, please speak with your child’s Studio Leader, Director, Leader of Pedagogy, or Manager. A formal grievance procedure is available on our website.
We ask that children do not bring toys from home, to avoid loss or damage and ensure equity among peers.
Our Behaviour Guidance Policy promotes self-regulation, respect, and empathy. Educators use consistent, positive strategies aligned across the service.
Rest, Sun Safety, and Sustainability
Infants sleep in cots; older children rest on mattresses. Educators create a calm atmosphere with soft music and comfort items. Families are encouraged to discuss individual routines.
Children and educators wear sun-protective hats and clothing, apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, and seek shade during peak UV times, in accordance with SunSmart guidelines.
Children participate in hands-on sustainability projects, including recycling, conserving water, and exploring environmental care through daily learning experiences.
Regulatory and Quality Standards
We operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF), including the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. Regulatory Authority:
Children’s Education and Care Assurance (CECA)
ACT Government | PO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 02 6207 1114
We employ qualified educators who uphold high professional standards, participate in ongoing professional development, and are committed to exceeding NQS benchmarks.
Contact Information
Phone: 02 6109 8010
Email: stlukeselc@stlukes.education
Address: St Luke’s Early Learning Community, Chapman ACT
Director: Alice Castrission
Leader of Pedagogy: Sarah White
Manager: Robyn Conway
