Changing centres
Thinking about changing centres?
Families change childcare centres for all kinds of reasons — a move, a change at work, or simply the feeling that somewhere else might suit your child better. Whatever brings you here, the move itself is simpler than most parents expect. This page walks through how it works at The Montessori Farm.
Start with a visit — no obligation
The easiest way to know whether the Farm is right for your family is to come and see a morning in motion. Tours run daily, Monday to Friday, and you’re welcome to bring your child along — explore the classrooms and gardens, meet our educators, and ask anything at all.
Your Child Care Subsidy comes with you
The Child Care Subsidy belongs to your child, not to any centre. When you enrol with us, we lodge a new enrolment agreement with the government and your subsidy applies here from your child’s first day — there’s no gap and nothing to re-apply for. You’ll simply confirm the new enrolment in your myGov account, and we’ll walk you through that step when you enrol.
Our fees are published openly, so you can compare your out-of-pocket cost before you decide: see our fees →
Settling in, gently
Moving centres is a bigger step for parents than it usually is for children — but we don’t rush it either way. Before your child’s first full day, we arrange orientation visits so they can get to know their educators and their room while you’re still close by. Bring the comfort items and routines that matter; our educators will build the day around what your child already knows.
Children settle fastest when the days are calm and predictable — and calm, unhurried days are the heart of how the Farm runs.
Timing your move
We enrol year-round — children join us in every month of the year, and a mid-year move is completely normal. Every enrolment here starts with a tour: it’s how you get a real feel for the Farm, and how we make sure it’s the right fit for your child before anyone commits to anything.
From there we’ll talk timing together — including any notice period at your current centre — and land on a start date that works for your family.
What a day here looks like
Six acres of working farm in Willow Vale: gardens and vegetable patches, real animals, and room to move. Every meal is cooked onsite from scratch — fresh damper from the kitchen every single morning. Meet Chef Bec and see what’s on the menu →
We care for children from birth to school age, 6:30am to 6:00pm weekdays, with an approved kindergarten program in the year before school.
Good to know
Common questions about changing centres.
Can we visit before we decide anything?
Yes — that’s how we’d suggest starting. Tours run daily, Monday to Friday, and booking takes about a minute online. There’s no obligation and nothing to sign.
Does our Child Care Subsidy transfer?
Yes. CCS is linked to your child, not the centre. We lodge a new enrolment agreement when you join, your subsidy applies from your first day with us, and you confirm the new arrangement in myGov. Nothing needs to be re-assessed just because you’ve changed centres.
Do we have to wait until the end of a term or year?
No — enrolments happen year-round, and children join us in every month of the year. Mid-year moves are completely normal.
What about the notice period at our current centre?
Most centres ask for a notice period — it will be in your current enrolment agreement. We’ll happily set your start date to line up with it so you’re not paying for two centres at once.
How long does settling-in take?
Every child is different. Orientation visits before the first day help most children feel at home quickly, and our educators will talk with you honestly about how your child is going in the first weeks.
Do you have places right now?
Availability moves week to week and depends on your child’s age group, so the honest answer is: come and see us first. Every enrolment starts with a tour — book one online, or call us on (07) 5620 1050 any weekday, and we’ll talk timing and availability for your child while you’re here.
Come and see
See it for yourself.
Tours run daily, Monday to Friday — pick a time online, or call us and we’ll book it for you.
(07) 5620 1050 Mon–Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm