The Biggest Childcare Brands in Australia

When it comes to childcare in Australia, parents have a wide range of options. The sector is diverse, with thousands of childcare providers operating across the country, from small independent centres to large corporate groups and franchise networks. Australia’s largest childcare brands operate hundreds of centres nationwide, serving thousands of families. These providers often benefit from greater resources, structured curricula, and standardized training for staff, offering a consistent childcare experience.

Below, we take a look at the biggest childcare brands in Australia, covering both company-owned and franchise models.

Goodstart Early Learning

Goodstart Early Learning is Australia’s largest childcare provider, operating more than 650 centres nationwide. Established in 2010 as a not-for-profit social enterprise, Goodstart was formed by a coalition of charities to acquire the former ABC Learning network. It reinvests its surplus into improving early learning programs and educator training.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 650+ centres across Australia

• Ownership Model: Not-for-profit social enterprise

• Key Features: Play-based curriculum, focus on social inclusion, and significant investment in educator training and resources

G8 Education

G8 Education is the second-largest childcare provider in Australia, with over 430 centres nationwide. It operates under multiple brand names, including Kindy Patch, First Grammar, and Creative Garden. As a publicly traded company, G8 Education has grown through acquisitions and investments in quality improvements.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 430+ centres across Australia

• Ownership Model: Publicly traded company (ASX: GEM)

• Key Features: Multi-brand network, structured early learning programs, and strong focus on educator support

Affinity Education Group

Affinity Education Group operates more than 250 childcare centres across Australia, focusing on high-quality early education. The company has grown rapidly in recent years through acquisitions and expansion into new regions.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 250+ centres nationwide

• Ownership Model: Privately owned corporate chain

• Key Features: Proprietary Lifelong Learning curriculum, investment in educator training, and a strong focus on child development

Guardian Childcare & Education

Guardian Childcare & Education has over 160 centres across Australia and is known for its Reggio Emilia-inspired learning approach. The company has been expanding rapidly, focusing on high-quality early education experiences for children.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 160+ centres nationwide

• Ownership Model: Privately held corporate group

• Key Features: Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, innovative learning spaces, and investment in staff development

Busy Bees Australia

Busy Bees Australia is part of a global childcare network that operates more than 140 centres across Australia. Originally founded in the UK, Busy Bees has expanded into the Australian market through acquisitions and organic growth.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 140+ centres across Australia

• Ownership Model: Subsidiary of an international childcare group

• Key Features: Standardized curriculum, focus on high-quality facilities, and a global reputation for early education excellence

Only About Children (OAC)

Only About Children operates over 80 centres in metropolitan areas, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Known for its holistic approach, OAC integrates health and wellbeing services alongside early education.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 80+ centres across major cities

• Ownership Model: Privately owned, now part of Bright Horizons (US-based childcare company)

• Key Features: Whole-child approach, premium early education programs, and emphasis on health and development

Explore & Develop

Explore & Develop is a franchise network of independently owned childcare centres, primarily located in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Franchisees follow a play-based curriculum aligned with national standards.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 30+ centres across NSW and ACT

• Ownership Model: Franchise network (individually owned centres)

• Key Features: High-quality education, locally owned and operated, and strong community engagement

Kool Kidz

Kool Kidz is a Melbourne-based childcare franchise with a growing number of centres across Victoria. The company focuses on personalized early learning experiences within a structured framework.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 15–20 centres across Victoria

• Ownership Model: Franchise network (individually owned centres)

• Key Features: Kool Beginnings Curriculum, strong focus on emotional development, and locally owned business model

KU Children’s Services

KU Children’s Services is a not-for-profit childcare provider with a strong presence in New South Wales and the ACT. Established over 125 years ago, KU operates a mix of preschools, long daycare centres, and inclusion support programs.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 150+ centres across NSW and ACT

• Ownership Model: Not-for-profit organization

• Key Features: High-quality early education, strong focus on inclusion, and investment in educator training

C&K (Crèche and Kindergarten Association)

C&K is a Queensland-based not-for-profit organization that operates over 320 early childhood education centres. It is known for its play-based curriculum and strong community involvement.

At a glance:

• Size & Reach: 320+ centres across Queensland

• Ownership Model: Not-for-profit community organization

• Key Features: Play-based curriculum, strong community connections, and investment in early childhood research

Australia’s largest childcare brands play a crucial role in shaping early childhood education by providing structured curricula, high-quality facilities, and well-trained staff. While large providers offer consistency and extensive resources, parents should still research individual centres to find the best fit for their child.