Larger Childcare Vs Smaller Childcares

Parents often ask: Should we enroll our child in a large centre or a smaller centre?

Both settings come with their own pros and cons, but in our professional opinion, smaller centres do have distinct advantages.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Why Smaller Childcare Centres Have the Edge

On the surface, large centres can look impressive. They often promote their state-of-the-art facilities, endless resources, and wide variety of programs. But when you take a closer look, you’ll quickly see that bigger doesn’t always mean better—especially when it comes to your child’s safety, wellbeing, and development.

The Hidden Challenges of Larger Centres

Walk into a large centre and you may notice something concerning: supervision is not as tight as it should be. Even when they meet or exceed staffing ratios, the reality is that children move fast, spaces are large, and staff can’t be everywhere at once. Big playgrounds, multiple rooms, and “blind spots” create opportunities for accidents, falls, or children simply going unnoticed. Add to this the natural distractions that occur when educators are spread thin or engaged in conversations with colleagues, and the cracks in supervision start to show.

Staffing is another issue. Because large centres need more educators to meet regulations, operators often struggle to fill rosters with consistently skilled staff. Good educators are hard to come by, and in the rush to remain compliant, bigger centres may resort to hiring agency casuals or newly arrived staff who may not yet understand Australian supervision standards, culture, or climate. While these staff members may be well-meaning, the quick hires are often about ticking compliance boxes rather than ensuring lasting quality.

And then there’s the emotional side. In a centre with hundreds of children and families, your child can easily become “just a number.” Staff may not know your child deeply—who they are, what makes them happy, or how they need to be supported through challenges. This lack of personalised care can lead to children feeling overlooked, which may in turn contribute to personality suppression, anxiety, or withdrawal. Preschool is not like primary school. Children are still learning how to share, how to socialise, and how to develop independence. If their environment feels intimidating or overwhelming, it can directly impact their social growth as they move into school.

Larger centres also come with sensory overload. The noise, the sheer number of children, and the constant buzz of activity can overwhelm developing senses, especially for children who are more sensitive to stimulation. And with more children comes an unavoidable reality: a higher risk of accidents and incidents.

Yes, There Are Some Benefits

To be fair, large centres do offer some attractive features. They may have more extensive facilities, specialist programs, and a greater variety of resources. Families who need extended hours or prefer a more “school-like” structure might also find larger centres appealing.

But the question we need to ask is: at what cost?

Imagine being a 4 year old child, dropped off in a centre with a lot of other children, mummy and daddy have gone to work and there's not enough quality staff to validate your feelings.

Why Smaller Centres Make the Difference

Smaller centres, on the other hand, offer a completely different experience—one that is often far better suited to the needs of young children. With fewer children and smaller spaces, supervision is far easier and much more effective. Educators can keep a close eye on every child, reducing risks and creating a safer environment.

What really sets smaller centres apart, however, is the relationships. In a smaller setting, educators get to know every child and every family on a deep and personal level. Your child isn’t just another enrolment; they’re a valued member of a community where their personality, interests, and needs are genuinely understood and supported. The staff understand your families culture, they know mum and dad by their first names and they know the occupation of mum and dad and their situation to best be able to understand and relate to your child's Individual needs.

Staffing is also more stable. Smaller centres tend to have lower turnover and far less reliance on agency casuals, which means your child sees the same familiar faces each day. This consistency builds trust, security, and stronger attachments things that are vital for children’s emotional wellbeing.

The environment itself is calmer and less overwhelming. Staff are humans too. They feel less frustrated and overwhelmed from children as there isn't that many overall! Children are free to explore, learn, and develop without being drowned out by the noise and chaos of a crowd. This allows their confidence to grow, their leadership skills to emerge, and their independence to flourish. When it’s time to transition to primary school, children from smaller centres often make the leap with more ease because they’ve been nurtured, supported, and truly seen.

 The Final Word

Larger centres often dazzle with their glossy décor, impressive size, and wide range of programs and experiences. On the surface, they look appealing. But behind the shine, families often don’t realise that all of this can come at a cost—and if that cost is your child’s health and safety, then what is the point? As parents, we work hard and strive to give our children the very best future. That begins with making the right choices now—the choices that bring us peace of mind. No parent ever wants to receive that dreaded phone call at work: “Your child has had an accident.” And when you ask how, the answer is even worse: “We don’t know", that's because there wasn't adequate supervision.”

Effectively it all comes down to one thing: supervision. The quality of supervision directly determines whether your child is safe or whether an incident or accident occurs. And this is where smaller centres truly stand apart—where fewer children, closer attention, and stronger relationships mean safety is never left to chance.

For some children, this fast-paced, crowded setting can be overwhelming—stifling confidence, creating anxiety, and leaving their individuality unnoticed.

By contrast, smaller centres offer something far more valuable. In these environments, every child is truly known—not just supervised, but understood, nurtured, and supported. Educators have the time and space to form meaningful connections, families have direct relationships with staff and owners, and the atmosphere is calmer, safer, and more personal. This stability allows children to feel secure, to grow in confidence, and to develop the resilience and independence that set them up for a strong start at school and beyond.

Because at the end of the day, your child doesn’t need the biggest centre. They need the right centre, one where safety isn’t compromised, where care is consistent, and where they are not just cared for, but cherished.