Emu Plains – Explore & Develop

Monday – Friday 7.00am – 6.00pm

273 Great Western Hwy Emu Plains 2750

+61 1300 00 88 00

emuplains@exploreanddevelop.com.au

6 weeks to 6 years

We are a child-safe organisation

MEET THE OWNER

Diane Pelle

Diane Pelle is a proud mum whose guiding philosophy is to provide every family with the same level of care, education, and support she would want for her own children.

With over 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, Diane owns and operates Explore & Develop Emu Plains, Penrith, and Penrith South. She is deeply passionate about delivering high-quality education and care and is committed to supporting all children and families within her services.

Features

Educational and developmental programs

Nappies and wipes supplied

Preschool program

Individually owned and operated

Local excursions

School readiness curriculum

Local primary school connections

Intergenerational program

Learning Environments

Sea Star Nursery

0-2 years

Our Nursery is guided by a relationship-based approach, where warm, responsive interactions support each child to feel safe, secure, and known. We honour individual routines for sleep, feeding, and care, recognising these as important moments for connection.

Educators build trusting relationships that support secure attachments and growing independence. Through a slow pedagogy, children are given the time and space to explore, develop, and engage deeply in their learning each day at Explore & Develop.

Our Nursery is guided by a relationship-based approach, where warm, responsive interactions support each child to feel safe, secure, and known. We honour individual routines for sleep, feeding, and care, recognising these as important moments for connection. Educators build trusting relationships that support secure attachments and growing independence. Through a slow pedagogy, children are given the time and space to explore, develop, and engage deeply in their learning each day at Explore & Develop.

Sealion Toddlers

2-3 years

Our toddler room offers a gentle and inviting space where toddlers are supported to explore, discover, create, and imagine at their own pace. Guided by relationships, our educators form close, trusting connections with each child, creating a sense of safety and belonging.

Through a calm and responsive environment, children are given the time and space to engage deeply in their play and learning. Experiences such as puzzles, creative arts, construction, music, and early literacy and numeracy are thoughtfully offered, following each child’s interests and growing abilities.

Our toddler room offers a gentle and inviting space where toddlers are supported to explore, discover, create, and imagine at their own pace. Guided…

Dolphin Preschool

3-4 years

Our Dolphin room supports our junior preschoolers as they begin to form deeper connections with others and develop a growing sense of identity and belonging. Through a relationship-based approach, educators nurture each child with warmth and consistency, supporting their social and emotional development—particularly in building emotional awareness and regulation.

Our Dolphin room supports our junior preschoolers as they begin to form deeper connections with others and develop a growing sense of identity and…

Platypus Preschool

4-5 years

Our Platypus Room supports children in their Transition to School Journey, where curiosity, inquiry, and project-based learning guide their experiences. We see children as capable and resourceful learners, nurturing their ideas and growing understanding of the world.

Through strong, trusting relationships, educators support each child’s sense of wellbeing, confidence, and identity. Children are given the time and space to explore, collaborate, and think deeply.

Our Platypus Room supports children in their Transition to School Journey, where curiosity, inquiry, and project-based learning guide their experiences. We see children as…

Outdoor environment

Our outdoor play space is designed with an emphasis on areas with specific multi-use and specific play purposes. Our aim is to provide an outdoor play space that invites open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and a connection with nature. Spaces have been created where children can have a relaxing and peaceful experience whether it be individually or together as a group experience.

Rated 4.1 stars on Google

Nicole Fahey

4 months ago

Such a highly professional and caring organisation. The ‘Transition to School’ event put on by Explore & Develop held at a local venue had such a great mix of local professionals present and a highly qualified panel of experts to help understand the expectations for kindy kids and their parents! It was completely free and so well coordinated. True professionals.
Riley Palmer

9 months ago

The team at Explore and Develop Emu Plains have provided my children with a safe and nurturing home away from home since they commenced there over two years ago. Over that time my children have been exposed to various experiences that foster their personal interests (from pretend play to sensory exploration), and have developed numerous skills along the way. Perhaps most importantly, the educators at Explore and Develop know my kids and what makes them smile, they validate their emotions, and are there to support them each and every day they are in their care.
Sarah Helderman

a year ago

⸻ We’ve been part of this daycare family since it opened in 2019, and we couldn’t be happier with the care and support our children have received over the years. Both of our kids started in the nursery room—our eldest progressed through to preschool and is now thriving at school, while our youngest is currently enjoying the toddler room. It’s a truly wonderful, family-focused daycare. The environment is always clean, safe, and welcoming, and the staff are incredibly friendly, caring, and professional. Communication is always clear and timely, which gives us great peace of mind. The educators go above and beyond to support each child’s development with thoughtful, individualised learning programs. Most importantly, our children have always had so much fun and look forward to each day. We know they are in the best hands, and we wholeheartedly recommend this daycare to any family looking for a nurturing and high-quality early learning environment.
Kayla Reid

a year ago

My family has been at Explore and Develop Emu Plains since it opened. We have felt such privilege to become part of the community at E&D and have always felt comfortable having our children in their care. We have developed such strong relationships with the Educators and genuinely appreciate the love and care our children have received over the years! Would definitely recommend!
Thomas Cobden

a year ago

Outstanding centre. A genuine focus on relationship with both you, and the children. A relaxed, well laid out centre with different rooms for all ages groups. Always attentive to issues and creative with new opportunities for child focused initiatives such as excursions to the local aged care or primary school, incursions for cultural experiences and more. Also really good with multiple photos and child focused updates in their app every day.

Fees & Inclusions

The daily fees for 2026

We are an approved Child Care Subsidy (CCS) service, which means eligible families will receive three days per week of subsidised care.

Use our CCS calculator for an estimate of your individual fees or contact us and we’ll help you with it.

Our 2026 fees are outlined below. Note these fees are before CCS, which will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Our service is also eligible for Start Strong Fee Relief, providing a further saving for families of 3 and 4-year-old children, in addition to CCS.

AGE GROUP	DAILY FEE (BEFORE CCS and Start Strong)
Nursery (0-2 years)	$170.63/day
Early learning (2-3 years)	$165.16/day
Preschool (3-5 years)	$160.99/day

Our daily fee is all-inclusive, covering nutritious meals, snacks and drinks, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, bedding, educational programs and learning materials.

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Parent Information

A positive start to early education and care
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Parent Information

The lifelong benefits of Early Childhood Education and Care
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Parent Information

Download our ‘Learning Through Play’ Ebook
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