Explore & Develop

Welcome to Explore & Develop Penrith South

Scroll down to learn more about our service.

MEET THE OWNERS

Diane and Angie

Diane Pelle has a strong passion and commitment to care and education for all children and families at her service. As a proud mum with more than 15 years’ experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, Diane aims to provide families with nothing less than what she would expect or want for her own children.

Building trusting, respectful and collaborative relationships with children, families, educators and staff are of paramount importance to Diane and she believes these relationships are fundamental in achieving quality outcomes for children and to having a successful business.

Features

Educational and developmental programs
Long-serving team
Nutritious varied menu
Nappies and wipes supplied
Parent communication app
Individually owned and operated
School readiness curriculum
Art program

Our approach

Explore & Develop Penrith South fosters an emergent curriculum, which means that when educators program and plan for children they are using the children’s interests to do this. We have a play-based learning style which allows children to explore, wonder and be curious in their environment. This supports children to problem solve, think rationally, use skills of trial and error, and much more.

  • The education that my son has received while attending Explore & Develop has been second to none, I have no concerns at all with him attending big school next year because of the preparation that his educators have put into the educational program. The way in which the staff have all embraced the celebration and education of Aboriginal culture truly warms my heart. Explore and Develop are true pioneers in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, an example that other early childhood education and care services should strive to emulate.

    Krystle Scott
  • Highly recommend, the facility and teachers are fantastic!

    Kelly Tickner
  • Love them – can’t recommend them enough!

    Tanya Rolls
  • Amazing Centre, wonderful staff and owners.

    Amada Linney
  • I just wanted to thank you both so much for the amazing time we spent with your wonderful staff over the past 8 months attending your Centre.
    Words cannot express just how grateful we are for the love and care Joshua has been blessed with.
    I just received Joshua’s portfolio and it is such a wonderful reflection of how much your team cared for him and helped him in his learning journey.

    Jaquline Hanna

Learning Environments

Caterpillar Nursery

0 – 2 years

Our Caterpillar 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.

Our Caterpillar 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.

Butterfly Room

2 – 3 years

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

Bumblebee Room

3 – 4 years

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

Grasshopper Room

4 – 5 years

Our Grasshopper 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 and we nurture 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 Grasshopper 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.

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 5 stars on Google

  • h chloe

    a year ago

    Google

    The staff at this centre are stable, caring and genuinely attentive, which makes my child feel relaxed and happy. The program is rich and engaging, with fun activities like Science Experiment Week where they even introduce simple physics concepts. Every day offers different activities for kids to choose based on their interests. Highly recommended for parents wanting a nurturing and stimulating environment.

  • Ashley Versteegen

    2 years ago

    Google

    A homely, welcoming and well run daycare. After great experiences with my niece and nephew attending this centre, I had full confidence enrolling my twin boys knowing they would have only the best care. From the initial walk through I had such a wonderful feeling about the centre with the educators displaying their willingness to build a bond with the children with lots of cuddles and one on one time. Both of my boys absolutely loved this daycare and I will genuinely miss seeing all of the educators and the lovely chef donna most days . I really do owe this centre for helping me raise my boys to be so confident. The bond they had/have with their teachers is incredible and I would not give this centre anything less then a 5 star Thank you

  • Billie Stanley

    2 years ago

    Google

    Absolutely love this Center. Immediately I felt such a sense of love and warmth when conducting our orientation 2years ago. Educators continue to go above and beyond to create safe, supportive and engaging spaces for the children to thrive and grow. We reluctantly left the Center, to go somewhere more convenient after the birth of our 3rd child only to return because when I say nothing compared I truely mean it! I feel so at peace knowing my children are so loved and supported by all the educators. We love our little Explore and Develop family.

  • Gemma-Lea Wikeepa

    2 years ago

    Google

    Our experience with Explore & Develop Penrith South has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked into the center, we felt an immediate sense of comfort and welcome. The staff are incredibly attentive, caring, and inviting, making every effort to ensure both our child and we, as parents, feel heard and valued. One of the standout aspects of this center is how well they communicate. Every update or concern is just a phone call away, and they are always ready to address any question, big or small. This level of attentiveness is truly reassuring. What we particularly love about Explore & Develop Penrith South is their approach to settling children. Unlike some places that follow a "drop and go" method, this center encourages parents to stay until their child is settled. On difficult mornings, the staff genuinely care for, love, and comfort the children as if they were their own. This nurturing environment has made a significant positive impact on our child's experience. We are immensely appreciative of the dedicated staff at Explore & Develop Penrith South. They have exceeded all our expectations, and we believe they truly deserve all the good things coming their way. Thank you for everything you do!

  • Melissa Wright

    2 years ago

    Google

    I couldn't ask for a better team to entrust with care of my child. All the staff are wonderful. Educators are caring, friendly and supportive and I've watched my child blossom in confidence and learning in a fun, safe and secure environment in the years there. Honestly the absolute best!

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 GROUPDAILY FEE (BEFORE CCS and Start Strong)
Nursery (0-2 years)$176.10
Early learning (2-3 years)$176.10
Preschool (3-5 years)$172.71

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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Contact us

7am – 6pm Monday – Friday
170 Stafford street
Penrith NSW 2750

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