Ryde Childcare and Preschool
Shepherds Bay (Ryde) Centre
Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre
Premium Ryde childcare for children aged six weeks to six years, with nutritious meals and NSW Start Strong funding available for eligible preschool-aged children.
Conveniently located on Nancarrow Avenue in Shepherds Bay, Ryde, Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy combines the convenience of a well-connected local setting with modern open-plan learning environments, four bright Montessori classrooms, and three engaging play areas. As part of our trusted Sydney and NSW childcare network, the centre supports families across Ryde, Meadowbank, West Ryde, Putney, Denistone East, Denistone, Melrose Park, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, Gladesville, and surrounding suburbs.
For children aged six weeks to six years, our calm, future-focused Montessori program builds strong academic foundations, independence, confidence, and genuine school readiness through hands-on learning tailored to every stage of development.





- Fully Catered
- Montessori Educators
- CCS Approved
- Ages 0 to 6 years
Take a Look Inside Our Ryde Childcare Centre
Experience Montessori learning in action at our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre, where activities encourage independence, focus and school readiness.
Book a Tour
Tour Our Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre
The best way to know if our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre is right for your family is to experience it in person. Meet our educators, explore the classrooms, and ask every question on your mind. Please bring your child along, we look forward to meeting you.
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I believe every child is naturally capable, curious, and full of potential. My role is to create an environment where children feel safe, respected, and inspired to explore, make meaningful choices, and develop independence at their own pace.
With over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, I am passionate about creating a nurturing Montessori environment where children feel a true sense of belonging. I believe learning happens best when children are trusted, encouraged, and given the freedom to explore within a carefully prepared environment that supports their individual development.
As Centre Manager, I strive to lead with kindness, respect, and collaboration. I value strong relationships with children, families, and educators, knowing that genuine partnerships create the foundation for every child’s success. My goal is to build a welcoming community where every family feels heard, supported, and connected throughout their child’s learning journey.
Inspired by the Montessori philosophy, I encourage children to become confident, independent thinkers who develop a lifelong love of learning. Every child is unique, and I am committed to honouring their individual strengths, interests, culture, and pace of development while fostering curiosity, resilience, and responsibility.
Together with my team, I am dedicated to maintaining a calm, respectful, and inspiring learning environment where children develop not only academic skills but also confidence, empathy, and the independence they need to thrive in school and beyond.
- 14+ Years in Early Childhood Education
- Montessori Philosophy & Child-Led Learning
- Strong Family and Community Partnerships
- Dedicated to Child Safety & Wellbeing
Inside our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare and preschool
View Our Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre Facilities
Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy is conveniently located on Nancarrow Avenue in Ryde, close to Meadowbank Station, Shepherds Bay Village Plaza, local shops, parks, and family services. Families value our experienced team, authentic Montessori classrooms, and modern open-plan learning environments designed to support independence, confidence, creativity, and discovery. With four bright classrooms and three engaging play areas, the centre provides a calm and welcoming space for children to learn, explore, and grow in the heart of the Ryde community.









Rated 5 Stars By Our Ryde Families
Ryde early childhood education programs
Ryde Early Learning Programs Designed for Your Child's Exact Stage
Each Montessori education program at our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre is thoughtfully designed for a specific stage of development, combining our authentic Montessori curriculum with the Early Years Learning Framework. Through carefully prepared environments, hands-on Montessori materials, and purposeful learning experiences, children build confidence, independence, and the essential skills needed for school and life.
Our Infant Program (0–2 years) is thoughtfully structured across key developmental stages. Our educators support your child’s early development through strong relationships, movement, sensory exploration, language development, and early practical life skills within a calm, nurturing environment.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Toddlers are driven by a powerful urge to do things for themselves. Our Toddler program channels this energy through practical life activities, movement, language, sensorial and social skill-building, all within a prepared environment that says "yes" to hands-on exploration.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Our Preschool and School Readiness Program is where the Montessori method truly shines. For families looking for school readiness programs in Ryde, children work independently with manipulative materials across five curriculum areas, developing the focus, problem-solving skills, and natural passion for learning that sets them apart when they transition to primary school.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Ryde Childcare Fees and Inclusions
We offer a 10.5-hour childcare day from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with fees charged at a full daily rate. Eligible families may significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs through the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Every daily fee includes all meals, snacks, sunscreen, and Montessori materials, so you’ll never receive a surprise invoice for extras.
Fees
Daily fees at Shepherds Bay. CCS can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by up to 85.5%.
Daily fees shown. Fees are subject to change.
CCS Childcare Subsidy Calculator Estimator
Estimate your out-of-pocket cost at Shepherds Bay after the Child Care Subsidy.
Why Families Choose Shepherds Bay Ryde Montessori Academy
Families choose Shepherds Bay Ryde Montessori Academy because they can feel the difference. Warm, genuinely engaged educators, calm and structured learning environments, and children who are deeply engaged and thriving.
- Engaged Educators
- Happy Children
- Calm Structured Classrooms
- Visible Learning Progress
- Strong Communication
- Holistic School Readiness
A Day at our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre
What Your Child's Day Looks Like at Our Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre
Every day at our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre follows a calm, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Routines vary by age group, season, and individual needs.
Arrival & Welcome
Children arrive and settle into the prepared environment. Educators greet every child and family warmly, supporting a smooth, confident transition into the day.
Montessori Work Cycle
During the Montessori work cycle children choose their work and build focus, independence and capability through the Montessori materials. Progressive morning tea is served.
Outdoor Play
Following the work cycle, children transition outdoors to climb, run, explore nature, play, and develop fundamental movement skills through active, child-led play.
Group Time & Lunch
Children come together for guided group experiences that build communication, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Lunch follows and older children set the table and serve themselves.
Rest & Quiet Activities
After lunch, younger children sleep while quiet activities and school readiness experiences are offered for older children. Individual rhythms and rest needs are always respected.
Afternoon & Pick-Up
Communal afternoon tea happens after rest time, followed by outdoor play. Late snack is served at 5:00pm with indoor activities. Educators share the day's highlights at pick-up.
Child Safety at Our Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre is Our First Priority
Shepherds Bay Ryde Montessori Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. Every policy, procedure, and physical environment at our Shepherds Bay Ryde childcare centre is designed to ensure children are protected, respected, and empowered.
Find Our Shepherds Bay Ryde Childcare Centre
Conveniently located on Nancarrow Avenue in Shepherds Bay, Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy Childcare & Preschool proudly supports families across Ryde, Meadowbank, West Ryde, Putney, Denistone East, Denistone, Melrose Park, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, Gladesville, and the wider City of Ryde area. Positioned close to Meadowbank Station, Shepherds Bay Village Plaza, local shops, parks, and family services, our centre offers premium Montessori early education with easy access for busy local families.
6a Nancarrow Ave, Ryde NSW 2112, Australia
Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Open 51 weeks per year
Dedicated parent parking available on-site
Bus: Local bus services operate from Meadowbank Station and surrounding streets, with nearby routes including 507 and 518. These services connect Meadowbank and Ryde with Gladesville, Putney, Macquarie University, Denistone East, and surrounding areas.
Train: Meadowbank Station is a short walk from the centre and is serviced by the T9 Northern Line, providing convenient connections to Rhodes, Epping, Strathfield, Hornsby, the Sydney CBD, and surrounding suburbs.
Phone: 1300 000 162
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to feel confident before getting started.
What is included in the daily fee at Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy? +
Our daily fee is designed to make busy family life easier. It includes your child's Montessori education program, nutritious meals and snacks, and other essential daily care items, so you can feel confident that your child has what they need throughout the day.
Your child is part of a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment where every part of the day is designed to support independence, concentration, confidence, and development.
How is Montessori different to play-based childcare? +
Montessori is a structured, hands-on approach to early learning where children learn through purposeful activity, repetition, and real understanding. Using scientifically designed materials in carefully prepared environments, children choose their own work, follow their own interests, and build independence, concentration, coordination, and academic foundations at their own pace.
The result is children who become capable, confident learners through meaningful experiences in practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial learning, culture, and social development.
Our focus isn't on entertaining children. It's on activating their natural desire to learn.
Can I book a tour before joining the waitlist or enrolling? +
Absolutely. We encourage every family to visit the centre before making a decision.
A tour is one of the best ways to understand the difference Montessori can make. It gives you the opportunity to explore our classrooms, meet our team, see how children learn in a calm and engaging environment, and ask the questions that matter most to your family. If your child is coming on the tour too, we warmly encourage it as it helps you picture their experience more clearly.
Does Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy help prepare children for school? +
Yes. School readiness starts from infancy and is built every day through the skills children develop in the Montessori environment.
At Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy, children build the foundations for school and life through hands-on learning that supports early literacy, numeracy, concentration, independence, social skills, confidence, and responsibility. Rather than being treated as a short-term preschool add-on, school readiness is embedded throughout your child's entire learning journey.
Can I join the waitlist before my baby is born? +
Yes. Many families begin their childcare search while they are still expecting, especially in high-demand communities like Ryde.
Joining the waitlist early can help you plan ahead and gives you the best chance of securing your preferred start date and care pattern. Our Family Care Team will guide you through every step, from what we need now to what can be updated once your baby arrives.
How do you help babies and new children settle into care? +
We know that starting childcare is a big transition for both children and parents. Our approach is warm, responsive, and individual to each child.
For infants and younger children especially, we work closely with families to understand home routines, comfort needs, sleep patterns, feeding preferences, and temperament. Our goal is to build trust first, because children thrive when they feel safe, known, and secure.
How will I know what my child is doing each day? +
Strong communication with families is at the heart of the Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy experience.
From morning and afternoon handover to daily updates via our parent app, monthly learning observations, and developmental milestone reports, we make sure you are always close to your child's world.
What should I look for when comparing childcare centres in Ryde? +
When comparing childcare centres in Ryde, look beyond surface features and ask what your child will truly gain from the experience.
Consider what is included in the daily fee, how the program prepares children for school, how educators support each child's individual development, and whether the environment feels calm, safe, and purposeful.
At Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy, families value our authentic Montessori classrooms, experienced team, and modern learning environments that give children meaningful opportunities to move, explore, discover, and build confidence in the heart of Ryde.
Looking for exceptional childcare near Ryde, Meadowbank, West Ryde, Putney, Denistone East, Denistone, Melrose Park, Rhodes, Wentworth Point, Gladesville, and the wider City of Ryde area?
Find the perfect Montessori childcare centre near you and give your child the best start.
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Join a thriving community of City of Ryde families who trust Montessori Academy as their early education partner, backed by more than 25 years of experience, over 100 years of proven Montessori education, and the trust of more than 100,000 Australian families.