CASUAL CHILDCARE IN MINTO

Take a Break

Stress-free casual bookings at Redfern Cottage

Life doesn't always run to a set weekly schedule. An extra shift comes up, an appointment lands on a weekday, or you need a few hours to catch your breath. Book a casual day and your child gets a full day of play, learning and care with our qualified educators.

New families are welcome, and you don't need to be enrolled with us to book. Casual days are CCS approved, subject to availability, and need 24 hours' notice.

Educator playing with toddlers during a casual day of childcare

What is casual childcare?

Casual childcare (sometimes called occasional care) lets you book individual days at Redfern Cottage when you need them, rather than committing to the same days every week. Your child joins the room for their age group, follows the same play-based learning program as our permanent families, and is cared for by the same experienced educators.

Casual bookings are available for children aged 3 months to 5 years at our centre on Lind Street, Minto. Casual days run on our normal hours, Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and they attract the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families.

When a casual day helps

Toddler painting at the art table during a casual day
Happy children playing together in a cubby house
Children doing a hands-on craft activity together
Children playing together at a sensory table

Appointments

Get through medical visits, study sessions or errands without juggling little ones.

Extra work days

Cover a picked-up shift, a busy week or a change to your roster.

First time in care

See how your child enjoys a day at Redfern Cottage before you decide on regular days.

A well-earned break

Take a day to rest and recharge, knowing your child is happy and learning.

Toddler in a sun hat playing a matching card game outdoors

New to Redfern Cottage? Start with a casual day

You don't need to be enrolled with us to book a casual day. It's a simple way to meet our educators, see our rooms and outdoor play space, and find out if Redfern Cottage is the right fit for your family.

  • No enrolment, bond or upfront fee needed to book

  • Casual days attract the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families

  • Your child gets the same meals, program and educators as our permanent families

  • If your child loves it, we'll help you move to regular days

How to book a casual day

Booking takes three simple steps. Please give us at least 24 hours' notice.

Child drawing at the activity table

1. Get in touch

Call us on (02) 8880 9892 or send an enquiry at least 24 hours before the day you need. Tell us your child's name, age and preferred date.

Children playing together in the outdoor play area

3. Drop off and enjoy

Once your booking is confirmed, bring your child in on the day. We provide meals and nappies, so you only need to pack a hat and a spare change of clothes.

2. We check availability

Our team checks for a space in your child's age room. If you're new to Redfern Cottage, we'll also collect a few details about your child, like health needs and emergency contacts.

Smiling child holding up their artwork

What's included on a casual day

A casual day at Redfern Cottage is a full Redfern Cottage day. Your child gets everything our permanent families receive.

Gourmet meals

Nutritious meals prepared fresh each day by our on-site chef, on a 4-week rotating menu that caters for allergies and dietary needs.

Nappies provided

Nappies are supplied for babies and toddlers, so you don't need to pack them.

Play-based learning

Our program follows the Early Years Learning Framework, with a School Readiness Program for preschoolers.

Experienced educators

A knowledgeable team who know how to help a new child settle in.

A space for babies

A separate outdoor play area just for children aged 0 to 2.

Big outdoor playground

A spacious sandpit, grassy hills, climbing frames and a cubby house.

Good to know before you book

Ages 3 months to 5 years

Casual bookings are open to babies, toddlers and preschoolers across our four rooms.

24 hours' notice

Please contact us at least 24 hours before your requested day.

Subject to availability

Casual places depend on how many children are booked into each room that day.

Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm

Casual days run on our normal opening hours.

CCS approved

Casual days attract the Child Care Subsidy for eligible families. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket cost.

No enrolment needed

New families can book a casual day without enrolling first. We'll take a few details about your child before the day.

Find us in Minto

We welcome casual families from Minto, Leumeah, Ingleburn, Bow Bowing, Raby, Woodbine, Claymore, Eagle Vale, Eschol Park and Kearns.

Visit us

20 Lind St

Minto NSW 2566

On the historic Redfern Cottage site

Get directions

Get in touch

(02) 8880 9892

cottage@redferncottage.nsw.edu.au

Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm

Contact us

Casual childcare FAQs

Ready to take a break?

Call us on (02) 8880 9892 or send an enquiry to book a casual day at Redfern Cottage, or start your enrolment online.

Happy children enjoying a casual day, playing outdoors and dressing up

CCS approved