Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Coffs Harbour
Gumnut Cottage has been serving the Coffs Harbour community since 1989, providing high-quality, affordable, and flexible childcare within a stimulating educational environment. Owned by Coffs Harbour City Council and operated by a dedicated Management Committee, we prioritise sustainability, diversity, and healthy lifestyles. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring age-appropriate, inclusive education that nurtures individual growth. With a team of qualified educators, we foster creativity, resilience, and environmental stewardship through play-based learning. Our centre features purpose-built rooms for different age groups, a nutritious kitchen adhering to NSW Health guidelines, and extensive outdoor spaces designed for sensory exploration.We maintain strong partnerships with families, offering open communication and opportunities for involvement in daily activities. Recognised for excellence in food safety and sustainability practices, including a Bush Tucker Garden, we continually enhance our services through quality improvement initiatives. Accredited under the National Quality Framework, we provide fee subsidies via the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy scheme. Our commitment to professional development ensures our team remains at the forefront of early childhood education. For over three decades, we have been a trusted, family-oriented childcare provider in the region.
Services
Child Care
Early Learning
Nutritious Meals
Sustainability Programs
Family Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our team includes six university-trained Early Childhood Teachers.
- We maintain a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio in our youngest room.
- Our Bush Tucker Garden promotes sustainability and environmental awareness.
- We received a 5-star Excellent rating for food safety in 2025.
Associations and certifications
- National Quality Framework
- NSW Health/Munch and Move
What people say
Best quality care
Safe and wonderful environment
Confidence growth
Phenomenal staff
Nutritious meals
Services
Possum Room
Our Possum Room provides nurturing care for infants aged 6 weeks to 2 years in a secure environment. With a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio, we focus on sensory development and introduce age-appropriate meals. Educators support emotional bonding and foundational learning through play-based activities.
Wombat Room
The Wombat Room caters to children aged 2-3 years with a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher and support staff. Our curriculum encourages social interaction and motor skill development through structured play and exploration in a purpose-designed learning space.
Wallaby Room
Our Wallaby Room offers a preschool program for 3-6 year olds, preparing children for school through structured learning activities. With a 1:10 staff ratio, we focus on literacy, numeracy, and social skills while maintaining strong connections to nature and sustainability.
People
Stephanie Ormsby
Director / Nominated Supervisor
Stephanie holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and a Bachelor of Education. She leads our team with over 15 years' experience in early childhood education, focusing on creating nurturing environments that support child development.
Vanessa Gentle
Possum Room Co Room Leader
Vanessa, with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), oversees the Possum Room. She specialises in infant care and has over a decade of experience implementing safe, stimulating programs for our youngest children.
Veronica Doyle
Wombat Room Co Room Leader
Veronica, an Early Childhood Teacher, leads the Wombat Room team. She has 12 years' experience developing age-appropriate curricula that foster social and emotional development in toddlers.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years across three dedicated rooms: Possum (0-2), Wombat (2-3), and Wallaby (3-6).
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide four daily meals prepared by our qualified chef, following NSW Health Munch and Move guidelines. We accommodate dietary requirements with prior notice.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:15am to 6:15pm, closing for NSW public holidays and three weeks over Christmas/New Year.
Do you offer government subsidies?
As an approved service, we pass on the Child Care Subsidy directly to families. Most families qualify for this Australian Government financial assistance.
How do you support child development?
Our programs use the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on play-based learning that develops creativity, resilience, and environmental awareness through structured and spontaneous activities.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We maintain a Bush Tucker Garden, practice waste reduction, and incorporate sustainability into our curriculum. Children participate in growing and harvesting produce used in our meals.
Reviews (1)
Jami Winnacott
Jan 25, 2018
Report
Gumnut Cottage has a very professional and educated team that are dedicated to nurturing, supporting and growing children to be ready to take on their next step. The open door policy invites parents to participate, engage and contribute to the children's learning and provides peace of mind.
