How Astute can help you.

Expert Solutions for Early Childhood Service Providers

Running an early childhood service is an incredibly rewarding yet complex responsibility. Balancing compliance, operations, quality education, team leadership, and family engagement can be overwhelming. At Astute Early Years Specialists, we understand the unique challenges faced by childcare owners, directors, and operators, and we provide tailored solutions to help your service thrive, grow, and succeed.

Whether you’re starting a new service, need operational support, or want to enhance your business strategy, our team of industry experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

Operational reviews & problem solving

Not sure where to start? Feel like something isn’t quite right but can’t pinpoint the issue? Whether you need an operational review, an annual business plan, or hands-on support during a challenging period, Astute will assess your situation and create a tailored action plan to move your centre forward.

Childcare services management

Need short-term or long-term support running your service? Whether you require temporary leadership while you step away or ongoing operational management, we offer: 1. Operational & Business Management – Focus on financial sustainability, compliance, enrolments, and overall centre performance. 2. Educational & Practice Management – Enhance curriculum development, quality frameworks, and professional growth for educators. Our experienced Operations Managers and Education & Practice Managers will tailor a support package to suit your service’s needs and budget.

New service acquisition and establishment

Are you a new owner, school principal, or P&C committee looking to establish a childcare service? Congratulations! While owning and operating an early years service is deeply rewarding, it also comes with complex licensing, compliance, and operational requirements.

With over 300 centres successfully opened, Astute will guide you through every step, including:

Service setup & program management
Licensing & compliance navigation
Business strategy & financial modelling
Staff recruitment & leadership support
Marketing & enrolment strategies

Avoid the “sink or swim” scenario—let us help you build a strong foundation for success.

Specialist Support for Not-for-Profit & Local Council-Owned Centres

Not-for-profit and council-run centres have unique challenges, including balancing affordability, compliance, and community expectations. Our team specialises in helping NFP organisations, local councils, and community services with:

Governance & Compliance Support – Ensure regulatory alignment and operational efficiencyFinancial
Sustainability & Grant Assistance – Secure funding and improve financial health
Staffing & Leadership Development – Strengthen governance, recruitment, and team management
Community Engagement & Growth – Increase enrolments and enhance service reputation
Quality Improvement & NQF Readiness – Ensure outstanding assessment and rating results

We provide practical, ethical, and sustainable solutions that support your mission and long-term success.

Strategic & Business Planning

Managing one service or multiple requires careful planning and execution. Whether you’re looking to expand, consolidate, or improve efficiency, we’ll work alongside approved providers and leadership teams to create:

Annual Operational Plans
Financial budgets & forecasting
Growth & downsizing strategies
Workforce planning & leadership development

Marketing & Social Media Management

Maximise your centre’s visibility, brand awareness, and enrolment growth with expert-led marketing strategies. Our team of marketing specialists provides full-service support, including:

Website development, maintenance & SEO
Social media management, setup & advertising
Content creation (blogs, newsletters, videos)
Marketing & community engagement plans
Stakeholder engagement strategies
Professional photography & videography
Printed collateral design & printing

We’ll help your centre stand out, connect with families, and build trust within your community.

Recruitment & Workforce Development

Building and retaining a strong, high-performing team is critical to your service’s success. We offer:

Full-cycle recruitment – Job ads, interviews, reference checks & contracts
Roster & workforce planning – Improve efficiency & reduce costs
Leadership training & mentoring – Develop confident, capable centre leaders
Team culture & engagement – Strengthen communication, values & staff retention
Professional development workshops – Enhance educator skills & performance

Our Early Years Specialists ensure you attract, train, and retain the best talent in the industry.

National Quality Framework (NQF) Support

Do you need help navigating the NQF, NQS, or Assessment & Rating (A&R) process? Many service providers struggle to stay on top of evolving compliance requirements. We provide expert support to ensure your centre meets and exceeds regulatory standards, including:

Mock Assessments – Prepare your team for success before A&R
QIP Review & Development – Strengthen your quality improvement plan Coaching & Training – Ensure your team understands the National Law & Framework
Compliance & Best Practice Guidance – Protect your centre from risks

We’ll help you build a high-quality, compliant, and future-ready service.

Get the Expert Support You Need

Astute Early Years Specialists are here to help—whether you need a business turnaround strategy, new centre support, workforce solutions, or NQF guidance.
Click here to contact us today to discuss how we can support your service’s success

Digital Tools

Astute’s going digital and we know you are just going to LOVE it. Check out our current products below, that you can access anytime, anywhere.

Have you taken the Five Points of Quality Assessment for your centre yet? Do it now and get your free report instantly! Okay let’s do this.

If you’re truly stuck or need intensive support on-the-ground, get in touch to book your confidential Discovery Call today.

Latest news

Big Win at the Queensland Mining Awards!

We are beyond excited to announce that the Childcare Leadership Alliance won the Community, Staff Engagement, or Equal Opportunity Award at the 2024 Queensland Mining

SEO Strategy for a Childcare Centre Website

In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is essential for any childcare centre looking to attract and engage with prospective parents.

BMA and Astute Early Years Specialists Nominated for Prestigious Queensland Mining Award

We at Astute Early Years Specialists are thrilled to announce that our collaborative initiative with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has been nominated for the Community, Staff Engagement, or Equal Opportunity Award at the esteemed Queensland Mining Awards. This nomination is a significant acknowledgment of our innovative efforts in regional childcare through the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA) project.