2026 Comparison
Goodstart vs Only About Children
Australia's largest not-for-profit childcare vs a premium private operator. Which suits your family?
Winner
Goodstart Early Learning
Best overall childcare choice when fee level, centre reach, and rating are weighed together.
Average Gap
$11
Difference in average childcare fees across comparable service bands.
Market Range
$12 - $200
The combined low-to-high fee range across both providers.
Melbourne, VIC · Est. 2010
From
$12
Average
$65
Coverage
10 areas
Best for: Families wanting a trusted national provider with inclusive early learning programs
Review Goodstart Early LearningSydney, NSW · Est. 2003
From
$15
Average
$76
Coverage
6 areas
Best for: Families wanting premium early learning with chef-prepared meals and purpose-built facilities
Review Only About ChildrenPrice Comparison
Side-by-side pricing for matching services
| Service | Goodstart Early Learning | Only About Children | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Day Care (per day) | $140 | $168 | -$28 |
| Before School Care (per session) | $22 | $26 | -$4 |
| After School Care (per session) | $35 | $40 | -$5 |
| Vacation Care (per day) | $72 | $82 | -$10 |
| Occasional Care (per hour) | $16 | $20 | -$4 |
| Family Day Care (per day) | $105 | $118 | -$13 |
Pros & Cons
Goodstart Early Learning
Winner- ✓Australia's largest not-for-profit provider with consistent standards
- ✓Inclusive programs for children with additional needs
- ✓CCS (Child Care Subsidy) approved across all centres
- ✓Qualified early childhood educators at every centre
- ✗Large-scale operation can feel less personal
- ✗Wait lists common at popular centres
- ✗Fees vary significantly between locations
- ✗Staff turnover can be higher than boutique centres
Only About Children
- ✓Premium purpose-built centres with outstanding facilities
- ✓Chef-prepared nutritious meals included in fees
- ✓Strong sustainability and outdoor learning focus
- ✓Highly qualified educators with low staff-to-child ratios
- ✗Among the most expensive childcare options
- ✗Limited to Sydney and Melbourne metro areas
- ✗Long wait lists at most centres
- ✗No regional or rural coverage
Our Verdict
Goodstart offers affordable fees with 660+ centres and inclusive programs, while Only About Children provides boutique premium care with smaller ratios. Goodstart is best for: Families wanting affordable quality care with CCS maximisation. Only About Children is best for: Parents wanting premium boutique childcare with smaller group sizes.
Choose Goodstart for value and accessibility. Choose Only About Children for premium boutique care.
Shortlist The Better Fit Faster
Review full provider pricing, service areas, and pros before you request quotes or book a job.
Comparison FAQ
Goodstart Early Learning is approximately 14% cheaper on average across comparable services. Prices still vary by job size, inclusions, and location, so compare the exact service you need.
Goodstart Early Learning services 10 areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane...), while Only About Children services 6 areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Wollongong...).
Choose Goodstart for value and accessibility. Choose Only About Children for premium boutique care.