I've used 2 centres in Melbourne's CBD. One just for occassional care (the Melbourne City Council Centre in A'Beckett St.) and the ABC Centre in at Melbourne Central (only for 4 sessions).

Having worked in childcare I am very fussy. I know how easy it can be to make everything seem ok, when it's not. My number one factor to consider when choosing a centre is how the staff speak and interact with the children. Certainly the safety of the centre has to be considered but quality of staff could even over-ride that if they are excellent.

I found both these centres to be quite different... and both receive a "pass"... but both could be better. I won't be too critical of either centre as I only used them very briefly. I don't work outside the home and only needed 1 day a week as a break.

I have made an appointment to see Kids On Collins later this month. I've heard very good reports so am hopeful... although it could be problematic because they don't do single days per week.

Thanks ray for mentioning those others... will check them out too.