Who we are
Our Founders
Richard and Lea Rule have a combined experience of over 60 years in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary education, they bring a rich and broad array of knowledge and skills to the development of innovative centres for children. With many years of educational leadership experience in multiple sectors of education, Lea and Richard have developed an extensive understanding of children, families and the educational process. They have raised four of their own children and have a keen understanding of the demands and joys of parenthood.
Having established over 14 centres throughout the Hunter region, including The Rumpus Room Child Care Centres and Narnia Early Learning Centres. Together they have acquired invaluable knowledge of what constitutes excellence in business and are now applying the years of wisdom and experience to this new Astelier venture.
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and is deeply committed to creating learning environments where children, families, and educators feel a strong sense of belonging.
Her practice is guided by a play-based pedagogy and a strong belief in intentional teaching—building on each child’s strengths, interests, and emerging capabilities to support their growth and development.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. She is passionate about leading with purpose and supporting educators to grow in confidence and capability. Through mentoring, reflective practice, and strong team leadership, Lisa is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. She leads with respect, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping both children and educators thrive.
To be recognised for exceptional customer service, inspiring learning environments, and a culture of care, growth, and trust that makes us the centre of choice in the Hunter for families and educators
Our core values
Trust is our foundation
People come first
We strive for excellence
We succeed together
A joyful adventure
FAQs
To be added to our waiting list, please complete an application form here. We will contact you if we are able to confirm a position is/will be available for the requested start date.
When a place becomes available for your child, you will be contacted with an offer of enrolment.
Yes, we would be delighted to show you around our beautiful centre, introduce you to our staff and answer your questions.
Families may be eligible for government support to reduce the cost of care. The CCS helps cover fees depending on your family’s income, activity level, and other criteria.
- Are caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
- Have more than 48 hours each fortnight of recognised participation
- Have an exemption or experience exceptional circumstances, or
receive Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing, temporary financial hardship or grandparent payments.
For an Indication of your Gap Fee estimate- please find the Calculator Below:
Your child may also be eligible for NSW Government’s Start Strong Fee Relief.
The NSW Government also provides additional fee relief for children attending Long Day Care services aged from 3 years and over for the two years before they start Primary School.
This funding is separate to your CCS, and is an additional discount off your weekly Gap fee.
The funding amount in 2026 can be up to $51.26 per week for children 4 years and over in the year before school (born on or before 31 July 2022), or up to $15.38 per week for children 3 years old and over in the second year prior to Primary School (born between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023).
Once enrolled, we will provide additional information in regard to the Start Strong Fee Relief Program, your eligibility and applicable forms to complete in order to claim the funding.