A child’s educational journey often begins in the kindergarten years, and these are among the most important in a child’s life. “During the period from birth to eight years, children experience more rapid brain development and acquire more skills and knowledge than in any other period in their lives” (Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, 2009). Accordingly, it is important to choose a high-quality kindergarten program that reflects the values of your family, and supports your child to achieve their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.

“Play provides opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. When children play with other children, they create social groups, test out ideas, challenge each other’s thinking and build new understandings. Play provides a supportive environment where children can ask questions, solve problems and engage in critical thinking. Play can expand children’s thinking and enhance their desire to know and to learn.” (Belonging, Being, Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, 2009).

At Little St Margaret’s, we value the importance of play in children’s learning and our curriculum reflects this through our play-based approach.

Small class sizes provide the benefits of a secure, intimate, nurturing and stimulating environment. Class sizes at Little St Margaret’s are significantly lower than comparable services, which enables educators to better support each individual child to develop emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially. As a result of the higher than average educator to child ratios at Little St Margaret’s, each child has the ability to choose their own learning path to achieve their educational goals.

Educators at Little St. Margaret’s work closely with families throughout their kindergarten years, discussing school readiness and how to best support and prepare children for the formal years of schooling. Our 4 year-old kindergarten curriculum includes specifically designed transition-to-school programs, which ensure the smooth and successful move from the kindergarten to school environment. Aspects of these include: school orientation visits, prep teachers visiting kindergarten, parent/teacher interviews, written Transition Learning and Development Statements, and events such as “School Fun Day” at kindergarten where children wear their school uniforms and participate in school orientation activities.

Children can begin 3-year-old kindergarten if they turn three years old on or before 30 April in the year they attend. However, they cannot start attending until after their third birthday. For example, if your child turns three in February, March, or April, they will need to wait until after their birthday to begin the program, even though they are eligible. Please note that, under current Government policies, children are eligible for two years of funded kindergarten. Further information from the Department of Education can be found here - Quick guide for parents.

Children can begin 4-year-old kindergarten if they turn four years old on or before 30 April in the year they attend.

We encourage families to speak with our educators when considering the right time to start kindergarten. Discussing your child’s school starting year can help guide this important decision and ensure the best outcomes for your child’s learning journey.