Oakleigh South Kindergarten

Author : Beasley Lynn | Published On : 07 Nov 2026

Three decades ago, the school was earmarked for closure and listed among the worst performing in Victoria. With flexible attendance options, each day is shaped by a responsive, Reggio-inspired curriculum that values exploration, relationships, and the wonder of discovery. Creating an account helps us better understand your needs and the needs of the community.
The first years of a child's life are a critical period bentleigh east preschool of intense learning and are the foundation for later academic and social success. Children who attend quality kindergarten programs start to develop skills such as how to count and recognise numbers and letters, and how to solve problems. Children build their confidence and independence at kindergarten and learn social and emotional skills. Beyond individual centre tours, Oakleigh South families have access to several resources that can help with the childcare search process.

The existing building will be demolished to make way for a brand-new kindergarten facility. The rebuild and extension of Ward Avenue Kindergarten has regard for the local neighbourhood needs. The kindergarten rebuild and extension also aligns with the Council Plan, the Integrated Health and Wellbeing Plan as well as the underlying principles of the Early Years Infrastructure Plan. Oakleigh Grammar's Early Learning Centre (ELC) turns learning into an exciting and vibrant adventure for your little ones! Our state-of-the-art facility is brimming with natural light and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage exploration and creativity.
Our Senior School begins in Year 10, acting as a launchpad pre-VCE , building on the foundations of the IB MYP and preparing students for success as they progress to VCE. Students are guided through subject selection, goal setting and preparation for exams, ensuring they are supposed to achieve their best. Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in. For kindergarten your child will need morning tea and lunch (dependent on the length of the program day). Imagine Childcare & Kindergarten Oakleigh South is frequently evaluated by families prioritizing EYLF structured learning. Get weekly early learning news, parenting guides, and new listings near you — straight to your inbox.
We prioritise strong, genuine connections between educators, children, and families, creating a foundation of trust and belonging. Educators carefully guide these discoveries, helping children build confidence, develop critical-thinking skills, and make connections to the world around them. The Ballarat Y is the service that currently runs Ward Avenue Kindergarten, and they will continue to operate the kindergarten after the construction of the new building. Beyond the classroom, diverse co-curricular programs - including sports, performing arts, and leadership - foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. We rigorously follow the child-safe standards set out by the Victorian Government.

This framework focuses on play-based learning and the core concepts of Belonging, Being, and Becoming to support your child’s holistic development. We know children and families like routine, so you will always receive a warm welcome each morning and an invitation to stay for breakfast. At the end of the day, a smooth transition is assured with your child’s belongings ready for you after a day that fulfils your child's interests and curiosity. In between, the day is filled with new and exciting experiences to engage young minds as part of their early childhood education.Here’s a glimpse of what a day of play-based learning at our childcare centre often looks like.
Under the NQF, at least 50% of educators must hold or be actively working towards an approved Diploma level early childhood qualification, while all other educators must hold at least a Certificate III. Centres must also employ a bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) based on the number of children. Centres require children to wear hats and apply sunscreen before going outside, and outdoor play areas must have adequate shade. Being outside also gives children the chance to connect with nature, learn about sustainability (such as tending to centre veggie gardens or worm farms), and experience the freedom of open-air play.

Importantly, Australian centres must have robust food safety protocols in place. With anaphylaxis being a serious concern, many centres operate as nut-free environments. When touring a centre, ask to see their allergy action plans and how they communicate daily menu changes for children with specific dietary needs. When visiting, ask about the centre’s track record with supporting neurodivergent children. Ask how they provide inclusive resources-such as sensory areas or visual schedules.
For older children, this includes visits to our local school, supporting a successful transition. We are proud to be one of a small number of schools offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in Melbourne. In line with the International Baccalaureate mission statement, Oakleigh Grammar values education that goes beyond academic development. The school encourages students to develop awareness beyond the individual and his or her immediate community. As a part of our holistic educational program in the kindergarten room our team will support children to develop competence in the these areas.
At Oakleigh Grammar, Junior School combines explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning to support every student’s growth. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme encourages both personal and academic achievement. This challenges students to excel in both their studies and personal development.

A strength-based approach to learning allows children to develop a strong sense of belonging and connectedness between the kindergarten and the school. ECMS is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to achieving high-quality early learning outcomes for children across our 76 kindergarten and childcare centres, with child safety and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do. Parents should also explore whether their employer offers the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or workplace centre partnerships, which can provide significant tax savings. Our teachers and educators are highly qualified and experienced, and work as a team to provide learning based on children’s needs and interests.
With a focus on the My Time Our Place Framework, Oakleigh OSHC’s program is tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of the students. We have opted into the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder program and as such families accessing a funded kindergarten position at our service will do so with no out of pocket expense. SchoolMyKids calculates the ratings based on a machine learned model instead of a raw rating average.