About Council-managed kindergartens
Our play-based programs across 23 Council-managed kindergartens give every child the best start and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
- Our qualified and experienced early childhood teachers and educators help children become curious, creative and confident about learning.
- Our kindergarten programs are designed to meet the needs of our local families. All kindergarten programs work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. This makes sure the programs are appropriate for children's ages, needs and interests.
- We support every child to join and learn, including those who may need extra support. If you have questions about your child’s learning and development, our team is here to help. Extra help is available through programs like Kindergarten Inclusion Support (KIS) and Preschool Field Officer (PSFO)
- We use The Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education program to help children learn respectfully about First Nations histories, cultures, and contributions.
Our Child Safe Commitment
Your child’s safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. Wyndham City is a Child Safe Organisation and we follow the Victorian Child Safe Standards, which means:
- Children are protected from harm
- Children feel safe, respected, and supported
- Families are partners in promoting safety and inclusion
After you accept a kinder place: What to expect
Step 1: Attend an Online Welcome Session and join an Enrol and Play Session
When: October/November (the year before kindergarten starts)
After you accept an offer for a Council-managed kindergarten, we will email you a booking link for our online Welcome Session and Enrol and Play Session at your child’s kindergarten.
Our online Welcome Sessions are ideal for families who cannot attend in person and cover general information about our kindergarten programs. Our Enrol and Play Sessions are held in person and give you the chance to explore the space, meet educators and learn about the types of learning your child will experience as well as get support with any enrolment paperwork.
Step 2: Submit Your Enrolment Record
When: November (the year before kindergarten starts)
After our online Welcome Sessions, we’ll email you the link to complete your online enrolment form. To confirm your child’s enrolment, you need to provide a current Immunisation History Statement. This is known as 'No Jab No Play'. Learn more about 'No Jab No Play' at vic.gov.au/child-immunisation
Step 3: Starting kindergarten
When: January to February
We know starting kindergarten is a big and exciting step for families. That’s why we have created an orientation experience that helps you connect with our team and supports your child to settle in, feel safe, and build a true sense of belonging as they begin their kindergarten journey.
The First Step: Our Philosophy
Our 23 Council kindergartens put people first. We follow five key pillars to give your child the best start:
Guided by Our Five Pillars
Empowering Children We treat children as "citizens of the world." We listen to their voices and let them make choices.
Family Partnerships We work with you. Our services respect your unique family values and needs.
Expert Staff Our educators use the latest research and keep their skills sharp through regular training.
Leading Through Innovation We always look for better ways to work and use digital tools to make your experience smoother.
Creating Community Impact We connect our services with local networks to get the best results for your family.
A Safe Place to Belong We provide a kind, inclusive space where every child feels safe and welcome.
Getting Ready for the Adventure
What to wear Dress your child for messy, active play! Please do not send them in "good" clothes.
Warm Weather: Sun hats, sunscreen and sturdy shoes (no slippers, thongs or Crocs)
Cool Weather: Warm coats, jumpers and gumboots for puddle jumping!
What to bring each day
A backpack
Full change of clothes (extra if toilet training)
A wide-brimmed sun hat
Healthy food and a water bottle
Note: Please leave toys at home so they do not get lost or broken
A Day of Play and Growth
Play is how children learn. It builds their brains, bodies and social skills. Even if your child does not bring home a painting every day, they are learning through:
Building with blocks
Pretend play and music
Exploring nature and the outdoors
Talking and investigating
Building Literacy & Numeracy We learn math and reading by counting games, sharing books, singing rhymes and using digital sign-in tools.
Tip: Ask your child: "What surprised you today?" or "What was your favourite place to play?"
A Second Year of Kindergarten Sometimes, an extra year of kindergarten helps a child build the confidence and social skills they need for school.
Who is eligible? Your child may be able to do a second year of kindergarten (or Pre-Prep) if they show delays in two or more of these areas:
Speech How they talk and understand language
Social/Emotional How they play with others and manage feelings
Physical Their movement and coordination
Learning How they solve problems and understand new ideas
How it works
Observation Your teacher will talk with you if they notice your child needs extra support.
Assessment You and the teacher will work together to decide if a second year is the best move.
Application We send the paperwork to the Department of Education in Term 3 or 4 for approval.
Staying Safe and Well
Healthy Lunchboxes
Please pack Sandwiches, fruit, veggies, cheese or crackers.
Please avoid Chips, sweet biscuits, juice or cake.
Our Food Program We believe a healthy start leads to a great day of learning. Our Food Program provides free, nutritious morning meals to help children settle in and focus.
Why it matters Eating a healthy breakfast helps children attend more regularly and improves their ability to learn and play.
How it works Our kindergartens are flexible to meet the needs of our local community.
Our approach We involve the children in the process! Our educators help children learn important life skills by helping to prepare healthy snacks, learning how to wash up and tidy their space, and understanding where food comes from.
Food is always available We know that busy bodies need fuel. If a child is hungry, healthy staples like bread, cereal and fresh fruit are ready for them to eat throughout the day, not just at set mealtimes.
When to stay home If your child has a sore throat, heavy cold or fever, please keep them home until they have recovered.
Medication Expectations We need written permission to give medication. It must be:
In the original bottle with a clear label.
Marked with your child’s name and dose.
Handed directly to an educator (never left in a bag).
All-Weather Play We play outside in all types of weather! To keep your child safe from the sun, hats are compulsory from mid-August to the end of April.
What kind of hat is best? To protect your child's face, neck and ears, please pack:
Yes Wide-brimmed hats.
Yes Bucket hats.
Yes Legionnaire hats (the ones with the flap at the back).
No Baseball caps (these do not protect the ears or neck).
Sunscreen & Clothing
Please apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before your child arrives.
Dress your child in clothes that cover their shoulders (please avoid singlet tops or strappy dresses).
Traveling Together: Family and Community
Drop off and pickup
Sign-In/Out: Use our digital app every day. Your educator can help you set this up.
Safety: We only release children to people listed as "authorised nominees" on your form.
Term dates and child free days
Term Dates We follow the Victorian school terms.
Child-Free Days We have 3 days a year (Term 1 start, Mid-year and Term 4 end) where we close for staff training.
Public Holidays We are closed on all Victorian public holidays.
Get Involved We love having families help! You can:
Join our Family and Friends Yarning Club (FFYC) to give feedback which meets once a term
Share a skill like cooking or music
Volunteer for events or cultural celebrations
Communication We use StoryPark to share updates and your child’s learning journey. Please also check your child’s bag for paper notices as some of our kindergartens have different ways to share learning, they will let you know what is happening in one way or another!
Sharing feedback
Your feedback supports our services Your voice helps us improve.
Talk to us Speak with your educators first. If you need more help, we have a clear escalation process.
Surveys Look out for quick surveys in Terms 1 and 3 and a bigger one in Term 4.
Online Feedback Compliments and complaints about our kindergarten service can also be given here.
Policies and Procedures
While your child is enrolled in a Wyndham City kindergarten, you may need to access our policies and procedures. They are listed here, and you can also request a copy from your child’s kinder. All of Wyndham City Council’s kindergarten policies are linked to the National Quality Standards.
Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice
Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
- Providing a Child Safe Environment
- Supervision of Children
- Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisations
- Administration of First Aid
- Administration of Medication
- Asthma, Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions
- Dealing with Medical Conditions
- Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness
- Dealing with Infectious Diseases
- Diabetes, Epilepsy and Seizures
- Hygiene and Infection Control
- Health Eating, Oral Health and Active Play
- Emergency Management and Evacuation
- Safe Arrival of Children
- Delivery and Collection of Children
- Safe Transport and Road Safety Education
- Excursion and Service Events
- Sleep, Rest and Relaxation
- Sun and Heat Protection
- Water Safety
- Tobacco, E-Ciagrettes, Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Snakes and Snake Bite Management
- eSafety for Children
Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership