Burnside Kindergarten

We value trusting, positive, collaborative and inclusive relationships between children, staff, families and the community. We endeavour to be a kindergarten where everyone feels welcome and that they belong.

At Burnside Kindergarten we ALL believe that Belonging, Becoming and Being are important

• Belonging Knowing where and with whom you belong. Family and community.
• Becoming Reflect on the changes that occur in the early years
• Being Recognising the significance of the here and now

We also believe that whilst at Burnside Kindergarten all children, families and educators should feel safe, secure, supported and respected.

In relation to children we believe that each child has the right to be an individual, has the right to play, the right to learn at their own pace and in their own way and every child should have a sense of inclusion. They should feel important and valued for themselves.

We believe family’s, parents and educators should work in partnership to create the best possible outcomes for all children. Families are encouraged and supported to engage with the service to create a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Our program provides children with the opportunity to learn through play and our educators adhere to the National and State Frameworks.

Our Kindergarten features:

• Large outdoor play space
• Interactive yard
• Vegetable gardens
• Large shaded areas to play under
• Mud play area
• Resident rabbit 'Snowy'
• Large sandpit
• Bike track
• A large swing to join your friends

• We Implement a child centred, play based program
• Provide a flexible program that provides for different learning styles
• Encourage each child to reach their full potential
• Encourage children to respond to and create learning environments
• Develop awareness, respect and responsibility for surroundings
• Introduce children to a wide range of experiences
• Use indoor and outdoor environments to support and promote learning and growth.

In addition, the following is included:

• Excursions to local school
• Story park for families to track their children’s development.
• Incursions
• Local community visits

The Victorian Government provides funding to support children to access a high quality kindergarten program in the two years before they start school. This helps to ensure all Victorian children get the best start in life.

From 2023, the Victorian Government is making kindergarten programs free for three and four-year-old children – saving you and your family up to $2,500 per year for their program. Free Kinder is a critical component of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform.