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See what our community have to say
The Patch Kindergarten ticks all the boxes when it comes to looking for the best start for your little one. What we found was a kinder that was super organised, professional yet still so organic, supportive and loving. It’s rare to find a learning environment that is run so well! The educators have so much passion and attention to detail and know the things that truly matter to the kids. You will struggle to find better educators or a more gorgeous building and play area. We are so grateful for our boy’s time there and cannot recommend The Patch highly enough!
Kinder is actually just my favourite place in the whole wide world, and that’s pretty big.
At The Patch Kindergarten, we have the highest of expectations for our children – our program is structured to enable each and every child feel secure and supported and develop a strong sense of ownership over “their kinder”. Each child is given the opportunity to grow, learn and laugh as they explore learning opportunities designed specifically for them as individuals.
Our Philosophy
At The Patch Kindergarten, we recognise that early childhood is a unique, valuable and precious time for children. Children have a right to be valued as individuals now, as well as for who they will become in the future. We provide an environment where diversity is celebrated; individual differences are recognised and valued. We value our children’s parents as their first teachers, and work collaboratively to meet the needs of each individual child.
In valuing each individual at The Patch Kindergarten, we build relationships based on respect and care, fostering trustworthy relationships in a diverse community. To ensure support for all, we provide a program that is flexible and responsive to the local community, and includes reflection on our practice to find ways to improve outcomes for children.
We provide an environment in which all members of the community have a voice and are empowered to confidently express their thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Children learn through play, and as such it is our responsibility to provide rich environments which support the development of each child, while maintaining joy and engagement with experiences and people.
The Patch Kindergarten is based upon a welcoming, caring and supportive environment. These values are embedded in educator practices, and will be purposefully taught to the children to foster responsibility, interdependence and a sense of identity.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of our Kindergarten land and show respect and kindness to our natural environment. In placing strong value on environmental education, we regularly access the wider Patch School grounds, alongside our School age friends.
We learn together through exploration, negotiation, cooperation and collaboration.
Our Spaces / Environment
The Patch Kindergarten is a light filled two room kindergarten, attached to The Patch School. With a dedicated large natural play space, and access to the extensive school grounds and wetlands, children can enjoy exploring their own natural wonderland!
Begin the Adventure at The Patch Kindergarten
Inclusions
- Forest Classroom with grade Five Buddies
- Bush Kinder onsite
- Indigenous Program taught by Emily Webbers of Wurruck Yambo
- Access to the facilities and grounds of The Patch School
- After Kinder Care
Timetables
2023 Timetable for 3 Year Olds
Joeys Group
• Monday & Tuesday, 8.55am - 1.55pm
Puggles Group
• Monday & Friday, 8.55am - 1.55pm
Eaglets Group
• Tuesday & Friday, 8.55am - 1.55pm
2023 Timetable for 4 Year Olds
Blue Kangaroos
• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 9.15am - 2.15pm
Orange Echidnas
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9.15am - 2.15pm
Red Wombats
• Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 9.15am - 2.15pm
Green Platypus
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 9.15am - 2.15pm
4YO After Care Thursday
• Thursday, 2.15pm - 3.45pm
4YO After Care Tuesday
• Tuesday, 2.15pm - 3.45pm
4YO After Care Wednesday
• Wednesday, 2.15pm - 3.45pm
2024 Timetable for 3 Year Olds
Joeys Group
• Monday Tuesday & Thursday: 8.50am - 1.50pm
Puggles Group
• Monday, Thursday & Friday: 8.50am - 1.50pm
Eaglets Group
• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8.50am - 1.50pm
Hatchlings Group
• Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 8.50am - 1.50pm
2024 Timetable for 4 Year Olds
Blue Kangaroos
• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.15am - 2.15pm
Orange Echidnas
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9.15am - 2.15pm
Red Wombats
• Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.15am - 2.15pm
Green Platypus
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9.15am - 2.15pm
4YO After Care Thursday
• Thursday: 2.15pm - 3.45pm
4YO After Care Tuesday
• Tuesday: 2.15pm - 3.45pm
4YO After Care Wednesday
• Wednesday: 2.15pm - 3.45pm
Fees
he 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.
FAQs
What should I pack in my child’s bag?
- Lunchbox with healthy snacks and lunch
- Water bottle
- Sunhat/warm coat (weather dependent)
- Change of clothing
- Please name all items in your child’s bag
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend kindergarten?
Every child is an individual and will meet milestones at different times. As such children do not have to be toilet trained to attend kindergarten.
As your child begins to show an interest in the toilet, please talk with the educators in our kindergarten. We will work with you and assist in any way we can. When you begin toilet training, pack many changes of clothes as we may have accidents along the way.
Do I need to pack sunscreen?
As a sun-safe organisation we provide child-friendly sunscreen, however if your child has sensitive skin please feel free to provide your preferred brand.
