A purposeful final year before school
Our four-year-old Kindergarten program at Meraki Bayswater is delivered Monday to Friday during Victorian school terms, within our long day care setting — combining the benefits of funded kindergarten with the flexibility of extended care.
Led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher and supported by experienced educators, the program blends play-based learning with intentional teaching to build the literacy, numeracy, social and emotional skills children need to thrive at school.
Inside the program
The kinder rooms span two light-filled storeys with views across the court — a calm, curiosity-inspired environment shaped by our Hygge philosophy. Throughout the day children move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, with purposeful whole-group and small-group sessions woven through.
Inquiry projects, community outings and incursions extend children's thinking and help them build meaningful connections with the world around them. As the year progresses, the focus on school readiness deepens — self-regulation, listening, problem-solving, early literacy and numeracy.
Lunches and snacks are provided, with allergy and dietary needs catered for. The year concludes with a special end-of-year excursion to celebrate the children's growth and friendships before they head off to Prep.
Inside the kinder rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions families ask about four-year-old kinder at Meraki Bayswater.
How do I enrol my child in four-year-old kinder at Meraki Bayswater?
You can register your interest through our enrolment page or by contacting the centre directly. Places are limited each day, so we recommend enrolling early — ideally the year before your child is due to start. Our team will guide you through the Department of Education kindergarten enrolment forms.
Is the program funded by the Victorian Government?
Yes. Our four-year-old kindergarten at Bayswater is a funded program delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, in line with the Victorian Government's funded kindergarten requirements. Eligible families also receive Free Kinder funding, which significantly reduces the cost.
How old does my child need to be to start?
Children need to be four years old by 30 April in the year they start four-year-old kinder, in line with Victorian Government guidelines. If you're unsure whether your child is ready or eligible, our team is happy to talk it through with you.
What hours and days does kinder run?
Four-year-old kinder at Bayswater runs Monday to Friday during Victorian school terms. Because we're an integrated long day care, families can choose a kinder-only day or a full childcare day that wraps before- and after-kinder care around the program — open 6:30am to 6:30pm.
Are meals included or do I need to pack lunch?
Lunches are provided for all children, adapted to dietary and allergy needs, along with morning tea, afternoon tea and a late snack. In term four, children are encouraged to bring a packed lunch once or twice a week to help them get used to what it will be like at school.
How do you support the transition to school?
Throughout the year, our teacher builds school-readiness skills like self-regulation, listening in groups, problem-solving, early literacy and numeracy. We complete a Transition Learning and Development Statement for each child to share with their school, and host conversations about the move to Prep in term four.
Can I book a tour of the Bayswater kinder rooms?
Yes — we'd love to show you around. Tours are the best way to see the rooms and outdoor space in action, meet our team, and ask any questions specific to your child.
Have another question? Get in touch with our team.
Secure your child's place at Bayswater kinder
Book a tour to see the four-year-old kinder rooms and chat about the transition to school.