Wantirna childcare and funded kinder
Meraki ELC Bayswater — an easy trip up Mountain Highway or Boronia Road from Wantirna.
Before you visit
What to expect on your tour
Watch this short preview to see the welcoming learning spaces, meet our educators, and discover the calm, home-like environment your child will experience when you visit Meraki Bayswater. Tours are a great chance to ask questions, explore our rooms, and feel confident before enrolment.
Childcare near Wantirna — Now Enrolling for 2026
Wantirna sits between Bayswater and the rest of Knox, and many local parents are juggling commutes along EastLink or towards Ringwood. Meraki ELC Bayswater is our closest centre to Wantirna, with long day care from 6 weeks, funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten, and hours from 6:30am to 6:30pm to fit around a working day.
Meraki Early Learning Centre Bayswater is a brand-new long daycare and kindergarten on Burton Court, welcoming Wantirna families, caring for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Open 6:30am–6:30pm, our service is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and foster meaningful connections.
Programs for Wantirna children
Most Wantirna families start with long day care, then move into our funded kinder rooms. Both Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and run inside long day care, with Free Kinder funding for eligible children.
Our fees page and Child Care Subsidy guide explain how the daily fee and CCS work together.
Getting from Wantirna to Bayswater
There is no train station in Wantirna, so drop-off is usually by car. Mountain Highway and Boronia Road both lead into Bayswater, making it simple to continue on to EastLink, Ringwood or Knox afterwards.
Why Bayswater is the natural choice
Meraki Bayswater is much closer to Wantirna than our Mooroolbark centre. Families like the calm Curiosity Approach rooms, the chef-prepared meals and the continuity of the same educators from nursery through to kinder.
About Wantirna
Wantirna is a family suburb with plenty of parkland along the Dandenong Creek and easy access to the shops and services around Knox.
Useful pages for Wantirna families:
Wantirna parent questions
Where is the nearest Meraki centre to Wantirna?+
Meraki ELC Bayswater at 17 Burton Court, Bayswater — reached via Mountain Highway or Boronia Road.
Is there funded 3 year old kinder near Wantirna?+
Yes. Meraki Bayswater delivers funded Three Year Old Kindergarten inside long day care, with Free Kinder funding of up to $2,563 per child, per year for eligible families.
What does the daily fee include for Wantirna families?+
Five chef-prepared meals, nappies and sunscreen are included. Eligible families can reduce the fee with the Child Care Subsidy.
Take a look inside
Meraki Bayswater Centre Tour
Step inside our light-filled learning spaces and meet the team caring for your child every day.
Why Wantirna families choose Meraki Bayswater
- •Mountain Highway and Boronia Road connect Wantirna with Bayswater
- •Handy for parents using EastLink or heading to Ringwood
- •Funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten
- •All-inclusive fee covering meals, nappies and sunscreen
- •Child Care Subsidy (CCS) accepted
Everything parents ask first
Meraki Bayswater at a glance
Hours, ages, rooms, fees, subsidy and funded kinder — the details Wantirna families compare before booking a tour.
| Address | 17 Burton Court, Bayswater VIC 3153 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (03) 8658 7880 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm (closed weekends and public holidays) |
| Ages cared for | 6 weeks to 6 years |
| Care types | Long day care, funded 3 Year Old Kinder, funded 4 Year Old Kinder, school-readiness program |
| Rooms | Nursery, toddler and kindergarten/preschool rooms grouped by age |
| Meals | All meals and snacks included in the daily fee, prepared on-site by our chef |
| Fees | Daily fee includes meals, nappies-free of extra charges and all program costs — call for the current daily rate |
| Child Care Subsidy | Approved service — eligible families can receive up to 90% CCS off the daily fee |
| Free Kinder funding | Victorian Free Kinder funding applied to 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten places |
| Enrolment | Enrolling now — book a tour to check current-day availability or join the waitlist |
Fees, Child Care Subsidy & Free Kinder
Meraki Bayswater is a government-approved child care service, so eligible families can claim Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% off the daily fee through Services Australia. Our 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten places also carry Victorian Free Kinder funding, which reduces kinder costs further.
Because funding rates change each year, we quote current fees directly — call (03) 8658 7880 and we'll work out your likely out-of-pocket cost per day.
What's included in the daily fee
- Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack, cooked fresh on-site
- Funded 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten programs led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
- All learning resources, art materials and incursions
- Sunscreen, hats and bed linen
- Daily updates, photos and learning documentation through our family app
No hidden extras for meals, nappies or program costs.
Getting here from Wantirna
Parking & drop-off
Free off-street parking on site at 17 Burton Court, in a quiet court location away from main-road traffic.
By train
About 5 minutes from Bayswater Station on the Belgrave line — children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms.
By bus
Close to Mountain Highway and Canterbury Road bus routes serving Boronia, Wantirna and Heathmont.
Childcare in Wantirna — parent questions
How much does childcare cost at Meraki Bayswater?+
Our daily fee covers everything your child needs for the day — all meals and snacks cooked on-site, nappies and wipes, sunscreen, hats, bed linen and every program cost including our funded kindergarten programs. Fees change with Victorian and Commonwealth funding, so call (03) 8658 7880 for today's daily rate and we'll estimate your out-of-pocket cost after Child Care Subsidy.
Can I use the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) here?+
Yes. Meraki Bayswater is an approved child care service, so eligible families can claim Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% of the daily fee through Services Australia. Your rate depends on family income and activity level — we'll help you set up your enrolment confirmation in myGov.
Is funded kindergarten available at Meraki Bayswater?+
Yes. We deliver funded Three Year Old and Four Year Old Kindergarten led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, with Victorian Free Kinder funding applied. Kinder runs inside our long day care hours, so there are no separate drop-offs or mid-day pick-ups.
Do you have vacancies for Wantirna families?+
Availability changes weekly and varies by age group and day of the week. Call (03) 8658 7880 or book a tour and we'll confirm which days are open in your child's room, or add you to the waitlist for your preferred days.
What are the opening hours and when are you closed?+
We're open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm — long hours that suit shift work and city commutes. We're closed on weekends and Victorian public holidays.
How do I get to Meraki Bayswater and is there parking?+
Free off-street parking on site at 17 Burton Court, in a quiet court location away from main-road traffic. About 5 minutes from Bayswater Station on the Belgrave line — children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms. Close to Mountain Highway and Canterbury Road bus routes serving Boronia, Wantirna and Heathmont.
Our Philosophy
Our Bayswater service embraces the Hygge approach — a philosophy centred on comfort, calm, and connection. This creates a cosy and home-like atmosphere where children feel safe, valued and ready to explore and learn at their own pace.
Find out moreWhat You'll See at Meraki Bayswater
Beautiful learning spaces, passionate educators, and a community-focused approach.
Long Daycare
From 6:30am – 6:30pm
Infant to Preschool
6 weeks to 6 years
Qualified Educators
Minimum qualification requirements
Quality Curriculum
Fostering growth & development
Meet Molly
Meraki's therapy dog
A Word
From Our Director
"Bayswater is a 96 place service across two light-filled stories, situated safely in a court location where the children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms. Inspired by the Curiosity Approach, our resources reflect those you would see at home and encourage imagination, creativity and learning through play. We have really focused on children-led programs and this is evident throughout the service."
— Sally, Director
Our Team
Meet the Bayswater Educators
Our Bayswater team brings warmth, experience and a genuine love of early childhood education to every day.
Visit our Bayswater centre
17 Burton CourtBayswater VIC 3153
Childcare near Wantirna
Meraki Bayswater also welcomes families from these nearby suburbs.
Childcare Bayswater
Our Bayswater centre
Childcare Bayswater North
Families from Bayswater North
Childcare Boronia
Families from Boronia
Childcare Wantirna South
Families from Wantirna South
Childcare Heathmont
Families from Heathmont
Childcare The Basin
Families from The Basin
Childcare Ringwood
Families from Ringwood
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Meraki Early Learning Centres Bayswater different from other childcare centres?+
Meraki Bayswater is guided by intentional slow pedagogy and child-led learning. Our educators take time to truly know each child, supporting learning at a pace that respects individual development. We prioritise strong relationships, emotional safety, and a calm, welcoming environment where children feel secure and confident to explore.
Is Meraki Early Learning Centres Bayswater a safe childcare option?+
Yes. Child safety is central to everything we do. We have robust child-safe practices, thorough recruitment and screening processes, and clear policies that prioritise children's wellbeing, protection, and voice.
Does Meraki Bayswater follow a child-led learning approach?+
Absolutely. Our program is grounded in child-led learning, meaning educators observe children's interests and curiosities and intentionally extend learning through meaningful experiences.
What ages does Meraki Bayswater cater for?+
We provide early learning and care for children from infancy (6 weeks) through to kindergarten age (6 years).
How does Meraki Bayswater support families?+
We value strong partnerships with families and believe communication and trust are essential. Educators work closely with families to understand each child's needs, routines and culture.
What educational philosophy does Meraki Bayswater follow?+
Our philosophy centres on slow pedagogy, child-led learning and respectful relationships. Our practice aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework.
Your child's early learning journey starts with a single visit
Wantirna families are always welcome at Meraki Bayswater. Come and explore our engaging indoor environments and nature-inspired outdoor play spaces.