Early learning for Wantirna South families
From the Westfield Knox side of town to Meraki ELC Bayswater on Burton Court.
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 South — Now Enrolling for 2026
Wantirna South is home to Westfield Knox and some of the area's newer estates, and it is one of the busier corners of Knox for young families. Meraki ELC Bayswater is our closer centre for Wantirna South parents, offering long day care from 6 weeks, funded kinder for 3 and 4 year olds, and five chef-prepared meals included in the daily fee.
Meraki Early Learning Centre Bayswater is a brand-new long daycare and kindergarten on Burton Court, welcoming Wantirna South 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.
How to get to Meraki Bayswater
Wantirna South has no train station, so most families drive. Stud Road and Boronia Road head north towards Bayswater, and Mountain Highway is another route in. EastLink is close by for parents continuing on to work.
Programs that suit Wantirna South families
Our long day care rooms suit families who need full days, 6:30am to 6:30pm, 50 weeks a year. From three, children can join funded Three Year Old Kindergarten, then Four Year Old Kindergarten, led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers — all inside long day care.
Why families here choose Bayswater
Parents tell us they want a calm, considered alternative to large, busy centres. Our Bayswater rooms follow the Curiosity Approach, with natural materials and a home-like feel, and children keep the same trusted educators as they grow.
Meraki Mooroolbark is a longer trip from Wantirna South, so Bayswater is usually the better starting point.
Local life
Westfield Knox and the surrounding shopping and dining precinct make Wantirna South a convenient base, with the Dandenong Creek trail nearby for family bike rides.
Useful pages for Wantirna South families:
Wantirna South parent questions
Is there childcare close to Westfield Knox?+
Meraki ELC Bayswater at 17 Burton Court is our nearest centre to the Westfield Knox area in Wantirna South, with long day care and funded kinder.
Can Wantirna South children do 3 and 4 year old kinder at Meraki?+
Yes. Both funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten run at Meraki Bayswater inside long day care, led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
What hours is Meraki Bayswater open?+
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm, 50 weeks a year.
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 South families choose Meraki Bayswater
- •Closer of our two centres for Wantirna South
- •Reached via Stud Road, Boronia Road or Mountain Highway
- •Funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten
- •Five chef-prepared meals a day, included
- •Curiosity Approach rooms with natural resources
Everything parents ask first
Meraki Bayswater at a glance
Hours, ages, rooms, fees, subsidy and funded kinder — the details Wantirna South 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 South
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 South — 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 South 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 South
Meraki Bayswater also welcomes families from these nearby suburbs.
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 South families are always welcome at Meraki Bayswater. Come and explore our engaging indoor environments and nature-inspired outdoor play spaces.