Registering to attend kindergarten in 2025
Kindergarten Information kit for 2025
Children's & Family Services Kindergarten Registration Enrolment & Orientation Policy/Procedure
Three-year-old Kindergarten
Four-year-old Kindergarten
Registration for 2025 enrolments open on Monday May 20, 2024.
Apply for 3 year old Kindergarten in 2025 here
Apply for 4 year old Kindergarten in 2025 here
The first round of registrations will close on Friday May 31, 2024 but registrations will still be accepted after this date.
Registering to attend kindergarten for the remainder of 2024
If you have an enquiry regarding registering your child to attend kindergarten in 2024, please email childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or contact 5559 4747.
Kindergarten fees for 2024
Sessional kindergartens and fees
Children will attend kindergarten for 15 hours per week for both three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten (three 5-hour sessions or two 7.5-hour session).
Sessional kindergarten in 2024 will be free for all children, this means your child will receive 15 hours of kindergarten per week at no cost in 2024.
Early learning centre kindergartens and fees
A 15 hour per week kindergarten program is offered (three 5-hour sessions) at the three Council early learning centres.
Florence Collins Kindergarten 9am – 2pm
(Care and education Mon - Fri 7.30am – 6pm)
Matron Swinton Kinder 9am – 2pm
(Care and education Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm)
Sherwood Park Kinder 9am – 2pm
(Care and education Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm)
These services are open Monday to Friday throughout the year (excluding public holidays and Christmas closure), with childcare offered either side of the kindergarten hours and during school holidays.
All families are charged for childcare during the school holidays. Fees are charged at a daily rate and families using these services may be eligible for childcare subsidy. The proposed 2024 full daily fee for Council early learning kindergarten is $125 per day.
For kindergarten at our Early Learning Centres in 2024 fees will be charged, however you will receive a subsidy of $2,050 per year. At the beginning of each month $205 will be credited to your account for 10 months to reduce your kindergarten fees.
Please note these services start earlier than the other sessional kindergarten programs, operating a childcare program during January.
Why choose a Warrnambool City Council kindergarten?
Our kindergartens offer programs that promote learning through active engagement and play. In our high quality early childhood services, your child will experience active indoor and outdoor play, music, movement and creative expression, positive adult- child interactions and use their whole body and mind to be absorbed in learning.
Early years framework
Our Early Years Services work within the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, which describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
- Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
- Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just 'be', time to play, try new things and have fun.
- Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from any early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.
Our services:
- Believe children are capable, competent, co-contributors and active participants in their own learning.
- Acknowledge and value each child's cultural background and our Indigenous heritage and that of the wider community - locally, nationally and internationally.
- Build responsibility for the natural environment and awareness of sustainability.
- Provide equitable opportunities and an inclusive approach.
- Have a commitment to ongoing professional learning.
- Believe partnerships with families and connections to the local community are vital to positive learning experiences.
Play-based learningOur kindergartens offer programs that promote learning through active engagement and play. Active play allows children to test and develop a wide range of skills. It promotes significant health and wellbeing benefits. In our high quality Early Childhood services, your child will experience active indoor and outdoor play, music, movement and creative expression, positive adult-child interactions and use their whole body and mind to be absorbed in learning. |
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The Kinder TickAll Warrnambool City Council Kindergartens have received the Kinder Tick. The Kinder Tick provides confidence that:
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Incursions/excursionsYour child will have the opportunity to participate in incursions and excursions. Incursions provide the opportunity to enjoy new experiences and activities in the familiar kindergarten environment. Excursions, including regular outings, provide valuable opportunities for children to explore the wider community and to extend the educational program in a different setting. |
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Community experiencesOpportunities are provided for children to engage with and explore the local community, supporting the children's learning about the area in which they live and providing them with a breadth of experiences. These experiences are based on the interests and developmental stages of the group. |
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Nature KindergartenWe provide opportunities to venture out past the kindergarten fence and into a natural setting, to experience nature and learn through hands on experience. Our aim is to support all of our kindergarten programs to experience the outdoor environment for extended lengths of time and encourage children to take the lead in playing, exploring and learning in a natural environment. Locations include beaches, rock pools, bushland, parks and other outdoor settings that provide an opportunity to explore, learn and play. |
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Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden ProgramWe provide opportunities to learn how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal, delicious food throughout their time at kindergarten. Pleasurable food education is about children experiencing the joy of digging in the garden, picking fresh veggies, smelling and tasting the food they prepare, and sharing the experience with their friends, educators and family. |
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Healthy Achievement ProgramThe aim of this program is to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, children and families by embedding experiences that support and encourage lifelong healthy habits. This is done through the service policies and procedures, professional development and support for staff, information for families and actively engaging children,families and staff in experiences that establish healthy habits for a lifetime of good health. |
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Our kindergartens:
Warrnambool City Council runs 12 kindergartens (including three within our early learning centres).
- Allansford Kindergarten, 82 Ziegler Parade, Allansford
- Beamish St Kindergarten, 23 Beamish Street, Warrnambool
- Central Kindergarten, 2 Manifold Street, Warrnambool
- City Kindergarten, 600 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool
- Dennington Kindergarten, 12-16 The Esplanade, Warrnambool
- Florence Collins Kindergarten, 27-47 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
- Lions Hopkins Kindergarten, 31 Gladstone Street, Warrnambool
- Mahogany Kindergarten, 35 Hoddle Street, Warrnambool
- Matron Swinton Kindergarten, 13-15 Lipook Court, Warrnambool
- Sherwood Park Kindergarten, Deakin University, Princes Hwy, Warrnambool
- Warrnambool East Kindergarten, 22E-26E Lava Street, Warrnambool
- Warrnambool South Kindergarten, 24 Stanley Street, Warrnambool
Is my child ready for kindergarten?
Exemption from school due to attendance in a funded kinder programIf you would like to discuss any concerns about whether your child should attend kindergarten, please email childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or call 5559 4800 and ask to speak to a Preschool Coordinator.
Children who turn three years old on or before April 30 are eligible to attend a three-year-old kindergarten program.
Children who turn four years old on or before April 30 are eligible to attend a four-year-old kindergarten program.
Learn about how your child can access free kinder, the benefits of kinder, and how to find and enrol in a kinder program that suits your family's needs. Click Here to find out more
Each child develops at his/her own rate, and although your child’s age may make him/her eligible to start kindergarten, other factors may impact on his/her readiness for this experience. Click here to find out more
You are encouraged to consult with relevant childhood professionals eg. Maternal & Child Health Nurse, Preschool Field Officer, kindergarten or prep teacher, early years therapist/s or support services working with your child/family, for guidance as your child will be expected to complete a full year of kindergarten once they begin attending. State Government funding is limited to one year for each child (unless your child is eligible for an Early Start Kindergarten grant or a second year of funded kindergarten).
If your child will turn six years of age (compulsory school age) before or while attending their first or second year of funded kindergarten you must obtain an exemption from attending school. Parents/guardians are responsible for seeking this exemption by applying to the Department of Education.
Koorie kids shine at kinder
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access 15 hours of free kindergarten each week for the two years prior to school. To be eligible, a child must turn three or four by 30 April in the year they start a kindergarten program.
At kindergarten, children will make new friends, enjoy fun activities, and get ready for school in a safe and supportive environment.
Children will:
• learn through play, art, music and dance
• learn to express themselves in a safe, inclusive and caring environment
• build the skills and confidence to prepare them for school.
Kindergarten programs have a qualified teacher and work hard to create culturally safe places for Aboriginal children and families, such as including Aboriginal perspectives in the learning curriculum and environment.
For more information, call the Department of Education and Training on 1800 338 663 (or call 131 450 first to get an interpreter).