South Castlemaine Kindergarten

Welcome to South Castlemaine Kindergarten! Located in the beautiful town of Castlemaine, our establishment is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children. As a point of interest and a school, we prioritize active play as a means of development, firmly believing that children learn best through hands-on experiences.

Our play-based approach to kindergarten ensures that learning is not only educational but also enjoyable. We carefully tailor our programs to meet the unique needs, interests, and developmental levels of each child, following the guidelines set by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

Inclusivity is at the heart of our institution. We strive to create an environment where all children are regarded as equals, fostering strong relationships between parents and staff. We recognize and appreciate the vital role that parents play in their child's education, working together to support and acknowledge one another.

At South Castlemaine Kindergarten, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our children. We actively participate in the Healthy Together Achievement Program, a government initiative that promotes enhanced outcomes for health, learning, and development. Our commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives such as reduced water usage, recycling, and maintaining a worm farm. We are also proud participants in the SPARK Energy for Change Program, actively working towards reducing our environmental footprint and instilling energy-saving habits in our staff, families, and children.

Our program offers a wide range of fun and educational activities. From science experiments and library borrowing to cooking and celebrating special events, such as Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, and festivals, there is always something exciting happening at our kindergarten. We also organize visits from various community members and services, including the Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, local Dentists, Bakers, and reciprocal visits with the Library. Local walking excursions and upcoming visits to the local elderly hospice at Castlemaine Health further enrich our children's learning experiences.

To ensure families feel confident in our program, South Castlemaine Kindergarten proudly displays the Kinder Tick, a recognition of our funded kindergarten program. Excursions and incursions play a crucial role in our curriculum, allowing children to explore their surroundings and feel connected to their community. Our kindergarten even boasts its own vegetable garden, where children can learn about growing, harvesting, and cooking healthy food.

We understand that starting kindergarten can be a significant milestone for both children and families. That's why our enrolment process is carefully managed by Y Kinders' enrolment team, ensuring a smooth transition into our program. We are committed to creating safe and fun environments where children can thrive, and our outdoor play areas, featuring a bike track, sandpit, Balinese hut, and lush grassy spaces, encourage learning and exploration in a natural setting.

With over 20 years of experience in delivering Early Learning Programs, the Y is passionate about inspiring and empowering young minds. We believe that the early years are crucial in laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through our educational environments and dedicated educators, we strive to ignite a love for learning in every child.

If you would like more information about our kindergarten's philosophy, teaching approach, or any other details, please feel free to ask for a copy of our Philosophy Statement. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, ensuring their safety and wellbeing is our top priority.

Enrolling in one of our programs is simple. Just use the links provided on this page, and our enrolment team will guide you through the process. If you need any assistance or have further questions, please fill in the form below, and we will be more than happy to help.

Thank you for considering South Castlemaine Kindergarten. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our vibrant learning community.