The Learning Sanctuary Glen Iris

Victoria Kindergarten
4.6 /5
11 reviews

Childcare and kindergarten in Glen Iris, Victoria

Welcome to The Learning Sanctuary Glen Iris. Our daycare and early learning centre is ideally located for families in Glen Iris, Ashburton, Malvern East, Caulfield, Camberwell, Carnegie, Ashwood, Chadstone, Armadale North and Glen Huntly. The Learning Sanctuary Glen Iris offers long day care and kindergarten for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built childcare and kindergarten centre in Glen Iris offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Our outdoor play areas provide ample space for children to learn and explore, featuring a bike track, climbing equipment, and a sandpit. Indoors, our purpose-built spaces are equipped with a variety of resources designed to encourage exploration and foster learning. Our highly trained team of educators and teachers is dedicated to supporting each child’s development. Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers deliver a Government-approved Kindergarten program, preparing children for school. Children also enjoy regular musical incursions and a sports program, enriching their learning experience.

Why you’ll love The Learning Sanctuary Glen Iris

Spacious outdoor environments

Passionate, qualified educators

Nappies and wipes provided

Chef-prepared meals

Government-approved Kindergarten program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Incursions/excursions

Allergy and anaphylaxis aware

Sun protection aware

Music program

Sports program

Meet our Centre Manager

Pam

  • Diploma of Children’s Services
“Children’s curiosity, wonder, and ability to keep us on our toes bring so much joy to my work.”

I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2001 and joined the team at The Learning Sanctuary Glen Iris 2024. I have dedicated my career to supporting children as they grow, learn, and explore.

What inspires me most in this field are the children themselves. Their curiosity, wonder, and ability to keep us on our toes bring so much joy to my work. I’ve learned to see the world through their eyes—finding fun in the simplest things and understanding how new and sometimes overwhelming the world can feel to them. This perspective shapes my teaching style, which centres on celebrating each child as an individual and recognising their unique contributions to the room and the centre.

When speaking with families, I always emphasise that children learn best through their interests. At our centre, we create tailored plans for each child based on their passions and developmental needs, while fostering group learning and collaboration. Our long-standing team, with several educators who’ve been with G8 Education for over a decade, is dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality care and education.

I’m committed to building strong relationships with our families and pride myself on being approachable. Whether it’s a quick chat in person or a phone call, I’m here five days a week to support and guide our families through their early learning journey.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our early education centre in Glen Iris.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Glen Iris, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including:

Sustainability

We open your child’s mind to the outdoors, raising their awareness of the environment and the importance of their role in protecting it. By engaging them in hands-on activities, we foster a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.

Community engagement

Our children and educators frequently embark on community walks and excursions to local parks, cafes, and libraries. We regularly welcome special community guests, such as librarians and emergency service personnel, enhancing our programs.

STEM

We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Music and movement

Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood.

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Age-appropriate early learning

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(0-12 months)

Nursery

Our nursery room offers a nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and discover, with a focus on tummy time and physical activity. We engage children in messy play and sensory activities, providing a language-rich environment through play-based experiences such as music, singing, and rhymes. Additionally, we have a dedicated space where mums can feed their babies at their convenience, ensuring comfort and support for both mother and child.

  Next: Toddler
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(1-2 years)

Toddler

In our Toddler room, we enhance sensory-motor development through play-based music and movement activities. We provide opportunities for children to form relationships and develop their self-confidence, supported by a language-rich environment that fosters development through books and conversations. Our approach encourages children to explore literacy and numeracy through real-life experiences, laying a strong foundation for their future learning.

Previous: Nursery Next: Pre-Kinder
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(2-3 years)

Pre-Kinder

Our Pre-Kinder room focuses on social learning through group and individual play throughout the day. We incorporate interactive technology to promote gross and fine motor skills and create a language-rich environment through books and conversations. Children have the opportunity to learn about literacy and numeracy in a safe and inspiring setting, fostering a love for learning and discovery.

Previous: Toddler Next: 3-year-old Kinder
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(3-4 years)

3-year-old Kinder

In the 3-year-old Kinder room, we promote healthy physical and mental well-being with boundless opportunities for outdoor teaching and play. Our highly qualified educators nurture social skills and emotional development, providing safe opportunities for risky play and extracurricular activities. We also offer active sports and dance programs, ensuring a well-rounded developmental experience for every child.

Previous: Pre-Kinder Next: 4-year-old Kinder
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(4-5 years)

4-year-old Kinder

Our Kinder 4 room focuses on school readiness, with a program centred on literacy and numeracy. We use children’s interests and abilities as vehicles for learning, fostering the development of social and emotional skills. Our approach enhances self-awareness and respect for others, and we provide a comprehensive transition-to-school program to ensure children are well-prepared for the next step in their educational journey.

Previous: 3-year-old Kinder  
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Victorian Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our kindergarten programs are tailored to meet your child’s individual learning needs across numeracy, literacy, emotional and social development, resilience, and self-regulation.

Our early learning centre offers the VIC Government-approved Kindergarten program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. In Victoria, 3 and 4-year-old children are able to access a funded kindergarten program led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. If eligible, your child will be able to participate in the Government-approved Kindergarten program, at no cost, up to a minimum of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Talk to us about how this reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

The added benefits of our kindergarten program include:

  • Extended long day care opening hours
  • Open all year round (excl. public holidays)
  • Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
  • Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation
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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Glen Iris child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

  Next: Mealtimes
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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Previous: Sleep, rest and relaxation  

Communicating with families

We prioritise clear and consistent communication with families to foster a strong partnership in supporting each child’s development. We ensure families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s early learning journey.

Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events.

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

  • Nursery0 – 2 years

    $196.50
  • Toddler2 – 3 years

    $196.50
  • Kindergarten3 – 5 years

    $196.50

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.*

1-4 days = full day session; 5 days = 10 hour per day sessions

CCS Estimator results

  • Estimated subsidy

    $0.00
  • Total fees

    $0.00
  • Out-of-pocket cost

    $0.00

*This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions:

  • Accuracy and currency of family income information entered.
  • Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below.
  • Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres).
  • Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight).
  • Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide via the link below.

For a more complete subsidy estimation, check out our comprehensive CCS calculator here.

Calculate my subsidy

Explore nearby G8 Education centres

Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!

Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

We also do monthly check-ins to review availability, and you will receive a text message confirming whether you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month. If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call.

Our Family Support Team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Learning Sanctuary centre you are interested in that have immediate availability.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care service together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits, spare socks and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

The Learning Sanctuary uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, The Learning Sanctuary is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.