Located in the natural surroundings of the Mornington Peninsula, Woodleigh's Early Learning Centres offer co-educational programs designed to nurture and inspire young learners.
Our progressive approach to education begins for 3-year-old children in our purpose-built Early Childhood Centres at the Minimbah Campus in Frankston and the Penbank Campus in Moorooduc.
With a focus on creating a supportive and enriching environment, we are dedicated to fostering your child's growth and development during these crucial early years. Both campuses operate between 9am and 3pm.
- 3YO: two days per week
- 4YO: between three and four days per week
Our approach to teaching and learning is inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, one where learning areas are interconnected.
This is strategically informed by the five learning outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and aligns seamlessly with our inquiry-based curriculum framework of the International Baccaleurate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), ensuring a holistic and integrated educational experience.
Connection to Nature and Country
Perhaps the most unique aspect of our Early Learning offerings is our commitment to embedding cultural understandings. Woodleigh pioneered the development of natural outdoor curriculums in Australia and stands behind its benefits in developing students' problem-solving, communication and collaborative decision-making skills through a regenerative lens. Our youngest learners spend one day per week almost entirely outdoors, exploring natural spaces and embracing their environment.
Identity and Independence
We provide a clear but flexible framework within a predictable session structure, fostering a sense of security and routine that reflects the home. Within this framework, children have the freedom to explore and initiate their own ideas within a safe and supportive environment. Our dedicated teachers facilitate a range of options, empowering children to build a deep understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
Social and Emotional Learning
Recognising that every child learns differently and prioritises their senses uniquely, our goal is to nurture an environment where children can build meaningful relationships and a profound understanding of their world. This is embedded within Woodleigh’s Compassionate Systems Framework and learning with and from others is a vital part of this journey, fostering a community of collaboration and growth. Childhood is a unique and valuable rite of passage in one’s life, setting the foundation for future learning. We are passionate about providing children with a safe, nurturing, warm and happy environment in which they can thrive.
Continuity of Care
An After School Care service is available for children from 3.20pm to 6.00pm each afternoon. Camp Australia is the service provider. To arrange bookings, parents must contact Camp Australia prior to school commencing, to arrange bookings.
A Commitment to Excellence
At Woodleigh, we take pride in achieving and maintaining an ‘Exceeding’ rating in all seven quality standard areas set by the National Quality Framework (NQF) at both of our Early Learning Centres, Minimbah and Penbank. The NQF provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for all services in Australia and this rating reflects our dedication to offering the highest standards of early childhood education.
Make an Informed Choice
From sessional kindergarten to long day care, the options for parents in Melbourne are plentiful. Choosing the right care for your family situation might feel overwhelming. At Woodleigh, we appreciate the complexity of this decision and offer comprehensive support to help you make an informed decision for your child and your family.
We invite you to ask questions and visit our centre during a typical day at the next campus tour. This is an opportunity to meet our dedicated staff and experience our unique approach to early childhood education. Most importantly, we encourage you to trust your instincts - no one knows your child better than you do.
Get to know us better at
PLAYGROUP
Minimbah's Playgroup is designed for 2-year-olds and provides an open, friendly atmosphere to encourage active participation and communication with the child and their family. It's a great way to get to know us better and learn more about our approach to Kindergarten before you make a commitment.