East Malvern Early Learning Centre

🌟 Celebrating Our Quality and Compliance Achievements - East Malvern ELC 🌟

We’re proud to share our VECRA Quality and Compliance History!

VECRA has introduced a new requirement for Victorian early learning services to display their Quality and Compliance History (in addition to Assessment & Rating certificate).

Our Exceeding National Quality Standard rating and excellent compliance record reflect our ongoing commitment to providing children with high-quality education, care and learning experiences.

This achievement would not be possible without our dedicated educators, supportive families and wonderful children. Thank you for helping make our service community special.

Please see our attached Quality and Compliance History for further information.

Would you like to experience our centre for yourself? Call us to arrange a tour—we would love to show you around!

On Thursday, our team had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring coaching and professional learning workshop with our new Pedagogy and Practice Coach, Kirsty Liljegren.

Kirsty is an experienced early childhood education leader and coach who is passionate about supporting educators to build reflective practice, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful learning experiences for children. With extensive experience in curriculum, leadership, and professional mentoring, Kirsty works alongside teams to inspire high-quality practice that is grounded in current research, children’s rights, and the Early Years Learning Framework.

The focus of Thursday’s workshop was “Reflecting on the Why.” Together, our team explored the values that underpin our service and reflected on our own personal values as educators. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, we considered how our beliefs, intentions, and everyday decisions influence the experiences and outcomes we create for children and families.

Taking time to reflect on why we do what we do helps us remain intentional in our practice. It strengthens our ability to build secure relationships, create engaging learning environments, and ensure every child feels safe, respected, and supported to thrive.

Professional learning is an important part of our commitment to continuous improvement. By investing in coaching and ongoing development, we strengthen our knowledge, skills, and confidence as educators. This not only benefits our team by fostering collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth, but most importantly enhances the quality of education and care we provide for every child.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside Kirsty as we reflect, learn, and grow together. Thank you to our wonderful team for embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm, openness, and a genuine commitment to providing the very best outcomes for our children and families.

Our annual Art Show is Wednesday 1st April - 6.30-8pm. The children have been busy exploring various art mediums this term and are excited for their families and friends to come along and view their creations
The Silent Auction is now open and will close 6pm Thursday 2nd April.

BIG NEWS! - EXCEEDING RATING RECEIVED
We're thrilled to announce that East Malvern Early Learning Centre has achieved an "Exceeding" rating in all 7 quality areas! We are only select few early learning centres who have this 'Exceeding' rating in all quality areas!
• Educational Program & Practice: Individualised, play-based learning tailored to each child. Highly intentional teaching strategies. Comprehensive documentation showing rich learning outcomes
• Safety first: Our top priority is your child's health and safety! Robust health & hygiene practices, promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
• Beautiful, engaging, and sustainable learning spaces.
• Nurturing relationships: fostering a sense of belonging, wellbeing programs for kids & families.
• Highly qualified and passionate teaching team. Strong collaborative culture and professional expertise.
• Family partnership and focus: collaborative partnerships, regular communication, shaping educational experiences. Genuine, respectful partnerships with families.
• Governance & Leadership: Child-centred leadership and robust management systems. Commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality practice.

Want to know more about our high quality approach? Contact us today to learn how your child can thrive in our nurturing environment! Book a Tour.

From 5 January 2026, all Australian families eligible for CCS will be guaranteed at least 3 days a week (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early childhood education and care. For some families this will mean their child will be able to attend more days at our early learning centre at a small additional cost.

The 3 Day Guarantee — replaces the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test and means:
✅ Eligible families can save thousands each year
✅ Every child can access vital early learning opportunities
✅ Certainty for families who are working, studying, or looking for work
✅ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families receive 100 hours per fortnight (up to 5 days a week)

We believe all children deserve the best possible start in life with quality early learning. We’re here to help families make the most of these new changes.

👀 Estimated out of pocket costs will be in 2026 with our CCS Calculator: https://startingblocks.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-calculator or discuss with us and we can do an estimate.💛 Learn more about the 3 Day Guarantee: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/child-care-subsidy/3-day-guarantee .

Thank you.

Footy Day 2025
At East Malvern Early Learning Centre, we celebrated Footy Day 2025 with some special guests!

In the Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten rooms, we were excited to welcome back former student and current Melbourne Demons AFLW player, Jemma Rigoni. Jemma, who was once taught by Sarah Bennett, came in to share her footy skills and teach the children all about AFL.

Meanwhile, in the Joey and Possum rooms, we had another special visitor — Jasmin’s brother, Al — who ran a fun and energetic soccer session with the children.

It was a fantastic day full of fun, learning, and lots of movement!

Thanks to the staff, kids and parents from the East Malvern Early Learning Centre for all their wonderful donations to the Have a Ball Foundation. The balls and footy boots will be gratefully appreciated by the kids in central Australia.
Special thanks to Tahlia for organising the collection.

This morning our Kindergarten had an excursion to Lloyd St. Primary School. The purpose of this excursion was to help introduce children to a school environment in preparation for their transition. They were very interested to see everything school has to offer and just how big a primary school is!

Happy Mother’s Day! You’re all amazing mothers!