Thornbury World of Learning

Meeting
Victoria Kindergarten
5.0 /5
14 reviews

Childcare and kindergarten in Thornbury, VIC

Welcome to Thornbury World of Learning. Our daycare and early learning centre is ideally located for families in Thornbury, Northcote and Preston. World of Learning Thornbury offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built childcare and kindergarten centre in Thornbury offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Our outdoor environments feature a bike track and various climbing obstacles. Indoors, our spaces cater to all ages, encouraging exploration and learning through play. Our Thornbury childcare centre boasts a dedicated, long-standing team focused on creating a safe and secure environment. Some of our team members have been with us since the centre opened. Our highly trained educators and teachers develop daily programs that promote growth and foster strong relationships with children and families. Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher delivers a Government-approved Kindergarten program that prepares children for a smooth transition to school. Children and educators explore our local community through neighbourhood walks and multicultural incursions. We offer a weekly music and move program, as well as a sports program.

Why you’ll love Thornbury World of Learning

Spacious outdoor environments

Passionate, qualified educators

Nappies and wipes provided

Government-approved Kindergarten program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Incursions/excursions

Local school connections

Music and movement

Sports program

Sun protection aware

Allergy and anaphylaxis aware

Meet our Centre Manager

Sharyn

  • Diploma of Children’s Services
“I strive to create a space where children can explore, learn, and expand their abilities, fostering critical thinking and curiosity. “

I began my career in early childhood education and care in 1993 and joined Thornbury World of Learning in 2007. My passion has always been to work with children in an educational setting, providing every opportunity for them to grow and develop into their own unique selves. I am dedicated to creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, loved, and supported. Our role is to help children achieve their milestones, fueled by their inherent curiosity and potential.

Our early education centre boasts long-serving, multicultural team members who reflect our local community, many of whom have been with us for over 10 years. We are a close-knit, passionate team where everyone knows all the children, creating a family-like atmosphere. We work in partnership with families to meet each child’s individual needs. Building trust with our families is crucial, and we place great importance on strong relationships from the moment a new family joins us. We encourage 3-4 orientation visits before commencement and are flexible with extended visits as needed. Families are welcome to check in at any time of the day.

We invite families to participate in our incursions, excursions, and family celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter BBQs, to bring our community together. Many of our team members have children and understand the enrolment process, allowing us to support new families effectively, from enrolment to daily tips for settling into the centre.

I look forward to welcoming your family to our early learning centre in Thornbury.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Thornbury, 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 have a sustainability champion who collaborates with our team and children to implement eco-friendly practices. We use recycled paper, maintain a worm farm and compost bin, and turn off the lights during midday rest periods to conserve energy.

Community engagement

We actively engage with our local community through neighbourhood walks, music and sports programs delivered by local teachers, and multicultural incursions. Our kindergarten children visit the local primary school in terms 3 and 4 to prepare for their transition to school.

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.

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.

Age-appropriate early learning

WOL-nursery

(6 weeks – 20 months)

Possum room

In the Possum room, we focus on creating a nurturing and secure environment where babies can explore and develop at their own pace. We emphasise familiar routines, sensory play, motor skill development, and fostering secure attachments through responsive caregiving.

  Next: Koala room
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(20 months – 2.5 years)

Koala room

In the Koala room, children begin to develop their independence and social skills. Our learning goals include promoting language development, encouraging self-help skills, and fostering social interactions.

Previous: Possum room Next: Wombat room
WOL-toddler

(2.5 – 3 years)

Wombat room

The Wombat room focuses on building on the children’s growing independence and preparing them for more structured learning. Learning goals include further developing language and communication skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and fostering cooperative play.

Previous: Koala room Next: Joey room
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(3 – 4 years)

Joey room

In the Joey room, we have a 3-year-old kindergarten program that focuses on more advanced social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Learning goals include promoting early literacy and numeracy, encouraging curiosity and exploration, and supporting the development of critical thinking skills.

Previous: Wombat room Next: Kindergarten
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(4 – 5 years)

Kindergarten

The Kangaroo room is our 4-year-old kindergarten room, which prepares children for the transition to school. Learning goals include advanced literacy and numeracy, self-help skills, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and developing social competence. Led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, our curriculum also includes opportunities for children to practice fine motor skills and engage in more complex projects and group activities.

Previous: Joey room  
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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
WOL-food

We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Our Thornbury early learning centre offers a four-week rotational menu for both winter and summer, prepared fresh daily by our in-house chef. Our healthy menu includes a vegetarian option and is developed with input from our families.

We grow our own herbs and some vegetables, which the children care for and pick to use in our meals. This hands-on approach not only provides fresh ingredients but also teaches the children about gardening and the importance of healthy eating.

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.

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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

    $186.00
  • Toddler2 – 3 years

    $186.00
  • Kindergarten3 – 5 years

    $186.00

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 World of Learning 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 and spare socks.

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 and spare socks.

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.

World of Learning 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, World of Learning 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.