Early Learning
CO-EDUCATIONAL 6 WEEKS OLD TO 4 YEARS OLD
Our co-educational Early Learning and Kindergarten programs have been a vital part of Lauriston since 1992.
Blairholme is a place of warmth, fun, joy, and laughter. A safe place, where each child is encouraged and respected for who they are.
At Lauriston, our Early Learning programs are grounded in robust inquiry and play-based learnings which support children as they are challenged to solve problems and engage with their community and the environment. This combination of an expertly planned curriculum with rich learning environments means our children can immerse themselves in both child and teacher-led play, learning to embrace new experiences, build social skills and develop their curiosity.
We’d love to welcome you to Blairholme Early Learning Centre so you can see for yourself the inclusive community we nurture and the depth and breadth of learning opportunities available to your child.
Fiona Ireland, Sarah Boardman and Amanda Jones
Co-Directors of Blairholme Early Learning

“The imperative to give all children a strong early start is more and more pressing. Children’s early experiences have a profound and long-lasting impact on individual children’s well-being and happiness during childhood, as well as their later life outcomes.”
― OECD Early Learning Matters Report, 2018
Bush Kinder
The importance of quality early learning
A growing body of research highlights just how vital a quality early learning education is in establishing a child’s emotional maturity, self-esteem, resilience, and capacity to learn.
At Lauriston, this comes through a careful combination of structured and free play that we believe is crucial in the development of intellectual, social, physical and emotional skills.
Along with the vital work of developing pre-numeracy and literacy capabilities, our planned Kindergarten programs develop skills in STEM, the creative arts and an appreciation of culture, to broaden the children’s self-awareness and empathy with others.
When your child becomes a part of our Kindergarten community, our dedicated and passionate educators seek to both know and understand them as individuals. It’s a connection that allows us to help reveal their ideas, positively challenge their thinking, and develop their sense of identity.
This comes through an emphasis on interaction with people, materials, and real-life situations to help each child establish their foundational physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills. It’s a grounding that has seen Blairholme create generations of confident, lifelong learners.
With these foundational skills, children have the best chance of managing the world around them, forming healthy relationships, overcoming sadness, disappointment and frustration, and expressing emotions in socially acceptable ways.
By nurturing a collaborative dialogue with our students, Lauriston’s early childhood educators guide the children to develop the skills needed to achieve throughout their time at school and beyond.












The Lauriston difference
When your child becomes a part of our Blairholme community, our dedicated and passionate educators seek to both know and understand them. It’s a connection that allows us to reveal their ideas, positively challenge their thinking, and develop their sense of identity.
Quality Educators
At Lauriston, we have many of Australia’s best. Educators who collaborate with each child to identify their interests and opportunities to learn. By building this relationship with each child, they guide them in achieving tasks, while developing their skills, aptitudes, and confidence.
Deep Learning
Early learning is a child’s most important developmental window. So, along with developing pre-numeracy and literacy skills, our educators have created programs to develop capabilities in STEM, foster a love of the creative arts and celebrate culture. Together, they broaden the children’s understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
A focus on wellbeing
At Lauriston, children learn that making friends is all about kind acts and kind thoughts; about showing empathy and caring for each other. The innate sense of wellbeing this instils enables children to confidently face the challenges of life beyond the kindergarten gates.
Bush Kinder
Unstructured play in nature lets children explore their environment, develop language skills, learn to negotiate and regulate their emotions. That’s why we’re passionate about our optional 4-year old Bush Kinder, held every Friday at the Urban Forest. It allows children time for games of imagination and creativity in the natural world.
New Facilities
Blairholme Early Learning Centre has opened. This project has transformed and re-imagined the learning and play spaces at Lauriston.
Blairholme
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lauriston's Early Learning Centre co-educational?
Yes, Lauriston’s Kindergarten accepts enrolments for both girls and boys.
What are your operating hours?
Our Kindergarten’s hours of 8.45 am – 3.00 pm reflect and respect the significant capacities of children to learn and develop in their early years.
3-year-old Kindergarten
- Three days – 2 options available
- Four days – 1 option available (commencing 2024)
4-year-old Kindergarten
- Four days – Monday to Thursday
- Bush Kinder - Fridays between 9.30am to 1.30pm (places are limited and parents must be able to drop off and collect their child)
We also have Before & After School care available.
- Before School Hours: 7.30am–8.45am
- After School Hours: 3.00pm–6.00pm
- Holiday Program Hours: 7.30am–6.00pm
(Lauriston students only)
What specialist classes are offered?
Specialist classes are offered in both kindergarten years and include Music, Drama and Physical Education. It’s a broad program, enhanced by its connection to the wider School where students learn in a dedicated STEM lab, gym, pool, music, and drama facilities.
How can I enrol my daughter in primary school at Lauriston?
Simply complete our Application for Admission. We encourage all new families to begin the application process as soon as possible.
Is my child ready for Prep?
Our ‘Ready for Prep’ checklist covers the key areas of early childhood development. It’s the perfect way to assess whether your child is ready for this important next step.
Download the Ready for Prep Checklist here
Does Lauriston have a childcare facility?
Extended Hours Care programs are offered for our youngest children (from 6 weeks of age) at Blairholme Early Learning Centre. These programs operate from 7.30am–6.00pm and are approved for Childcare Subsidy (CCS) payments for eligible families. To learn more, or enquire about enrolling your child in Extended Hours Care, please contact Sarah Boardman on 03 9864 7621 or email boardmansa@lauriston.vic.edu.au