Lysterfield Uniting Kindergarten.
105 Lakesfield Drive, Lysterfield VIC 3156
Early Learning Centre
Kindergarten in Lysterfield for Early Learning and development.
If you’re looking for a kindergarten in Lysterfield that’s genuinely focused on children (not just routines), Lysterfield Uniting Kindergarten offers a play-based program that supports social, emotional, and cognitive development.
In the kinder years, children learn best when they feel safe and free to explore. That’s why our sessions are designed around play-based learning, guided by educators who understand how young children develop confidence: through friendships, hands-on discovery, and encouragement. Across the year, children build on communication, self-regulation, problem-solving, as well as literacy and numeracy, all in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
Pre-prep: If your child meets the criteria for priority access, you may be eligible for up to an additional 7.5 hours of free kindergarten per week. From 2026, Pre-prep is available for 4 year old children enrolled in a kindergarten program in these priority cohorts:
• identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
• have had contact with Child Protection services.
About our Lysterfield Kindergarten community
At our Lysterfield kindergarten, we believe early learning should be childhood: curious, active, creative, and connected. We focus on nurturing relationships because when children feel secure they’re more willing to persist and bounce back after challenges.
Our learning philosophy reflects our commitment to inclusive, community-focused early learning. We welcome diverse family structures, backgrounds, and abilities, and we aim to create a space where every child can participate. Play isn’t treated as “just play” here; it’s the way children make sense of the world, practise social skills, build language, and develop the confidence to tackle new ideas.
A great learning program needs a great environment; one that invites children to investigate, create, and move their bodies. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are set up to encourage:
Features of the Lysterfield learning environment
A great learning program needs a great environment; one that invites children to investigate, create, and move their bodies. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are set up to encourage:
- Imaginative play, with areas for role-play and storytelling (where children practise language, empathy, and collaboration).
- Creative expression, through art materials, loose parts, and open-ended resources that allow children to experiment.
- Construction and problem-solving, using blocks, puzzles, and building materials that strengthen spatial thinking.
- Outdoor exploration and physical activity, supporting coordination, confidence, and healthy risk-taking in a safe setting.
- Calm spaces, where children can read quietly or take a moment when they need it.
Learning through play at our Lysterfield Kindergarten
A typical day is full of learning moments that happen throughout the day. Children might move between activities like:
- Storytelling and shared reading, building vocabulary and comprehension.
- Creative arts, such as painting, collage, clay, or music and movement.
- Nature play, including outdoor discovery, seasonal projects, and learning about living things.
- Early literacy experiences, like writing their name, recognising sounds, playing with rhyme, or exploring books independently.
- Early numeracy experiences like counting during games, comparing sizes, sorting objects, measuring, and exploring patterns.
- Social learning, where children practise negotiation, empathy, and emotional regulation.
Pre-prep: If your child meets the criteria for priority access, you may be eligible for up to an additional 7.5 hours of free kindergarten per week. From 2026, Pre-prep is available for 4 year old children enrolled in a kindergarten program in these priority cohorts:
• identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
• have had contact with Child Protection services.
The children say
- Sarah, parent
Building strong connections with families and communities
Kindergarten works best when it feels like a community. We create opportunities for families to be involved wherever possible, including events, celebrations, shared learning moments, and informal catch-ups.
We also prioritise clear communication, so families feel informed about what their child is exploring and how they’re progressing.
For helpful information about what to expect, see our Parent Handbook.
Meet the educators at Lysterfield Uniting Kindergarten
The heart of any kindergarten is its people. Our educators bring experience, qualifications, and genuine care, with a strong commitment to helping children feel safe and celebrated for who they are.
Our educators intentionally observe children’s play and interactions, then plan experiences that extend their learning, whether that’s supporting a child to join a group game, introducing new vocabulary during a story, or creating a project based on children’s interests.
Most importantly, families are treated as partners. You know your child best, and when educators and families share insights, children benefit from support across home and kinder.
Community partnerships that enrich learning
Children learn that they’re part of something bigger when they connect with the world beyond kinder. That’s why we build relationships with local schools, community groups, and organisations that enrich learning. This supports smoother transitions to school and helps children feel a part of their local community.
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
Inclusive education is thoughtful and collaborative. If a child needs extra support, we work closely with families to understand their strengths, needs, and what helps them thrive.
Support may include:
- Adjusting the learning environment or daily routines
- Using visual supports and clear, consistent communication
- Planning small-group or targeted learning experiences
- Collaborating with external specialists (with family consent)
Learn more about our Kindergarten Inclusion Support and our specialised services such as PSFO program.
How to enrol your child
- Express your interest (online or by phone)
- Contact us to book a tour to visit us, meet the educators, and see the learning environment
- Call 1800 183 103 if you’d like support choosing the right program or understanding eligibility
Explore other Uniting Kindergartens
If you’re still exploring options, you can explore other nearby kindergartens. It’s a helpful way to compare locations, program types, and what might suit your family best.
Health and wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Our educators are trained in various programs to support the mental wellbeing of your child and are skilled in working with children who have experienced challenges and trauma. We can also refer to mental health support programs for families if you find yourself in need of assistance.
Nutrition
Your child will learn about good nutrition to form healthy eating habits. We do this by growing fruit, vegetables and herbs in our centre garden. We also teach food safety practices. We respect and follow culturally appropriate food guidelines as we educate the children about healthy eating and nutrition.
Safe environment
As a child safe organisation, our educators undergo regular working with children’s and police checks. We are focused on delivering learning and development in a safe and supportive environment, so you can trust that your child is in good hands.
Policies and downloads
FAQs
Do you offer 3-year-old kindergarten at Lysterfield Uniting Kindergarten?
Yes. We offer a funded 3-year-old kindergarten program designed to support early learning in a gentle, play-based way.
How can I enrol my child at the Lysterfield kindergarten?
Start by expressing interest, then book a tour or contact our team. You can call 1800 183 103 for guidance, and once you’re ready, you’ll complete the enrolment forms with support from staff if needed.
Can families visit the kindergarten before enrolling?
Yes, tours are available, and they’re a great chance to meet the educators, ask questions, and see how the indoor and outdoor spaces work in practice. Contact us to organise your tour.
What learning activities are included in the kindergarten program?
Children take part in a range of play-based learning activities, including storytelling, art and craft, music and movement, nature play, construction, group projects, and early literacy and numeracy experiences.
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About our Lysterfield Kindergarten community
At our Lysterfield kindergarten, we believe early learning should be childhood: curious, active, creative, and connected. We focus on nurturing relationships because when children feel secure they’re more willing to persist and bounce back after challenges.
Our learning philosophy reflects our commitment to inclusive, community-focused early learning. We welcome diverse family structures, backgrounds, and abilities, and we aim to create a space where every child can participate. Play isn’t treated as “just play” here; it’s the way children make sense of the world, practise social skills, build language, and develop the confidence to tackle new ideas.
Features of the Lysterfield learning environment
A great learning program needs a great environment; one that invites children to investigate, create, and move their bodies. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are set up to encourage:
- Imaginative play, with areas for role-play and storytelling (where children practise language, empathy, and collaboration).
- Creative expression, through art materials, loose parts, and open-ended resources that allow children to experiment.
- Construction and problem-solving, using blocks, puzzles, and building materials that strengthen spatial thinking.
- Outdoor exploration and physical activity, supporting coordination, confidence, and healthy risk-taking in a safe setting.
- Calm spaces, where children can read quietly or take a moment when they need it.
Learning through play at our Lysterfield Kindergarten
A typical day is full of learning moments that happen throughout the day. Children might move between activities like:
- Storytelling and shared reading, building vocabulary and comprehension.
- Creative arts, such as painting, collage, clay, or music and movement.
- Nature play, including outdoor discovery, seasonal projects, and learning about living things.
- Early literacy experiences, like writing their name, recognising sounds, playing with rhyme, or exploring books independently.
- Early numeracy experiences like counting during games, comparing sizes, sorting objects, measuring, and exploring patterns.
- Social learning, where children practise negotiation, empathy, and emotional regulation.