Flamingo Uniting Kindergarten Wantirna.
21 Merryn Grove, Wantirna South VIC
Early Learning Centre
Early Learning Centre in Wantirna South for quality child development
Flamingo Uniting Kindergarten is a small, well-established Wantirna South early learning centre. It’s a place where City of Knox families can turn to for quality kinder. Our team supports each child’s learning and social development through play-based education, warm relationships and plenty of time spent outdoors. Our 3- and 4-year-old mixed-age kindergarten program is designed to grow with your child.
- No upcoming events
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 Flamingo Kindergarten Community
Our approach at Flamingo Uniting grows out of care for each child and respect for the families we serve. We have a strong emphasis on learning through play. Children have a real voice in our program, with educators weaving their interests into daily activities. Our connection with Indigenous community groups and members embeds various cultural perspectives. Curiosity is encouraged by sharing stories and food from different cultures. Find out more about our wider Uniting Early Learning network.
Mixed-Age Kindergarten Program for 3- and 4-year-old children
Our kinder program brings 3- and 4-year-olds together in a mixed-age setting that mirrors everyday community life. Younger children pick up ideas and language from older peers. Older children, in turn, develop responsibility and communication as they lead and share. Every child builds confidence and foundational learning skills at a pace that matches their developmental stage.
Features of the Flamingo Learning Environment
Inside our kindergarten, a bright, sunny indoor space invites creative expression through focused play and storytelling. Outdoors, children explore a spacious garden with cubbies and tree houses, a mud kitchen, sand pits and a vegetable and herb garden they help to care for. Shade trees and sails keep the outdoor area comfortable all year round. The natural setting encourages curiosity and active movement each and every day.
Learning through play at our Flamingo Kindergarten
Play is at the centre of every day activity at our kindergarten. Wantirna South families can rest assured their children will partake in enriching activities. These include storytelling, creative arts, music, nature play, and early literacy and numeracy activities, drawing from hands-on materials and their own questions. Reserve walks give children the chance to observe wildlife and solve small problems together with their peers.
Supporting children with additional needs
Inclusion is central to how we work. Our experienced educators partner with families to understand every child’s strengths, preferences and needs. They then plan accordingly for meaningful participation. We draw on the Preschool Field Officer program and Kindergarten Inclusion Support, along with allied health and specialist services from the local community.
- No upcoming events
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 parents say
- Peter, Early learning parent
Building strong connections with families
We treat families as partners at every step throughout the kinder year. Regular conversations at drop-off and pick-up, family celebrations, cultural events and fundraising activities give parents and carers enjoyable ways to become involved. Our Parent Handbook outlines what to expect and how to stay informed.
Meet the educators at Flamingo Uniting Kindergarten
Our team at Flamingo Uniting is led by Lawrie, our Kindergarten Teacher, who holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood and brings more than 20 years of experience teaching in kindergartens. With her, a dedicated group of educators works closely with each family to understand the goals they hold for their child and weave those into daily planning.
Kindergarten Teacher
Lawrie
Hi, I’m Lawrie, Kindergarten Teacher and leader of the great team at Flamingo Kindergarten. I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood and have been teaching in kindergartens for over 20 years. Flamingo Kindergarten has an inviting garden space – one that inspires play, exploration and active play. Engaging children through exploring the kinder’s natural outdoor spaces sparks their natural curiosity and inquisitiveness around what they observe, finding solutions, and planning ideas with peers. Our educators place significant importance on creating a warm, engaging, educational learning environment. We build meaningful relationships with families by getting to know them and the learning goals they have for their child, incorporating their interests and skills. We look forward to going on this learning journey together.
Community Partnerships That Enrich Learning
Flamingo’s connections stretch throughout the Wantirna South community. We work with the local primary school on transition activities that many local families take part in. Children visit local facilities such as the library, museum and art gallery. We partner with emergency services, engage with Indigenous community groups and members, and welcome visits from animal trainers and handlers as part of our program.
How to Enrol your child
Enrolling starts with an expression of interest through the Knox City Council kindergarten registration portal. Book a tour to walk through the centre and meet the team. You can call 1800 183 103 to talk about places and receive assistance with completing your enrolment forms.
Explore other Uniting Kindergartens
Take a look at our find a service page, which lists every Uniting Early Learning centre throughout Victoria and Tasmania.
FAQs
How can I enrol my child at Flamingo Kindergarten?
Register your expression of interest through the Knox City Council kindergarten registration portal, and arrange a tour with us. You can contact us on 1800 183 103 or fill in a contact form. Our team will guide you through your questions about subsidies, orientation and enrolment paperwork.
Can families visit the kindergarten before enrolling?
Most certainly. Tours are the ideal way to meet Lawrie and the team, see our indoor and outdoor spaces and ask questions before enrolling your child. A 3D tour is also available on our Flamingo webpage if you’d like a preview.
What learning activities are included in the kindergarten program?
Daily experiences include storytelling, creative arts, music, sensory play in the mud kitchen, outdoor exploration in the garden and reserve, early literacy and numeracy through games, plus quieter time for reflection and rest.
What school transition support does Flamingo provide?
We have a strong working relationship with local primary schoolS and run transition activities through the year that build children’s familiarity with school routines.
Health and wellbeing
Mental health
Our educators are trained in various programs to support the mental health 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
News
Share via