Childcare and Kindergarten Centre
Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS) to support each child’s learning and development. Imaginative play provides children opportunities to learn how to play and work with other children, discuss ideas, and make decisions. We welcome special guests from the local Pakenham community, such as police, the fire brigade, and pet ownership experts, to support children’s interests.
Little Stars is committed to the safety, security, and happiness of every child that we care for. We have clear and easy to follow parent and guardian information that covers everything you need to know, from our arrivals and departures policy childcare centre near pakenham to sun smart policy and more. Every effort is made to establish a healthy and happy environment, where each child is welcome, included, and part of the play and learning. Little Stars Early Learning & Kindergarten Pakenham provides high-quality education and care to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Strong partnerships with Pakenham families and local organizations to enrich learning experiences.
Our community-based early learning centres are built upon engagement with each other, supporting your child’s growth and future within their community. Our centre has dedicated spaces for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as music and language programs. We have large outdoor spaces and a vegetable garden for children to explore and learn about sustainability.
Many of our educators have been with the centre for over 10 years, which provides consistency and strong relationships for children and families. The Inspire Bentleigh West Incursions & Excursions Program enriches each child’s learning through real-world experiences that build confidence, independence, and curiosity. Designed to complement our Montessori-inspired curriculum, the program connects children with their local community, nature, culture, and hands-on opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Families choose Inspire Bentleigh West for engaging, safe, and meaningful excursions and in-centre experiences that support every child’s growth, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
Children enrolled in our kindergarten or preschool rooms will participate in the 7.5-hour government-approved kindergarten or preschool program as part of their long day care day. This means you get the piece of mind and convenience of your child’s kindergarten and preschool education plus year-round care and long day hours. The Little Chef Program at Inspire Early Learning Journey Pakenham provides children with hands-on cooking experiences that build independence, coordination, and confidence. Through food preparation, measuring, mixing, and tasting, children develop practical life skills while learning about nutrition, hygiene, and safety. This Montessori-aligned program supports sensory development and a love of healthy food.
We ensure families start their day right with fresh treats and a coffee station in our foyer. Each room receives fresh fruit daily, and seasonal fruit is always available in the front foyer for children to take on their way out, keeping hungry bellies satisfied before dinner. At our Pakenham early learning centre, all meals are cooked fresh daily with no processed foods. We are highly allergen-aware and cater to all dietary requirements, including Halal, allergy management, and preferences for picky eaters. Our seasonal four-week rotating menu, planned according to Nutrition Australia guidelines, offers a variety of nutritious options for breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack.
We value our educators and their ongoing professional development, continually building skills, knowledge, and understanding to provide the best outcomes for children and families. Educators provide opportunities for children to lead their own play through exploration and experimentation, while supporting them to take considered, age-appropriate risks. This approach helps children build confidence, collaborate, and communicate effectively with peers and adults. Individual and collaborative play helps children to develop cognitive skills through learning how to problem solve, think creatively, and concentrate. Play also supports literacy and numeracy development, by learning new concepts such as counting, measuring, vocabulary and identifying letters and words.
Children develop early literacy through storytelling, books, songs and meaningful conversations. Educators support children to explore language in many forms, including speaking, listening, viewing, drawing and writing, while building confidence communicating with others. Great Beginnings Pakenham offers long day care and a Kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to school age, conveniently located for families in Pakenham, Beaconsfield and Officer in Melbourne. Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles, including Inclusion Support, Assistant Educator, Lead Educator, Sustainability Leader, Educational Leader, Assistant Centre Manager, and now Centre Manager. My passion for early education stems from the opportunity to be creative, make a meaningful impact, and build strong community relationships.
Our passionate teachers and educators deliver the Early Years Learning Framework through Headstart’s innovative play-based learning program, which covers key curriculum areas. Great Beginnings Pakenham (Exceeding across all 7 quality areas, July 2023) and Ryan Road Childcare and Swim School (Exceeding, November 2022) both hold the highest possible NQS rating. 18.5% of long day care centres in Pakenham hold an Exceeding NQS rating, significantly above the national average of 6%. As educators, we are committed to continuous growth, refining our skills to deliver high-quality early childhood education for every child. Our goal is to create a space where learning is engaging, meaningful, and empowering.
Balanced meals and snacks are provided each day to support children’s healthy growth, development and energy for learning. The Inspire Pakenham Science Program encourages curiosity, inquiry, and critical thinking through hands-on, discovery-based learning. Guided by Montessori principles, children explore the natural and physical world through observation, experimentation, and problem-solving experiences.