Oakbrook Kindergarten 36 Holroyd Drive, Epping, Victoria 3076

Welcome to Oakbrook Kindergarten, located in the quiet cul-de-sac of Epping, Australia. As an establishment, point of interest, and school, we have been empowering and inspiring Melbourne's children and young people since 1883. Formerly known as TRY Australia, we are now Sparkways, providing a safe and secure environment for children to learn, play, and have fun together.

At Oakbrook Kindergarten, we believe that children are competent and capable beings with their own beliefs, culture, ideas, and feelings. We respect their voice, choices, and rights, and we strive to create a positive, supportive, and safe environment where they can learn and develop skills through active participation.

We also acknowledge the importance of families as the child's first and most influential teacher. We understand the significance of home culture in the healthy and whole development of a child, and we respect families' knowledge, experience, and commitment to their children. We believe that strong partnerships with families are vital for a child's growth and development.

Our curriculum is play-based, reflecting the children's interests, staff interests, intentional learning, spontaneous learning, the physical environment, family values, and community values. We provide three and four-year-old kindergarten programs that celebrate diversity and offer children the opportunity to grow and develop through play – the way children learn best.

Our extensive outdoor environment and indoor play area offer inviting and engaging play spaces for children to explore and be themselves. We prioritize creating a welcoming, caring, and supportive environment that caters to each individual's needs. Our dedicated and professional educators bring a range of experiences to the kindergarten and are enthusiastic and passionate about what they do.

From 2023, the Victorian Government is making kindergarten programs free for three and four-year-old children, saving families up to $2,500 per year. This initiative, known as Free Kinder, is part of the government's Best Start, Best Life reform, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

We understand that each child is an individual and develops at their own pace. We encourage families to have begun toilet training, and we will work to support their child's development in this area. Accidents can happen, but our educators manage them sensitively and discretely. We ask families to keep a complete change of clothes in their child's bag in case of emergencies.

As a sun-safe organization, we provide child-friendly sunscreen, but if your child has sensitive skin, please feel free to provide your preferred brand. We also acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, as well as celebrating diversity and valuing the lived experience of people from all walks of life.

Join us at Oakbrook Kindergarten, where children learn, play, and have fun in a supportive and empowering environment.