Childcare and kindergarten in Kew, VIC
Peppercorn Early Learning Centre offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Kew, Kew East, Balwyn, Deepdene, Hawthorn and Clifton Hill. Our centre is proudly rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard.
Heritage setting with spacious outdoor yards
Set in a restored heritage building, our centre has beautiful outdoor areas, with each room having its own yard and covered areas for year-round outdoor play. The senior toddler yard includes a large peppercorn tree, veggie gardens, sandpits, climbing forts and cubby houses, along with Sparkles the chicken, Bluey the blue-tongue lizard, a worm farm and compost bins.
Homely indoor learning spaces
Our indoor rooms have a warm, homely feel and are set up around children’s interests. Interactive whiteboards in the 3-year-old, 4-year-old and Kinder rooms add another way for children to explore ideas and take part in group learning.
Experienced educator team
Our experienced, multicultural team of educators and teachers speaks 10 languages and creates a calm, safe environment for children. This helps families feel welcome and gives children a strong sense of belonging.
Individual Learning Plans
Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with families, reflecting each child’s strengths, interests and developmental goals. Educators use these plans to shape learning experiences that feel relevant to each child and build on their progress over time.
Government-approved Kindergarten program
Our Government-approved Kindergarten program is delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. The program helps children practise routines, build friendships and feel more confident as they get ready for school.
Bush Kinder, Mandarin and excursions
Kindergarten children take part in a term-based Bush Kinder program and Mandarin classes. Children also enjoy excursions and incursions such as intergenerational music, Sports Heroes and regular community walks.
Fresh meals prepared daily
Fresh meals and snacks are prepared daily to keep children nourished and ready for their day. Menus include balanced options throughout the day and cater for allergies and individual dietary requirements.
Updates through our family app
Families can keep up with their child’s day through regular photos and updates in our family app, from routines and learning moments to centre activities and special experiences.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Healthy, nutritious meals each day
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Kew child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu guided by Nutrition Australia guidelines, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$183.60/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$183.60/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$183.60/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|
*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
Explore nearby G8 Education centres
Looking for other great childcare, kindergarten or preschool options? Discover more G8 Education centres near you!
Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
Early Learning Services uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Early Learning Services is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.