Independent Early Childhood School in City of Melville

17 April 2018 – Melville, Western Australia.

Perth’s first dedicated independent early childhood school has been given development approval from the City of Melville. The school will initially provide two combined pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes (20 students per class), and one 2-Year-Old-Kindy class (10 students per class). The opening is scheduled for early August 2018.

There is a need in Australia for quality pre-school services, which cater for 3-year-olds. Studies have shown the tangible benefits for 3-year-old children who attend pre-kindergarten two days a week, with regards to improved long-term learning outcomes (Fox, 2016). Based on our research, there is currently a gap in pre-kindergarten services in the City of Melville. The development of Applecross Pre-Kindy & Kindy assists in meeting this gap by providing a quality care and educational service for 3-year-olds, while also meeting working parents’ needs for long hours care.

Our school will provide:

      Services for over 200 families in the City of Melville

      A Pre-Kindy & Kindy program for up to fifty 3-5 year-olds (staged over two years)

      A 2-Year-Old-Kindy program for up to twenty 2-year-olds (staged over two years)

      A school-oriented playgroup for relevant years

      A school-oriented library for relevant years

      Before and after school care for working parents, whose children attend the program (eg. optional hours from 7:00am to 6:30pm)

      An educational program from 9:00am to 3:00pm

      Structured and free-play educational programs developed by professional educators and teachers

      Employment for up to 9 highly trained and qualified staff

      A range of adequate and appropriate outdoor and indoor spaces, conducive to play-based learning

      A renovated facility that maintains its original residential feel, while also improving the streetscape

      Appropriate fencing and security

      A preferred and permissible location (Riseley Centre), that is close to shops, businesses, and transport

      A service which meets Local Planning Policies and Guidelines

      A service regulated by the Education and Care Regulatory Unit

      A service that is operated by an experienced small family business