1800 517 086
1800 517 086Address:
156 Jetty Road, Curlewis, VIC, 3222
Care Type:
Long Day Care, Pre-school
Hours:
6:30AM to 6:30PM
Vacancies
Check by age group
Infant
0-1 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
$175.05 /day
Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Great Beginnings Curlewis.
Address:
156 Jetty Road, Curlewis, VIC, 3222
Rating Score
We cannot speak highly enough of Great Beginnings Curlewis and the wonderful team of educators who have cared for our grandson, Joshua.<br>Joshua has special needs, particularly around communication, emotional regulation and transitions. Although Great Beginnings is not specifically a special-needs centre, the professionalism, patience, care and commitment the staff have shown towards Joshua have been truly outstanding.<br>What has impressed us most is their willingness to understand Joshua as an individual. They have taken the time to learn what works for him, adapt their approach to his particular needs, and work through challenging situations with patience, kindness and positivity. Rather than focusing on his difficulties, they consistently look for ways to help him participate, feel safe and have positive experiences at kindergarten.<br>We have also greatly appreciated the open communication with our family. The educators have always been honest about the challenges while remaining incredibly supportive and positive about Joshua and his progress.<br>Caring for a child with Joshua’s special needs requires considerable patience, understanding and flexibility, and we have enormous respect for the way the team at Great Beginnings Curlewis has embraced him and supported him.<br>As grandparents who are very involved in Joshua’s care, it has meant a great deal to us knowing that he is with people who genuinely care about him and want him to succeed.<br>We are extremely grateful to the entire team at Great Beginnings Curlewis and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the centre to other families. They deserve every one of the five stars we are giving them.
- PETER WRIGHT
We are conveniently located for families in or commuting through Curlewis or nearby suburbs Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Leopold, Saint Leonards and Wallington.
We offer nurturing care and quality early education for children from 6 weeks to 6 years, with flexible hours (9, 10, 11, and 12-hour sessions) to suit busy families.
Our Learning Environments
Our children benefit from familiar faces as they grow, creating a sense of continuity:
We’re proud to have qualified teachers and educators, supported by a team of national education experts, ensuring the highest quality childcare and early education.
Innovative Early Learning Programs
Our teachers deliver the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF or the national curriculum) through play-based learning that covers language, literacy, numeracy, STEM, social, and emotional development. Our program also includes:
We focus on strong family partnerships through regular learning and development conversations with your child’s lead educator, learning showcases, and in-centre family events. Our Xplor app provides real-time updates and learning summaries daily to keep you informed on your child’s journey.
We are conveniently located for families in or commuting through Curlewis or nearby suburbs Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Leopold, Saint Leonards and Wallington.
We offer nurturing care and quality early education for children from 6 weeks to 6 years, with flexible hours (9, 10, 11, and 12-hour sessions) to suit busy families.
Our Learning Environments
Our children benefit from familiar faces as they grow, creating a sense of continuity:
We’re proud to have qualified teachers and educators, supported by a team of national education experts, ensuring the highest quality childcare and early education.
Innovative Early Learning Programs
Our teachers deliver the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF or the national curriculum) through play-based learning that covers language, literacy, numeracy, STEM, social, and emotional development. Our program also includes:
We focus on strong family partnerships through regular learning and development conversations with your child’s lead educator, learning showcases, and in-centre family events. Our Xplor app provides real-time updates and learning summaries daily to keep you informed on your child’s journey.
State Government Approved Programs
Our Kindergarten program supports children’s learning, development, and well-being, ensuring a confident transition to school.
Children explore their local community through excursions and visits, helping them build connections and learn about their environment.
Children develop environmental awareness through hands-on experiences like recycling, conserving water, growing food, and learning to care for the planet.
Our centre offers the Victorian Government-approved ‘Kinder: Best Start, Best Life’ program for 3–4-year-olds, providing up to 15 hours per week of funded Kindergarten. This program supports children’s learning, development, and well-being, setting them up for future success.
Our Enhanced Learning Program for Kindergarten children focuses on:
With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.
Additional Benefits Include:
We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development.
“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber
Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years
Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.
Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years
Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.
On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.
Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.
Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years
Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.
The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.
Throughout the Kindergarten year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.
Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and su pporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the kindergarten year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.
Morning
Jesse is 11 months old and enjoys sensory play outside in the sandpit with her friends. She sits near her educator who helps teach her how to scoop the sand into the bucket. Jesse is learning how to dig, carry, and move the sand. She is also exploring texture and learning what happens to the sand when she adds water!
Lunch
Jesse has finished her lunch and is preparing to take a nap. Her educator changes her nappy, prepares a bottle and reads Jesse a story before her afternoon sleep.
Afternoon
Jesse and some of her nursery friends enjoy some story time and songs outside in the shaded garden. They read ‘Peepo’ which is Jesse’s favourite book.
Morning
Nick is two and a half years old and loves to start his day at the centre outside on the climbing equipment. His friends join him, and together they pretend to be pirates on a ship looking for treasure. Through this exciting dramatic play, Nick is learning about himself and the world around him. Dramatic play is helping Nick identify his interests, abilities, likes and dislikes.
Lunch
Nick is watering the vegetables in the garden. By doing this, Nick is learning the importance of growing and caring for the veggies in the garden. Nick picks a tomato from the garden, which the Chef will use to help make Nick and his friend’s lunch - Spaghetti Bolognese!
Afternoon
Nick enjoys art, and today he is painting a beach scene from a recent family holiday. He adds the finishing touches and sets the painting aside to dry; so that he can take it home to share with his family.
While painting, Nick is learning how to express himself creatively and how to convey his ideas and emotions. Painting is also helping develop Nick’s hand eye coordination, finger, wrist and hand strength. Making marks on paper is important for self expression as well as later learning.
Morning
Daniela is almost five years old and can’t wait for today’s carpentry experience - she loves building things! Carpentry experiences allow Daniela and her friends to extend their learning through real-life experiences. While participating in carpentry, Daniela is learning to problem solve, experiment and predict. She is also improving her hand eye coordination, manipulative skills and muscular strength.
Lunch
Before Daniela sits down for lunch with her friends and educators, Daniela takes part in the centre’s sports program. Daniela loves sports. Sports helps Daniela improve her flexibility and strength (perfect for growing bodies!). Sports also allows her to practice different skills in a fun and engaging way.
Afternoon
Daniela is off to ‘big school’ next year and she can't wait to start! Daniela and her friends will be visiting the local primary school next week. In preparation for the visit, the class is creating a list of questions to ask the Principal and school children.
Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.
Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.
Hi, my name is Claire, and I am the Centre Manager here at Great Beginnings Curlewis. I believe children thrive in environments that offer consistency, routine, and strong relationships.
I began my journey in early childhood education in 2008 and joined the centre in 2024. I was inspired to become an educator as a single mum, after seeing the love and support my own children received from their educators while in care. That experience had a lasting impact on me and motivated me to support other families in the same way.
What I value most in this profession is the strong connections we build with children and families. These relationships help us grow as educators and create enriching environments where children can learn, develop, and thrive. I particularly love watching children grow from their early years through to starting school, and seeing the meaningful bonds they form with their educators along the way.
I believe children thrive in environments that offer consistency, routine, and strong relationships. Through these connections, children build confidence, form friendships, and feel secure in their learning. I lead a team of around 20 educators who are committed to providing nurturing and engaging environments for children. Together, we focus on strong communication with families to ensure they feel confident that their children are supported to grow and thrive in our care.
Building trust with families is a key part of my role. I prioritise open and honest communication, and work with my team to create warm, supportive environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged every day.
Want to see the centre first hand? Book a tour with Great Beginnings Curlewis below.
Infant
0-1 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Toddler
1-2 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Pre-Kindy
2-3 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Kindy
3-5 years
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Great Beginnings Curlewis.
Based on 22 Reviews
Rating Score
PETER WRIGHT
We cannot speak highly enough of Great Beginnings Curlewis and the wonderful team of educators who have cared for our grandson, Joshua.<br>Joshua has special needs, particularly around communication, emotional regulation and transitions. Although Great Beginnings is not specifically a special-needs centre, the professionalism, patience, care and commitment the staff have shown towards Joshua have been truly outstanding.<br>What has impressed us most is their willingness to understand Joshua as an individual. They have taken the time to learn what works for him, adapt their approach to his particular needs, and work through challenging situations with patience, kindness and positivity. Rather than focusing on his difficulties, they consistently look for ways to help him participate, feel safe and have positive experiences at kindergarten.<br>We have also greatly appreciated the open communication with our family. The educators have always been honest about the challenges while remaining incredibly supportive and positive about Joshua and his progress.<br>Caring for a child with Joshua’s special needs requires considerable patience, understanding and flexibility, and we have enormous respect for the way the team at Great Beginnings Curlewis has embraced him and supported him.<br>As grandparents who are very involved in Joshua’s care, it has meant a great deal to us knowing that he is with people who genuinely care about him and want him to succeed.<br>We are extremely grateful to the entire team at Great Beginnings Curlewis and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the centre to other families. They deserve every one of the five stars we are giving them.
Carmel-Anne
This is a response to T's review. My daughter went there in 2019. I came to realise I was overcharged; I had to raise this with them because no staff at the center ever realised it. Goodness knows how often the overcharge occurred and to how many parents, so I questioned it for a long time (for 6 months). Then I requested my daughter's immediate withdrawal from the center as no one would help explain how, why, how much, or what dates I was overcharged (after another 6 months of asking, the same useless stressful cycle continued). I was told a credit was applied, but there wasn't much (evidence) to reveal the history/time-line of our service, nor explain the overcharge or how I was credited for it on other daycare days. I don't even know how many times I was overcharged (to this day). I could not access any information. I appreciate they said they would resolve the matter for T. I hope this has been the case. However, my matter never got resolved, and it's six years later. My information miraculously could not be found on the file. And yet, today, 05/02.2025, they sent me a statement (after my daughter not going to the centre for 6 years) with some nonsense and still no viable explanation for why I was overcharged. The audacity to do this after all these years is unheard of. If they are a great center today, and you and your children like it there, please do not authorise direct debit and review all their invoices with a fine comb. Based on T's review, the issue was still happening 2 years ago. Again, my overcharge/s has never been properly resolved. As a result, I no longer do direct debits anywhere. I tried my best to get an explanation for one year, but I gave up. EDIT 20/02/25- Thank you for your public expression of concern. The email sent to your centre remains unresponded. It's a big shame that no one ever provided a full amount of what was overpaid or how much was credited (if that was so), as outlined, statements were not available. Best wishes with your new processes in place.
Tiana Kaštánek
We are so happy that we chose great beginnings to take care of our girls. Claire and Tayla run the centre extremely well. And are very friendly, supportive, helpful towards our concerns. We are first time parents and its good to have such supportive managers and staff. The centre is very accommodating towards our girls care needs. All the staff members are so compassionate and caring to our little ones. They are so highly experienced. Shout out to Ally and alannah especially! Our girls are so lucky to have you care for them. We would be lost without you and love that you know our girls really well. Thank you for all you do.
The Stubenrauch Twins
We moved to this childcare center from another facility about five months ago, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. From the moment we stepped through the door, we've felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff members are genuinely fantastic with kids. It’s clear they are passionate about what they do, and our girls have flourished under their care. The center manager has been incredibly helpful, always available to answer questions and provide support. One of the standout features has been how the team assisted with drop-off, which made a significant difference in easing our girls into their new environment. They’ve formed wonderful relationships with both their peers and the staff, and it’s heartwarming to see how excited they are each morning as we walk through the door. Overall, our kids are thriving here—they genuinely enjoy going to childcare, and it gives us great peace of mind knowing they are in such capable and caring hands. Highly recommend this center to other families looking for a nurturing and engaging place for their children.
Kiera Earle
Great Beginings curlewis is a wonderful centre. It has a warm family energy as you walk in the doors. All the staff care greatly for the children and the centre manager is always walking the floor to help out and connect with the kids. Two new kinder teachers from NZ have been a welcome fresh air to their program. My daughter is learning soo much and has the freedom and support to be herself.
with Curlewis, 3222
Above average
Above average
Great Beginnings Curlewis
$175.05
Suburb Average
$172.77
Above average
The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.
Great Beginnings Curlewis
Meeting
Suburb Average
Meeting
