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The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

238 Centre Dandenong Rd, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 view map
Verified
5.0
1300 003 376

Care Type:

Long Day Care, Occasional, Casual or Flexible Care, Pre-school

Hours:

6:30am to 6:30pm

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Your enquiry will be sent directly to the The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham.

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Address:

238 Centre Dandenong Rd, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192

5.0

Rating Score

Read our 24 Reviews

About The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

Family-owned and operated, The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham welcomes families from Cheltenham and surrounding suburbs. Located on Centre Dandenong Road near DFO Moorabbin, Cheltenham East Primary School and local parks, we offer long day care with an integrated kinder program. Our natural play yards give children space to explore, make friends and build confidence through play.

Our educators take time to learn each child’s interests, strengths and needs. By working closely with families, they create a warm, familiar environment where children feel safe, included and ready to learn.

  • Safety and wellbeing: Our i9 SafeSteps framework helps children feel safe, heard and supported.
  • Nutritious meals: Professionally prepared on site, with menus developed in collaboration with families and endorsed by a nutritionist.
  • School readiness: Play-based kinder helps children build independence, friendships and confidence for school.
  • Long-serving educators: Many of our educators have been with us for years, helping children form trusting relationships with familiar faces.

Centre Manager Sarah Wight has worked in early childhood education since 2016. She is passionate about building strong relationships with children, families and educators, and creating a safe, welcoming place where every child feels they belong. Our founders visit regularly to stay personally connected with the centre.

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Services Provided by The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

State Government Approved Programs

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Get To Know Us

Safety

Safety

Your Child’s Safety Is Our Priority – i9 SafeSteps

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, heard and protected.

At our centre, child safety is more than a policy – it is at the heart of everything we do. Through i9 SafeSteps, our dedicated child safety framework, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Aligned with the National Quality Standard and Victorian Child Safe Standards, our framework focuses on nine key areas, including:

  • Safe and Trusted Educators: Thorough recruitment, screening and ongoing professional development.
  • Child Empowerment: Encouraging children to express themselves, make choices and learn protective behaviours.
  • Inclusive Environments: Respecting every child's culture, identity and individual needs.
  • Family Partnerships: Working closely with families to support children's safety and wellbeing.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regular safety reviews, staff training and clear reporting processes.

Guided by our C.A.R.E values – Create, Aspire, Respect and Empower – we ensure children's safety and wellbeing remain central to our everyday practices.

Because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and empowered to grow.
Programs

Programs

Learning and Growing at The Fern

We believe children learn best when their interests and curiosity guide the way. Working in partnership with families, our educators balance guided experiences with time for children to explore, play and make discoveries of their own.

  • Green Sprouts introduces everyday sustainable practices and helps children build respect for the natural world.
  • Healthy Sprouts connects children with growing and preparing food through vegetable and herb gardens, meal preparation and new tastes.
  • Creative Sprouts invites children to explore art, music, cultures and celebrations through hands-on experiences.
  • Active Sprouts encourages movement and healthy habits through fun activities that support physical, social and emotional development.
  • Reading Sprouts nurtures a love of books and builds early literacy skills through stories and playful learning.

Our integrated, government-funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten program brings together creativity, early literacy, numeracy and social skills to help children feel confident as they prepare for school.

Centre philosophy

Centre philosophy

Our Philosophy – Learning Through Discovery

At i9 Education, we believe children are capable, curious and resourceful learners who learn best through meaningful relationships, play and exploration.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and leading child development theories, our philosophy recognises the environment as the third teacher, encouraging creativity, curiosity and discovery.

Our educators act as co-learners and guides, using intentional teaching to extend children's thinking, encourage problem-solving and support individual interests.

We value children's voices and work closely with families to create inclusive, engaging learning experiences where every child feels a sense of belonging.

Parent communication and involvement

Parent communication and involvement

Parent Communication – Staying Connected with KindyHub

At The Fern, we believe that open and meaningful communication is essential to building strong partnerships with families and supporting each child's learning and development.

Through KindyHub, our dedicated parent communication platform, families can stay informed and connected with their child's experiences throughout the day.

Our educators share updates on meals, sleep routines, learning experiences, educational programming and curriculum planning, providing families with valuable insight into their child's daily care and learning journey.
KindyHub also allows families to view photographs, developmental milestones, learning observations, centre announcements and upcoming events, keeping them informed and involved in their child's progress.

Because we believe families should feel connected to their child's experiences, not just at drop-off and pick-up, but throughout their learning journey. Through KindyHub, we bring families closer to the moments, milestones and everyday experiences that matter.

Fees & Vacancies

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0-1 years

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Toddler

1-2 years

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Pre-Kindy

2-3 years

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Kindy

3-5 years

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Your enquiry will be sent directly to the The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham.

The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham Reviews (24)

5.0 /5

Based on 24 Reviews

Piper Tuifao image

Piper Tuifao

5.0 • 3 months ago

I honestly can’t recommend this childcare centre enough. Before coming here, my one-year-old daughter had some really horrible experiences at another childcare centre, so I was incredibly nervous about enrolling her somewhere new. As a parent, it was hard to trust another centre, but from the very first day, the team made us feel so welcome and reassured.<br><br>Seeing the difference in my daughter has been amazing. She’s happier than ever, excited to go each day, and has learned so much in such a short time. It’s clear that the educators genuinely care about every child—they’re kind, patient, welcoming, and create such a warm, nurturing environment where children can thrive.<br><br>The centre itself is always clean, well-organised, and has such a positive atmosphere. The level of care and professionalism has exceeded all of my expectations.<br><br>I’m so impressed with this centre that I’ve now enrolled my three-month-old as well. That says everything about the trust and confidence I have in the team. Thank you to all of the wonderful educators for making such a positive difference in our children’s lives. We feel incredibly lucky to have found you, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this centre to any family looking for exceptional care.

Kaan Ozyurt image

Kaan Ozyurt

5.0 • 10 months ago

After some unfortunate circumstances led us to search for a new childcare centre, we stumbled upon The Fern, and it has been nothing short of a gift. Our only regret is that we didn’t find this incredible centre sooner.<br><br>From day one, Sarah and her team, including the kind and dedicated educators who care for our son each day have shown genuine warmth, patience, and a heartfelt commitment to truly understanding him. For the first time, we’ve seen what the right environment and the right educators can mean for a child with additional needs.<br><br>Our sons needs have never been made to feel like a burden, instead, every person has gone out of their way to see him, listen to him, and support him in the way he needs. Thank you for giving our family hope again, and for restoring a sense of balance we didn’t realise we were missing.<br><br>As quoted by our son "I just love Le Fern".<br><br>Love Kaan and Anna

Shannen De Angelis image

Shannen De Angelis

5.0 • 10 months ago

I couldn’t be happier with the care my son receives at The Fern. From the moment we walked through the door, the educators make us feel welcomed, supported, and genuinely cared for. They treat my son with so much warmth and patience, and it’s clear they truly love what they do.<br><br>The communication is excellent — I’m always kept up to date with how his day is going, what he’s learning, and any little milestones he reaches. The activities are thoughtful, fun, and perfectly suited to his age, and I’ve noticed such beautiful growth in his confidence and development since attending.<br><br>The environment is clean, safe, and so inviting. Knowing he is happy, nurtured, and well-looked-after gives me complete peace of mind.<br><br>I’m incredibly grateful for the entire team. They go above and beyond every day, and it truly shows. I highly recommend this childcare to any parent looking for a place where their child will be treated with genuine care and respect.

Romina S image

Romina S

5.0 • 10 months ago

We’ve had such a great experience at The Fern. The staff are so caring and supportive, and they really helped my daughter settle in during those early days. She’s happy and comfortable there, and we’re very grateful for the wonderful care they provide.

Lauren Stubbe image

Lauren Stubbe

5.0 • 1+ year ago

The Fern have been fantastic at helping my 1 year old settle in and keeping me updated and informed which settled my early anxieties about sending my daughter into care as a first time mum. She is thriving and loving it at the Fern, and I love getting updates and photos throughout the day. The staff are fantastic and the little ones are very well taken care of. Highly recommended.

Limited offers and promotions

FREE Kinder Explorer Pack

More than Kinder, from day one to school

New families are welcomed with a free Explorer Pack, and our graduates head to school with a Ready, Set, School celebration.

How The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham Compares

with Cheltenham, 3192

Reviews

Above average

The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

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5/5

Suburb Average

Gold starGold starGold starGold starGold star

4.9/5

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Price

The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

Contact Centre

Suburb Average

$153.47

NQS

The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.

The Fern Early Learning Centre Cheltenham

Meeting

Suburb Average

Meeting

NQS Rating Breakdown

Overall

Meeting

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Educational Program and Practice Meeting
Children's Health and Safety Meeting
Physical environment Meeting
Staffing Arrangements Meeting
Relationships with children Meeting
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Meeting
Governance and leadership Meeting

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