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Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham Centre overview
Phone
(03) 9125 4905Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham Centre highlights
- Longstanding team with 10-15+ years of experience and Bengali, Spanish, Greek, French, Indian, Mandarin, and Sri Lankan language speakers
- Mindful movement studio with yoga mats and holistic children’s resources, and three renovated, well-resourced outdoor nature playgrounds
- Cover the cost of all meals and snacks, nappies, wipes, hats, and sunscreen
Welcome to Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham
Our caring educators nurture children’s love of learning across five large, age-based indoor spaces and well-resourced outdoor yards. We have two nurseries, two toddler rooms, and a three- and four-year-old kinder classroom.
We invite you to take a tour – we love to show you around. Our beautiful heritage-listed building is within walking distance of Cheltenham Primary School, Westfield Southland Shopping Centre, and Southland Train Station.
Situated in the heart of Cheltenham on a quiet, tree-lined street with ample parking, we are easily accessible by public transport. During your visit, you’ll discover why families love our longstanding team, welcoming homely atmosphere, quality-approved learning programs, and strong focus on family relationships.
All educators hold high qualifications, with many having been with Goodstart for over a decade. They create a safe, comfortable learning environment with endless opportunities for children.
From nursery to kindergarten, our teacher-led programs follow the Victorian Early Years Framework. Two bachelor-qualified kindergarten teachers lead programming tailored to children’s interests while supporting school readiness. We adjust sensory and play-based learning plans while supporting their readiness to take that critical step to school.
We enrich children’s experiences with community visits and excursions throughout the year, including art and music incursions, an annual onsite dentist visit, and trips to a community garden. Storytime at a local primary school helps our kinder children transition smoothly to school.
Our centre offers a warm, cosy, family feel. Children learn closely in five spacious indoor rooms, including an educator-run intentional space for mindful movement and emotional learning.
Sustainable outdoor spaces include playgrounds with messy play, veggie gardens, a worm farm, sandpit, water feature, mud patch, bike tracks, and shaded verandas.
Fees & Vacancies
Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham Service features
See more (15)Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham service include:
Book a live tour at this carefully curated childcare centre and embark on the journey for your child’s growth and development
Get to know us
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Kindergarten/Preschool Programs
Our high-quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Our teachers tailor their programs to ensure all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school. Through play, our Early Childhood Teachers facilitate children’s learning of important language, literacy, numeracy and creative skills.
Benefits of Goodstart Kindergarten/Preschool programs:
- Our programs are planned and led by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers, in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework
- Our programs have the tick of approval, meaning they meet (and exceed) Government guidelines around learning in the year before school
- Strong connections with local schools support our extensive transition to school programs
- We offer greater flexibility and convenience for busy families with longer opening hours, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
- We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and all-day sessions.
- Nutritious meals are provided throughout the day, so there’s no need to pack lunch boxes.
Curriculum and programs
Curriculum and programs
The educators at Goodstart Early Learning follow an evidence-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Informed by world-leading research, practices and techniques, the curriculum encourages the children’s natural curiosity and engages them in their learning journey.
As the children move through the different rooms in the centre, the curriculum evolves with them. The educators set goals for the children and celebrate as they reach their milestones. At every stage, the educators are tailoring the curriculum and goals to each child’s individual needs.
The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles. From child-led learning to sessions guided by educators, the children participate in small and large group sessions as well as individual play. Most importantly, the children learn through play, developing social skills, confidence and independence in addition to more formal academic skills.
Play is the order of the day of Goodstart Early Learning and the programs at the centre are grounded in a play-based approach. The educators embed teaching and learning into play experiences, helping the children to make sense of the world around them. This is how the children learn about how things work and develop important foundational relationships and skills.
The primarily child-directed, play-based curriculum ensures that the children are engaged in their learning. They are encouraged to take the lead, developing their negotiation, risk taking, problem solving and social skills. The educators observe the children and help to challenge them by extending their learning and interests.
The educators recognise that every child is unique and that they bring their own needs, interests and strengths with them each day. The program is designed to be flexible to cater to these differing needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive at Goodstart.
Parent communication and involvement
Parent communication and involvement
Goodstart Early Learning uses the StoryPark app to connect with parents throughout the day. The educators upload photos and stories to the secure app, which parents can access anytime and anywhere to track their child’s progress.
The approach at the centre is very much based around partnership between families and educators. The educators work with the parents and carers to build strong relationships. They develop trust so the children can feel safe and secure while at the centre. Parents are also encouraged to share their insights and feedback with educators to add depth to the relationship.
The educators observe the children every day and tailor the program around their observations. They share these with parents, so they can feel connected to their child’s progress and also provide feedback that will further enhance their child’s learning experience.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Goodstart Early Learning employs qualified and skilled educators who are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care. The centre employs people who are empathetic and compassionate, with a nurturing disposition and a passion for care. Working collaboratively as a team, the educators display qualities such as positivity, kindness and, most importantly, a desire to help every child thrive.
The educators hold relevant qualifications, including the Kindergarten and Preschool Program teachers who are university qualified. The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children.
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2 Jellicoe StreetCheltenham, VIC, 3192
Centre Reviews
At first, we weren’t too sure — you know how it is when you’re leaving a great daycare and moving to a new... At first, we weren’t too sure — you know how it is when you’re leaving a great daycare and moving to a new one closer to home. It’s always the unknown. But one thing I can say about Goodstart Cheltenham is that the educators there truly show integrity and genuine care. It’s a smaller centre, and that’s what makes it special — it feels more personal, like the educators really connect with each child. That’s something rare to find, not just in daycare centres but anywhere. Dona, Gaya, and Vani, who work closely with our son, are absolutely amazing. We’re so happy he enjoys going there and feels so comfortable and supported every day. We love this centre and highly recommend it to any parent looking for a place with long-term educators and consistent, caring staff who truly put the children first. Read more
Hi Iva, thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that your family has felt so welcomed and supported since joining our centre. It’s wonderful to know your son is happy, comfortable, and thriving in our care. Our team takes great pride in creating a nurturing, personal environment where every child feels valued, and we truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
Hi Andrew, after reviewing our records, we are unable to verify you as part of our centre community. Our educators and staff are dedicated to maintaining a warm, safe, and high-quality learning environment for every child in our care. If you would like to provide more information or discuss this further, please contact our Family Support Team on 1800 222 543.
We’ve been part of this wonderful daycare centre for over four years with both of our children, and we are very happy with... We’ve been part of this wonderful daycare centre for over four years with both of our children, and we are very happy with the experience. The facilities are fantastic - especially the outdoor area. There’s water play, vegetable gardens, climbing frames, a sandpit, trikes and so much more to keep the kids engaged and active. The centre has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a lovely sense of community. The centre director, co-director and administrative assistant are outstanding - their dedication and professionalism really make a difference. The educators are caring, kind and attentive. Our kids love going each day and greet their educators with a big hug every morning — which says it all. Communication is also excellent. The centre keeps us regularly updated with photos and messages about what the children are doing. It’s reassuring and helps us feel connected to their day-to-day experiences. We feel lucky to have found this centre and couldn’t recommend it more highly! Read more
Thank you Julia for your heartfelt and detailed feedback. We're so glad to hear that both of your children have had such a positive experience over the past four years. It’s wonderful to know the outdoor space, sense of community, and strong communication have all stood out to you. Your kind words about our leadership team and educators mean so much! We're proud to have created a centre where families feel truly supported and children thrive. Thank you again for being such a valued part of our Goodstart community.
We've had kids at Goodstart for a couple of years, and chose the center after touring several for it's large rooms and outdoor... We've had kids at Goodstart for a couple of years, and chose the center after touring several for it's large rooms and outdoor area. We have always been impressed by the quality of educators (many of whom have been there a long time) and found them to really care about our little people. Last year there were some new faces brought into the center leadership, who've made a positive impact on how the center is run. Some things are a bit old school (ie you won't get nap times uploaded to an app) which initially took a bit for us to adjust to after coming from another center but after we got used to checking the book, I don't miss it. Very happy to recommend! Read more
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so pleased to hear that our dedicated educators and welcoming environment have made a positive impact on your family. It’s great to know you’ve appreciated the leadership changes and that our approach has worked well for you. We truly value your support!
Such a beautiful center inside & out! The educators are friendly, the care that they provide is exceptional, noticed the difference only when... Such a beautiful center inside & out! The educators are friendly, the care that they provide is exceptional, noticed the difference only when came across few other centers with the experience!! Keep up good work guys!! Read more
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you’re happy with our centre and team at Goodstart Cheltenham. Your support means so much to us!
Thanks for the 5 stars Dona! We love our childcare and kindergarten too! ❤️
Such a warm and nurturing community that genuinely cares about the welfare and development of our child - in moving from another local... Such a warm and nurturing community that genuinely cares about the welfare and development of our child - in moving from another local childcare centre to Goodstart, we could not be happier with how they’ve helped in our daughter’s transition and how easily she has settled in. Read more
New set of office staff more concerned with decorating the place than actually being there. Over a week and there hasn't been anyone... New set of office staff more concerned with decorating the place than actually being there. Over a week and there hasn't been anyone in the office at 9am. Read more