We provide care and learning experiences for children aged 6 months to school age, fostering growth and development in a nurturing environment.

Our centre operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, offering flexibility to suit busy family schedules.

Pines Early Learning (PEL) is located at 1/520 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East. We are conveniently located alongside The Pines Shopping Centre, and there is ample parking available for parents and carers.

Book a Tour Experience the centre at work, we welcome prospective families to come and see our centre and meet with our Centre Manager. To book a tour of PEL, please contact us to arrange a time that works for you. Centre tours are strictly by appointment only. Phone: (03) 8488 7288

We adhere to government regulations to ensure quality care:

• For children under 3 years old: 1 educator for every 4 children.
• For children over 3 years old: 1 educator for every 11 children.

Yes, PEL, operates as a not-for-profit community childcare centre offering long day care and integrated kindergarten programs. The centre is approved under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and is listed on the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) National Register ACECQA.

As of June 2022, PEL has been rated as ‘Meeting National Quality Standard’ across all seven quality areas assessed by ACECQA. This rating indicates that the service provides quality education and care in line with national standards. In Victoria, early childhood teachers (ECTs) employed in such services are required to be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. This ensures that educators meet professional standards and are committed to ongoing professional development.

Please pack the following for your child each day:

• Food and snacks to keep them energized throughout the day.
• A water bottle for hydration.
• Formula or breastmilk if your child is bottle-fed.

We recommend labelling all items to avoid any mix-ups.

Contact our Centre either by calling us or sending an email. We’ll guide you through the enrolment process.

Our daily fee for 2024 is $120 per child. As a community, not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to keeping our fees affordable. You may also be eligible for rebates. To find information about how to claim the Childcare Subsidy and reduce the cost of childcare, please visit the Child Care Subsidy website. Before a child is enrolled with Pines Early Learning, it is necessary to have a My Gov account. You can visit the My Gov website to set up your account.

No, we do not charge a registration fee or require a deposit.

Cancellation of booking Families are asked to provide 2 weeks’ notice of the cancellation of a booking. Fees will continue to apply for the notice period unless cancellation of booking is due to an illness and a medical certificate is provided. Please refer to our Fee Policy for more detailed information.

PEL operates an Education and Care Service which is approved under the National Quality Framework. Our educators offer unconditional support and guidance to all children and families based on the Practice Principles of the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. We celebrate the central role of parents and families in the child’s learning and welcome their input into our program.

• Bilingual educators
• Family grouping
• Small class sizes
• Integrated kindergarten program

We pride ourselves on creating a sense of belonging for all children, families, and staff, where diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, skills, and interests are respected, valued, and given opportunities to be expressed and developed.

We implement the Early Years Learning Framework, which supports holistic development and prepares children for future learning stages.

In 2024 we announced the opening of our new outdoor play space. This innovative play area has been thoughtfully designed with all abilities in mind, ensuring that every child can enjoy and benefit from the experience. The playground features equipment specifically aimed at enhancing motor skills, promoting physical development while providing a safe and engaging environment for exploration and play.

We address social and emotional development through personalised interactions and activities tailored to each child’s needs. Please feel free to discuss specific questions with our team.

Yes, we work closely with families to support children with special needs. Individualised plans are developed in collaboration with parents to ensure the best outcomes.

No, families are responsible for providing their child’s meals and snacks each day.

We maintain a nut-free environment to ensure the safety of all children in our care.

Please refer to our website for detailed information about our health and safety policies.

Our team is trained to manage medical emergencies effectively. Detailed procedures are outlined in our Childcare Policy and Procedures.

Early Learning Services are required to check that children enrolled are up to date with the mandatory immunisations.

Families are required to provide a copy of their child’s Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) or your MyGov account, twice a year. Children will not be able to commence until this is provided. Following enrolment, services must take reasonable steps twice yearly to review the immunisation records and ensure children attending are up to date with the immunisation schedule.

Further information about the Victorian Government’s ‘No Jab No Play’ legislation can be found at: Immunisation-No Jab No Play Frequently Asked Questions

If your child is unwell, we ask that they stay at home to prevent the spread of illness. Detailed procedures are outlined in our Childcare Policy and Procedures.

Our centre adheres to stringent infectious diseases protocols to safeguard the health of children and staff. This includes isolating any symptomatic children, notifying families promptly, and following all health department guidelines. Please refer to our Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy.

Cleanliness and hygiene are top priorities at our centre. We follow strict daily cleaning schedules, sanitise high-touch surfaces frequently, and use child-safe cleaning products. Educators also emphasise personal hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, to instil healthy habits in children. Please refer to our Hygiene Policy.

We maintain open communication with parents through email, newsletters, and in-person conversations during drop-off and pick-up times.

Yes, parents are welcome to visit or observe their child during the day.

We offer both daily and weekly updates, depending on your preference. Families can also access our parent portal to view observations, photos, and weekly journals.

We welcome all feedback and address any concerns through open discussions with parents to ensure the best outcomes for their child.

Our educators hold a range of qualifications, including:

• Bachelor of Early Education and Care
• Diploma of Early Education and Care
• Certificate of Early Education and Care

Yes, our staff participate in regular professional development courses to ensure they stay updated with best practices in early childhood education.

PEL’s “Interaction with Children” policy outlines the service’s commitment to fostering positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with children. The policy emphasises the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment that promotes each child’s wellbeing, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.

Key Objectives:

• Respectful Relationships: Encouraging warm, trusting, and reciprocal interactions between educators, children, and families.
• Child Agency: Supporting children to express themselves, form opinions, and engage in experiences that build self-reliance and confidence.
• Safety and Wellbeing: Providing a secure environment that considers the health, safety, and developmental needs of each child.
• Inclusivity: Recognising and respecting the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities of all children and their families.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Building strong relationships with families to enhance children’s learning and development outcomes.

The policy applies to all staff, educators, students, volunteers, parents/guardians, and others involved in PEL’s programs and activities, ensuring a unified approach to nurturing and educating children.

For detailed information, please refer to the full policy document available on the Pines Learning website.

We approach separation anxiety with compassion and understanding. Our educators work closely with families to develop strategies, such as gradual drop-offs, consistent routines, and comfort items from home, to help children feel secure and supported.

During inclement weather, children participate in indoor play activities that ensure their safety while keeping them engaged and active.

We use a secured door system for sign-in and sign-out, ensuring the safety of all children.

PEL’s Delivery and Collection of Children policy outlines procedures to ensure the safe and timely collection of children from the service. The policy emphasises the importance of adhering to agreed-upon collection times and details steps to be taken in the event of late pickups.

Key Points on Late Collection:

• Notification: Parents/guardians are expected to inform the service as soon as possible if they anticipate being late to collect their child.
• Maintaining Ratios: The service ensures that educator-to-child ratios are always maintained, including during instances of late collection.
• Contact Attempts: If a child is not collected on time and the service has not been notified, staff will attempt to contact the parents/guardians or authorised nominees.
• Emergency Contacts: If parents/guardians or authorised nominees cannot be reached, the service may contact Child FIRST or the local police after a specified period.
• Late Collection Fee: A fee may be imposed for late collection, as outlined in the service’s Fees Policy.

These procedures are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to support staff in managing late pickups effectively.

For detailed information, please refer to the full policy document available on the PEL website.

Yes, we provide a comprehensive transition program to prepare children for primary school. This includes activities to develop independence, communication skills, and familiarity with school routines. We also work with families to ensure a smooth transition.

No, we do not offer transportation services.

No, we do not offer sibling discounts.
If you have further questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support your child’s early learning journey!