WOODLANDS HOUSE CHILDCARE
& Before School Care
VISION & PHILOSOPHY | 2026
About UsWoodlands House Childcare and Before School Care has been serving children aged 3 months to 12 years since January 1998, established to meet the growing needs of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and the broader Bellarine community. Our Before School Care (BSC) operates on-site, while our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is delivered in partnership with Wallington Primary School. We value these community partnerships as central to the wellbeing and development of the children in our care.
We are committed to embedding sustainable practices into everyday life at our service. Our vegetable garden and solar panels support hands-on, lifelong learning. Our curriculum and programs actively incorporate reducing, reusing and recycling, with intentional teaching moments and spontaneous provocations woven throughout the year, including support for calendar acknowledgements of sustainability practices.
Our programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework (Vol. 2), My Time Our Place (Vol. 2) and the National Quality Standards 2020. Intentional teaching is delivered in conjunction with the children’s voice, spontaneous learning opportunities and school readiness learning to ensure a holistic and enriching educational experience.
We celebrate the rich diversity of our community. Families, children, educators and staff bring a rich variety of backgrounds, cultures and values to Woodlands House Childcare. We welcome and respect, children, families, educators and staff regardless of age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic background. Every child deserves to belong, and every educator and staff member deserves a welcoming, safe and inclusive workplace.
Children Come FirstThe safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child are at the heart of everything we do, shaping how we design our spaces, plan our programs and engage with children and families each day.
Woodlands House Childcare upholds every child’s right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to be safe, to be heard and to flourish, and meets its obligations under Victorian child safety legislation and the Child Safe Standards. All educators and staff are trained in child protection and mandatory reporting and are empowered to uphold a culture where children’s safety and wellbeing are of paramount consideration.
Children’s VoiceWe believe children are active participants in their own learning and that their voices matter. We are committed to creating safe, meaningful opportunities for children to share their thoughts, ideas, feelings and questions. Each child is supported to build confidence and agency through scaffolded experiences that foster a genuine sense of belonging and ownership within the service.
Play-Based LearningWe recognise that play is fundamental to how young children learn, grow and make sense of the world. Play is not simply recreation - it is a rich, purposeful process through which children develop cognitively, physically, socially, emotionally and creatively.
Our early childhood teachers and educators intentionally plan and facilitate both child-initiated and adult-guided play experiences that are challenging, engaging and inclusive. Environments are thoughtfully resourced with open-ended materials, natural elements and provocations that invite exploration and deep inquiry.
Early childhood teachers and educators are skilled observers and thoughtful co-learners - knowing when to step back and when to step in. Extending children’s thinking through open-ended questions and responding meaningfully to spontaneous learning moments. Play-based learning is purposeful, documented and supportive to each child’s individual developmental journey.
Through play, children at Woodlands House Childcare grow into confident, curious and capable learners.
Vision for ReconciliationWoodlands House Childcare and our BSC program acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live, learn and play. We say Nyatne to elders past, present and future for their continued care and preservation of the land, history and culture of the Wadawurrung People.
Our reconciliation vision is to build genuine, ongoing connections with the local Wadawurrung community and to provide a culturally safe place for all children to gain care and early childhood education. Woodlands House Childcare and BCS program all early childhood teachers and educators are committed to scaffolding an authentic curriculum and environments where the children and young people in our care will strengthen awareness grounded knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Through culturally appropriate experiences, activities and environments the children will explore the Wadawurrung people’s history- past, present and evolving culture. We will continue to ensure that we are presenting First Nations perspectives with cultural sensitivity, respect and dignity especially when we participate in cultural celebrations. We will continue to provide support and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and educators in our childcare and BSC services, ensuring that we remain inclusive of any cultural changes that may occur in the future.
We have and persist in reviewing policies and procedures that our service has in place to support existing and future First Nations children, families and educators. The service will continue to utilise documents such as - Child Safe Standards and the reconciliation action plan to guide and assist in embedding First Nations perspectives into our everyday interactions and practice. We remain committed to inclusivity and cultural responsiveness as our community grows and changes.
Woodlands House Childcare - Ocean Grove | Est. 1998
& Before School Care
VISION & PHILOSOPHY | 2026
About UsWoodlands House Childcare and Before School Care has been serving children aged 3 months to 12 years since January 1998, established to meet the growing needs of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and the broader Bellarine community. Our Before School Care (BSC) operates on-site, while our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is delivered in partnership with Wallington Primary School. We value these community partnerships as central to the wellbeing and development of the children in our care.
We are committed to embedding sustainable practices into everyday life at our service. Our vegetable garden and solar panels support hands-on, lifelong learning. Our curriculum and programs actively incorporate reducing, reusing and recycling, with intentional teaching moments and spontaneous provocations woven throughout the year, including support for calendar acknowledgements of sustainability practices.
Our programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework (Vol. 2), My Time Our Place (Vol. 2) and the National Quality Standards 2020. Intentional teaching is delivered in conjunction with the children’s voice, spontaneous learning opportunities and school readiness learning to ensure a holistic and enriching educational experience.
We celebrate the rich diversity of our community. Families, children, educators and staff bring a rich variety of backgrounds, cultures and values to Woodlands House Childcare. We welcome and respect, children, families, educators and staff regardless of age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic background. Every child deserves to belong, and every educator and staff member deserves a welcoming, safe and inclusive workplace.
Children Come FirstThe safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child are at the heart of everything we do, shaping how we design our spaces, plan our programs and engage with children and families each day.
Woodlands House Childcare upholds every child’s right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to be safe, to be heard and to flourish, and meets its obligations under Victorian child safety legislation and the Child Safe Standards. All educators and staff are trained in child protection and mandatory reporting and are empowered to uphold a culture where children’s safety and wellbeing are of paramount consideration.
Children’s VoiceWe believe children are active participants in their own learning and that their voices matter. We are committed to creating safe, meaningful opportunities for children to share their thoughts, ideas, feelings and questions. Each child is supported to build confidence and agency through scaffolded experiences that foster a genuine sense of belonging and ownership within the service.
Play-Based LearningWe recognise that play is fundamental to how young children learn, grow and make sense of the world. Play is not simply recreation - it is a rich, purposeful process through which children develop cognitively, physically, socially, emotionally and creatively.
Our early childhood teachers and educators intentionally plan and facilitate both child-initiated and adult-guided play experiences that are challenging, engaging and inclusive. Environments are thoughtfully resourced with open-ended materials, natural elements and provocations that invite exploration and deep inquiry.
Early childhood teachers and educators are skilled observers and thoughtful co-learners - knowing when to step back and when to step in. Extending children’s thinking through open-ended questions and responding meaningfully to spontaneous learning moments. Play-based learning is purposeful, documented and supportive to each child’s individual developmental journey.
Through play, children at Woodlands House Childcare grow into confident, curious and capable learners.
Vision for ReconciliationWoodlands House Childcare and our BSC program acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live, learn and play. We say Nyatne to elders past, present and future for their continued care and preservation of the land, history and culture of the Wadawurrung People.
Our reconciliation vision is to build genuine, ongoing connections with the local Wadawurrung community and to provide a culturally safe place for all children to gain care and early childhood education. Woodlands House Childcare and BCS program all early childhood teachers and educators are committed to scaffolding an authentic curriculum and environments where the children and young people in our care will strengthen awareness grounded knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Through culturally appropriate experiences, activities and environments the children will explore the Wadawurrung people’s history- past, present and evolving culture. We will continue to ensure that we are presenting First Nations perspectives with cultural sensitivity, respect and dignity especially when we participate in cultural celebrations. We will continue to provide support and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and educators in our childcare and BSC services, ensuring that we remain inclusive of any cultural changes that may occur in the future.
We have and persist in reviewing policies and procedures that our service has in place to support existing and future First Nations children, families and educators. The service will continue to utilise documents such as - Child Safe Standards and the reconciliation action plan to guide and assist in embedding First Nations perspectives into our everyday interactions and practice. We remain committed to inclusivity and cultural responsiveness as our community grows and changes.
Woodlands House Childcare - Ocean Grove | Est. 1998
LONSDALE HOUSE CHILDCARE
& Before School Care
VISION & PHILOSOPHY | 2026
Our Vision
Lonsdale House Childcare and Before School Care (BSC) programs cater for children aged 3 months to 12 years of age. Established in 2006, Lonsdale House was founded after the woodlands house childcare manager identified a need for continued care for families across Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and the extended Bellarine Peninsula region.
We have strong connections with local primary schools and Queenscliff Kindergarten, fostering partnerships within the community through joint excursions and active participation in community shared events.
We also celebrate the diversity of our community. Families, children and educators bring a rich variety of backgrounds, cultures and values to Lonsdale House Childcare. We welcome and respect all families, children, Educators and staff, regardless of age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. Every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging and all Educators and staff deserve a welcoming, safe and inclusive workplace.
We are committed to embedded sustainable practices within the service. Our vegetable garden supports our daily practices and reflects that these resources are utilised for lifelong learning. Our curriculum and programs actively incorporate reducing - reusing - recycling. We support calendar acknowledgements of sustainability through intentional teaching moments and spontaneous provocations.
Our curriculum and programs are formulated and guided with reference to the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework Vol. 2, and the National Quality Standards 2026. Intentional teaching is delivered in conjunction with the children’s voice, spontaneous learning opportunities which supports children’s development to ensure a holistic and enriching educational experience, including School Readiness as part of the Pre Prep program.
Children Come First
The safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child are at the heart of everything we do. This shapes how we set up our spaces, plan our programs and interact with children and families each day.
Lonsdale House Childcare upholds every child’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to be safe, to be heard and to flourish, and fulfills its obligations under the Victorian child safety legislation and the Child Safe Standards. All Educators and staff are trained in Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting and are empowered to maintain a culture where children’s safety, rights and best interests are of paramount consideration.
Children’s Voice
At Lonsdale House Childcare, we believe that children are active participants in their own learning and that their voices matter. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children to share and express their opinions, thoughts, ideas, feelings, ask questions and raise concerns in ways that feel safe and comfortable for them.
Each child is provided with opportunities to learn, grow and develop through scaffolded experiences that build confidence and agency. Children at Lonsdale House Childcare develop a genuine sense of belonging and ownership within their room and across the service, knowing their contributions are meaningful and respected.
Play Based Learning
We recognise that play is fundamental in supporting children to learn, grow and make sense of the world. Play is not simply recreation - it is a rich, purposeful and a complex process through which children develop cognitively, physically, socially, emotionally and creatively.
Our early childhood teachers and educators intentionally plan and facilitate both child - initiated and adult - guided play experiences that are challenging, engaging and inclusive. Environments are thoughtfully resourced with open-ended and purposeful materials, natural elements and provocation that invite exploration and deep inquiry.
Our early childhood teachers and educators are skilled observers and thoughtful co-learners who know when to participate in children’s play and when to step back, observe and support. They extend children’s thinking through open-ended questions, scaffold emerging skills through gentle guidance and respond to spontaneous learning moments meaningfully as they arise throughout the day. This collaborative approach ensures our programs are well-rounded, responsive and genuinely reflective of the children’s interests and emerging questions about the world around them.
Through play, children at Lonsdale House Childcare grow into confident, curious and capable learners.
First Nations Perspectives - Vison for Reconciliation
Lonsdale House Childcare and our BSC program acknowledges the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of this land on which we live, learn and play. We say Nyatne to the elder’s past, present and future for their continued care and preservation of the land, history and culture of the Wadawurrung people.
Our vision for reconciliation aims to continue to build connections with the local Wadawurrung people and to work together to educate the next generation on respect, dignity and providing a culturally safe place for all children to gain care and early childhood education. At Lonsdale House Childcare and our BSC program all early childhood teachers and educators are committed to scaffolding an authentic curriculum and environments where the children and young people in our care will engage and strengthen their awareness, grounded knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s history and past, present and evolving culture. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we present First Nations perspectives with cultural sensitivity in mind especially when we participate in cultural celebrations. We will continue to provide opportunities and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and educators in our childcare services, ensuring that we remain inclusive of cultural changes that may occur in the future.
We have and persist in reviewing policies and procedures that our service has in place to support existing and future children and families of First Nations Peoples. The service will continue to utilise documents such as, the Child Safe Standards and the Lonsdale House Childcare Reconciliation Action Plan to guide and assist embedding First Nations Perspectives into our everyday interactions and practice.
& Before School Care
VISION & PHILOSOPHY | 2026
Our Vision
Lonsdale House Childcare and Before School Care (BSC) programs cater for children aged 3 months to 12 years of age. Established in 2006, Lonsdale House was founded after the woodlands house childcare manager identified a need for continued care for families across Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and the extended Bellarine Peninsula region.
We have strong connections with local primary schools and Queenscliff Kindergarten, fostering partnerships within the community through joint excursions and active participation in community shared events.
We also celebrate the diversity of our community. Families, children and educators bring a rich variety of backgrounds, cultures and values to Lonsdale House Childcare. We welcome and respect all families, children, Educators and staff, regardless of age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. Every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging and all Educators and staff deserve a welcoming, safe and inclusive workplace.
We are committed to embedded sustainable practices within the service. Our vegetable garden supports our daily practices and reflects that these resources are utilised for lifelong learning. Our curriculum and programs actively incorporate reducing - reusing - recycling. We support calendar acknowledgements of sustainability through intentional teaching moments and spontaneous provocations.
Our curriculum and programs are formulated and guided with reference to the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework Vol. 2, and the National Quality Standards 2026. Intentional teaching is delivered in conjunction with the children’s voice, spontaneous learning opportunities which supports children’s development to ensure a holistic and enriching educational experience, including School Readiness as part of the Pre Prep program.
Children Come First
The safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child are at the heart of everything we do. This shapes how we set up our spaces, plan our programs and interact with children and families each day.
Lonsdale House Childcare upholds every child’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to be safe, to be heard and to flourish, and fulfills its obligations under the Victorian child safety legislation and the Child Safe Standards. All Educators and staff are trained in Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting and are empowered to maintain a culture where children’s safety, rights and best interests are of paramount consideration.
Children’s Voice
At Lonsdale House Childcare, we believe that children are active participants in their own learning and that their voices matter. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children to share and express their opinions, thoughts, ideas, feelings, ask questions and raise concerns in ways that feel safe and comfortable for them.
Each child is provided with opportunities to learn, grow and develop through scaffolded experiences that build confidence and agency. Children at Lonsdale House Childcare develop a genuine sense of belonging and ownership within their room and across the service, knowing their contributions are meaningful and respected.
Play Based Learning
We recognise that play is fundamental in supporting children to learn, grow and make sense of the world. Play is not simply recreation - it is a rich, purposeful and a complex process through which children develop cognitively, physically, socially, emotionally and creatively.
Our early childhood teachers and educators intentionally plan and facilitate both child - initiated and adult - guided play experiences that are challenging, engaging and inclusive. Environments are thoughtfully resourced with open-ended and purposeful materials, natural elements and provocation that invite exploration and deep inquiry.
Our early childhood teachers and educators are skilled observers and thoughtful co-learners who know when to participate in children’s play and when to step back, observe and support. They extend children’s thinking through open-ended questions, scaffold emerging skills through gentle guidance and respond to spontaneous learning moments meaningfully as they arise throughout the day. This collaborative approach ensures our programs are well-rounded, responsive and genuinely reflective of the children’s interests and emerging questions about the world around them.
Through play, children at Lonsdale House Childcare grow into confident, curious and capable learners.
First Nations Perspectives - Vison for Reconciliation
Lonsdale House Childcare and our BSC program acknowledges the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of this land on which we live, learn and play. We say Nyatne to the elder’s past, present and future for their continued care and preservation of the land, history and culture of the Wadawurrung people.
Our vision for reconciliation aims to continue to build connections with the local Wadawurrung people and to work together to educate the next generation on respect, dignity and providing a culturally safe place for all children to gain care and early childhood education. At Lonsdale House Childcare and our BSC program all early childhood teachers and educators are committed to scaffolding an authentic curriculum and environments where the children and young people in our care will engage and strengthen their awareness, grounded knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s history and past, present and evolving culture. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we present First Nations perspectives with cultural sensitivity in mind especially when we participate in cultural celebrations. We will continue to provide opportunities and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and educators in our childcare services, ensuring that we remain inclusive of cultural changes that may occur in the future.
We have and persist in reviewing policies and procedures that our service has in place to support existing and future children and families of First Nations Peoples. The service will continue to utilise documents such as, the Child Safe Standards and the Lonsdale House Childcare Reconciliation Action Plan to guide and assist embedding First Nations Perspectives into our everyday interactions and practice.