Childcare and kindergarten in Epping, VIC
First Grammar Epping offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, conveniently located for families in Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Mill Park and Wollert in Melbourne.
Flexible early learning spaces
Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces include sensory-rich materials, mud kitchens, vegetable gardens and quiet zones. Children have places to explore, connect with nature, take part in active play and enjoy calmer moments when they need them.
Stable team with low turnover
Many of our educators and teachers have been with the centre for more than 10 years, bringing consistency, deep experience and strong community ties. Their long-term relationships help children and families feel known and supported.
Individual Learning Plans
Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, our child-led, play-based curriculum is supported by Individual Learning Plans developed in partnership with families. These plans reflect each child’s needs, interests and goals, helping educators shape learning in a meaningful way.
Government-approved Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program helps children practise routines, build friendships and develop the confidence and skills they need before starting school. Learning is guided through play, group experiences and each child’s individual goals.
Cooking, science and yoga programs
Children take part in cooking, science, community exploration, yoga and mindfulness as part of the centre program. These experiences give children practical ways to explore ideas, move their bodies, slow down and try new skills.
Sports and community connections
Little Sports Heroes and Mini Monstars run fortnightly, adding fun and active play to children’s learning. Children also build a strong sense of belonging through visits from an aged care home and our rotating mobile library partnership.
Fresh meals provided including dinner
Children enjoy fresh meals and snacks each day, with menus planned for variety and balance. Allergies and individual dietary requirements are catered for. Nutritious dinners are also provided twice a week, giving children a balanced meal before heading home.
Supporting families every day
We offer flexible options such as casual care, helping families access care when they need it. Families can also keep up with their child’s day through photos and updates in our family app.
Secure your place today
Book a tour to experience the centre and confirm availability for your child.
Meet our Centre Manager
Age-appropriate early learning
We provide learning experiences tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and growing independence.
0 – 2 years
Nursery
Our nursery provides a calm, nurturing environment where babies feel safe, loved and supported.
Educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child through responsive care, helping them feel secure as they explore, grow and develop at their own pace.
Children in our nursery room are supported through:
- Warm, responsive care that supports emotional wellbeing and belonging
- Flexible routines that reflect each child’s needs and home rhythms
- Sensory-rich experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration
- Tummy time and interactive play to support fine and gross motor skills
- Music, conversation and gentle interactions that support early communication
2 – 3 years
Toddlers
Our toddler rooms support children as they become more independent, confident and curious learners.
Children are encouraged to explore, express themselves and build everyday skills in a supportive environment. Educators guide children through social play, shared routines and positive behaviour modelling to help them build friendships and manage big emotions.
Children in our toddler room are supported through:
- Self-help skills such as feeding, dressing and toileting
- Storytelling, songs and conversation to support language development
- Imaginative play that encourages creativity and self-expression
- Guided group play that supports sharing, cooperation and friendships
- Positive routines that help children build confidence and emotional regulation
3 -5 years
Kindergarten
Our two-year Kindergarten program supports children’s confidence, independence and school readiness through play-based learning, intentional teaching and child-led investigations.
Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, collaborate with others and take increasing responsibility for their learning environment. The program supports the whole child, helping children build social, emotional, communication and early academic skills for school and beyond.
Children in our Kindergarten program are supported through:
- School readiness experiences that build confidence, independence and resilience
- Early literacy and numeracy learning through games, stories, play and planned activities
- Critical thinking and problem-solving through open-ended, hands-on learning
- Creative experiences including dramatic play, art-making and inquiry-based projects
- Self-regulation and self-help skills, including managing routines and everyday tasks
- Collaboration, communication and group learning with peers
- Projects exploring sustainability, culture and community
- Transition experiences with Epping Views Primary School to help children feel confident and prepared for school
Healthy eating made easy for families
Thanks to the in-house chef at our Epping child care centre, your child can enjoy healthy, delicious meals made fresh each day. We offer a rotating seasonal menu that includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack. Our meals are thoughtfully planned to meet a wide range of dietary needs and cultural preferences, including vegetarian, halal, dairy-free, and allergy-aware options. We also offer family-friendly extras such as take-home dinners on select evenings and coffee catch-ups to help build community connections. It’s all part of our commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing and making life easier for busy families.
Inclusive support for every child
At our Epping childcare centre, we recognise that every child learns differently. Our educators tailor learning to each child’s interests, strengths and stage of development, using intentional teaching, small-group experiences and one-on-one support. Learning goals are informed by regular observations, family input and developmental milestones, with portfolios and digital updates helping families stay involved.
For children with additional needs, we work with families and allied health professionals to develop Individual Learning Plans and targeted strategies. We also support children learning English as an additional language through visual aids, gestures and consistent routines, while celebrating each child’s identity, background, home language and traditions.
Fees
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.
Nursery
0 – 2 years
$188.15/day
Toddler
2 – 4 years
$188.15/day
Kindergarten
4 – 5 years
$180.55/day
Child Care Subsidy Estimator
Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.
2026 3-Day Guarantee
From 5th January 2026, based on the information you have entered, here's an estimate of your CCS entitlements and your out-of-pocket costs.
Total Fees
$0.00
Estimated CCS Fee Subsidy
$0.00
Kindergarten/Preschool Subsidy
$0.00
Out of Pocket Cost (what you pay)
$0.00
Matrix Out of Pocket Cost
Is your CCS working for you? Check the out-of-pocket cost matrix per child against session lengths and weekly days below. Please note: The table in the matrix only shows out-of-pocket costs after CCS (Child Care Subsidy).
| Child 1 | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
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*Kindergarten/preschool subsidy applied: $0.00
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Frequently asked questions
A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.
On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.
Enrolling is simple, and our Family Support Team will guide you through each step.
First, find your local centre and book a tour so you can meet the team and explore the learning environment. If the centre is the right fit and a place is available, you’ll receive an enrolment offer for your child. If a place is not currently available in your child’s age group, we can add your child to the waitlist and keep you updated.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll complete an online enrolment form through a secure link sent by our Family Support Team. You’ll also need to provide key details and documents, including your child’s birth certificate, Medicare details, immunisation history statement and, if eligible, your Child Care Subsidy details.
Before your child’s first day, you may be invited to attend a Stay and Play session. This gives your child time to explore the centre, meet their educators, and start feeling comfortable in their new environment. Once your paperwork is complete, your child is ready to start their early learning journey with us.
Starting child care is a big milestone, and a little preparation can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
Before your child’s first day, you can talk positively about their new centre, explain what their day might look like, and practise small routines such as packing their bag, saying goodbye, washing hands and sitting down for meals. You may also like to visit the centre with your child, meet their educators and ask our team about what to bring on the first day.
When your child starts, our educators will take the time to get to know your child’s routine, interests, comfort items and individual needs. Settling in looks different for every child, so we work closely with families to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.
For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.
For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.
Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.
It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.
First Grammar uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.
After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.
If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, First Grammar is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.
Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming your family.