Community-Based Kindergarten

Where Little Minds Grow Through Play

Manchester Preschool is a not-for-profit, community-based kindergarten providing engaging, play-based education for 3 to 5 year olds in Mooroolbark.

Enrol Your Child Our Philosophy

Children playing at Manchester Preschool

Child Safe Environment

Not-for-Profit Community

Free Kinder Program

VEYLDF Curriculum

Our Values

What We Stand For

At the heart of everything we do are three guiding principles that shape how we nurture every child.

Relationships

We build mutual trust and partnership with families, recognising that strong relationships are a fundamental aspect in education.

Respect

We respect children as individuals with unique qualities, valuing diverse ways of being, knowing, and appreciating all cultures and traditions.

Learning

Children learn through open-ended play in a rich, stimulating environment. We encourage adventurous risk-taking to build confidence and resilience.

Children exploring the fairy garden at Manchester Preschool

About Us

More Than a Preschool

Manchester Preschool Incorporated Association operates as a not-for-profit, community-based kindergarten providing sessional programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old groups.

Our team of friendly, caring and experienced staff members are passionate advocates for quality early childhood education, committed to providing engaging and stimulating educational programs.

Large, well-landscaped outdoor playground

Bright, well-resourced indoor learning spaces

Experienced, qualified educators

Free kindergarten under Victoria's Free Kinder initiative

Learn More

Our Programs

Nurturing Every Stage of Growth

We offer tailored sessional programs designed to support your child's development at every stage.

Ages 3-4

3-Year-Old Program

Tuesday & Friday, 9:30am – 2:30pm

A gentle introduction to learning through play and social interaction in a safe and nurturing environment.

Ages 4-5

4-Year-Old Program

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:30am – 2:30pm

Nurturing independence, curiosity and creativity through rich, open-ended play opportunities.

What We Offer

Our preschool features exceptional facilities designed to inspire curiosity and wonder.

Outdoor Playground

Shade-sails, dry creek bed, fairy garden, sandpit, vegetable garden and climbing trees.

Creative Spaces

Large, bright indoor space exceptionally well-resourced with art and craft materials.

Nature Play

Mud kitchen, firepit, cubby houses, hill/slide/tunnel combination and more.

Our Space

Everyday Life at Manchester Preschool

FAQ

Common Questions from Families

Have more questions? Get in touch with us - we'd love to hear from you.

We offer programs for two age groups: 3/4-year-olds (Tuesday & Friday) and 4/5-year-olds (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday). All sessions run from 9:30am to 2:30pm.

Yes! We participate in Victoria's Free Kinder initiative, making sessional kindergarten tuition-free for eligible children in both our 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs.

Submit an Expression of Interest through our enrolment page. Places are allocated based on Victoria's priority of access criteria. Visit our Enrolment page for the full details and forms.

Our program follows the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). We focus on play-based learning in a rich and stimulating environment.

Our children typically transition to Bimbadeen Heights Primary School, Manchester Primary School, Saint Peter Julian Eymard Primary School, and Rolling Hills Primary School.

School Transitions

Our Feeder Schools

We work closely with local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition for your child.

Bimbadeen Heights Primary School

Manchester Primary School

St Peter Julian Eymard Primary School

Rolling Hills Primary School