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Newport Gardens Early Years Centre

51 Maddox Road, Newport VIC 3015

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About us

Newport Gardens Early Years Centre is an architecturally designed early years hub conveniently located next to Newport Gardens Primary School. We provide high-quality, inclusive kindergarten and childcare, led by a team of nurturing and experienced educators who partner with families to create play-based programs that spark curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.

Unique to our centre is our on-site Toy Library, encouraging play and imagination at home while teaching children the joy of sharing and lending. Families also benefit from programs and services for children under five, including playgroups, art classes, and support from our Maternal and Child Health nurse.

Our integrated 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, led by bachelor-qualified teachers, provide engaging, play-based experiences that prepare children for a smooth transition to school. With care available beyond kinder hours and during school holidays, we make it easy for families to balance convenience with quality.

Newport Gardens Early Years Centre

Address
51 Maddox Road, Newport VIC 3015
Open Hours
7.30am – 6.00pm (Monday – Friday)
Phone
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Centre Philosophy

Empowerment

At Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, we believe every child deserves a world where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. We create an environment where children can express themselves freely, build confidence, and explore through the joy of play, celebrating the unique qualities each child brings.

Collaboration

We recognise the vital role families play in a child’s learning journey. By listening to families, embracing their values, and fostering open communication, we build strong partnerships that support every child’s growth with trust and respect.

Meaningful Connection

Our philosophy is grounded in respect and inclusivity, connecting Australia’s First Peoples, children, families, and educators. Through these relationships, we cultivate a community where support and belonging thrive, inspiring children to grow, explore, and flourish.

Solidarity

Our passionate, dedicated team works together to ensure every child’s emotional and social needs are met in a warm, secure environment. We are committed to continuous improvement, delivering excellence in early childhood education.

2025

Age Group Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Multi-age Lilly Pilly 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm
Multi-age Wattle 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Bilby 8:45am – 4:15pm 8:45am – 4:15pm
3YO Waratah 8:15am – 3:45pm 8:15am – 3:45pm
Multi-age Joey 8:15am – 3:45pm 8:15am – 3:45pm
Multi-age Banksia Rotational A 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Banksia Rotational B 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Banksia Rotational C 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Sea Stars Integrated 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm
Proposed 2026 Timetable

Age Group Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Multi-age Banksia Rotational G1 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Banksia Rotational G2 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Banksia Rotational G3 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
3YO Wattle 8:30am – 4:00pm 8:30am – 4:00pm
Multi-age Lilly Pilly Rotational G1 9:00am – 4:30pm 9:00am – 4:30pm
Multi-age Lilly Pilly Rotational G2 9:00am – 4:30pm 9:00am – 4:30pm
Multi-age Lilly Pilly Rotational G3 9:00am – 4:30pm 9:00am – 4:30pm
Multi-age Bilby 8:45am – 4:15pm 8:45am – 4:15pm
Multi-age Sea Stars Integrated 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm
3YO Waratah 8:15am – 3:45pm 8:15am – 3:45pm
Multi-age Joey 8:15am – 3:45pm 8:15am – 3:45pm
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Learn more about the pre-prep program rollout

Your child may be eligible for more hours in 2026

Meet your Nominated Supervisor

I’m Fiona Kennett, Centre Director at Newport Gardens Early Years. With over 25 years of experience leading and learning alongside children, families, and educators, I’m passionate about creating a centre that feels like the heart of our community. What excites me most is seeing children be themselves; messy, muddy, curious, funny, and full of wonder. I believe early childhood education should be joyful, connected, and meaningful, giving every child the confidence to grow, belong, and thrive.

Fiona Kennett

Centre Highlights

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Inspiring play spaces

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Qualified and nurturing teaching teams

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Learning through play

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Child safe environments

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Regular communication

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Community visits and exploring

Our families say

I’ve been really happy with our experience with Newport Gardens. The team are kind, helpful, and responsive. It’s evident that they genuinely care about each child’s well-being. One thing that stands out with the long-daycare is the consistency of educators in my children’s room. Having the same caring faces throughout the year has helped my kids feel settled and welcome. Many staff members have been at the centre for years which speaks volumes about the supportive environment. The sessional kinder program and facilities have been fantastic.

Leah Carew

Frequently asked questions

Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in. For kindergarten your child will need morning tea and lunch (dependent on the length of the program day).

Children love community visits. Experiencing different environments and groups of people helps them learn. You’ll get plenty of information in advance and have opportunities to ask questions. The centre will also need your written permission before your child can take part.

Germs spread quickly, and home is the best place when we’re unwell. Please keep your child home for at least 24 hours if they show any of these symptoms.

• 38C and higher temperature

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Rashes that can’t be explained

• Red, swollen and discharging eyes

• Unusually lethargic, irritable or not eating and drinking

When your child is feeling better with no symptoms for 24 hours, they’re welcome to return.

Infectious diseases

If your child has an infectious disease, please keep them at home and let us know straight away. Whatever you tell us is confidential.

See the list of infectious diseases at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table

If your child becomes unwell while at the centre, teachers will make them comfortable and ask you to pick them up. If you’re not available, they’ll call one of the other contacts listed on your enrolment form.

Whether it’s a one-off issue or requires ongoing care, talk to your teachers if your child is on regular medication or has food allergies or intolerances. The team is there to support your family, and the more you can tell them, the better they can help. They will ask you for information from your doctor about how much your child takes and how often. Also, let the team know when anything changes. They will set up a new plan to support you, including any necessary training.

ECMS is a Child Safe organisation. We rigorously follow the child-safe standards set out by the Victorian Government. These standards guide us to drive a child safe culture, provide appropriate strategies and actions to put the interests of children first, keeping them safe from harm. We are committed to involving families and communities in our efforts to keep children safe.

Engaging in risky play is vital for children’s learning and development. Our teaching teams plan for and support opportunities for children to explore their environment and challenge themselves within play. Navigating risk promotes problem solving, persistence and resilience, and in a safe environment, is lots of fun!

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Explore a day in the life

Immerse yourself into what a day at our service could look like for you and your family.

Questions about enrolling?

Get in touch and one of our team will help you.

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    ECMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, learn, work and play. Aboriginal people have a long tradition of teaching and learning through sharing their connections with country, community, language and culture. We recognise their continuing connection to the country, and we pay respects to elders past and present.