Kindegartens - What about Kindy?

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Kindegartens - What about Kindy?
Topic Started: 19 Sep 2004, 05:55 AM (1,536 Views)
Fozzie	19 Sep 2004, 05:55 AM Post #1
Member Posts: 62 Group: Members Member #26 Joined: 10 September 2004	Hi I was wondering if anyone could help I have just been looking into schooling for my two boys aged 5 & 2.5 and have realised that the youngest will not be starting a nursery by 4, as I think I've got this right :confused: it's not compulsory, only for 2-3 mornings a week and you have to pay!!!! Is this right or have I got it wrapped round my neck again. I don't think I could cope as he goes to private day nursery 4 mornings a week at the moment whilst i'm at work and loves it I only did that because he was so into everything and he's really calmed down and is much more stable, I think he needed the variety that I couldn't give him. My eldest loves school and has since nursery aged 3.5. I suppose I'm going to have to find lots of playgroups etc to keep him going until school as he is pretty bright and very boistiorous and loves nursery. Michelle :unsure: Sorry just read that again and I don't mean to sound as though I don't want my boys around but if you met George (youngest) you would understand. He never stops!!!! Love them both to bits though and wouldn't change them. :D



suemac	19 Sep 2004, 06:46 AM Post #2
Member Posts: 65 Group: Members Member #79 Joined: 19 September 2004	I quite understand, I often wish it was my 2 year old starting school next year instead of the 5 year old! :eye popping: There are a few solutions. 3 year old kinder starts once they hit 3. Its 2 (or sometimes only 1) very short sessions. Not enough for you to do any work of significance, its not subsidised so more expensive per hour than 4 year old kinder. A not so cheap little distraction really. We had our eldest at a child care centre part time at that age, while I worked. Some do half day rates, but a full day is the way to go for value for money. BUT I have just discovered occassional care. Available at our "neighbourhood house", a 5 hour session is $25 and they also do 3 hour sessions. Its only for school terms, but if you have one at school anyway, then that's not really an issue. You get a small rebate too via the Child care Rebate. Playgroups everywhere, but sometimes its nice to drop a toddler off and pretend to be something other than "mother of Ryan" for an hour or so!!! Sue



Fozzie	20 Sep 2004, 07:26 AM Post #3
Member Posts: 62 Group: Members Member #26 Joined: 10 September 2004	Thanks for your reply suemac. I'm sure i'll survive. Where are you in Victoria? Michelle :)



suemac	20 Sep 2004, 01:05 PM Post #4
Member Posts: 65 Group: Members Member #79 Joined: 19 September 2004	we're on the outskirts of Melbourne, outer-east. Near the Dandenongs. Which are quite perfect today with a great big sunny sky and a bit of warmth in the air for the first time in ages!



Bordy	20 Sep 2004, 02:57 PM Post #5
Administrator Posts: 4,688 Group: Admin Member #3 Joined: 8 September 2004 Migration Status Citizen My Location Ferntree Gully	Yeah its beautiful today in the outer East. Nice to see Spring here at last.



Jaykay	20 Sep 2004, 04:56 PM Post #6
Addicted Member Posts: 163 Group: Members Member #32 Joined: 10 September 2004	And being the first day of school holidays, it's really put a shine on the day. It was lovely driving with the window down and the sun shining through. Then to get home and sit outside on the verandah eating lunch and enjoying a drink.....heaven!! I was even able to put my shorts on and let my lillywhites see the sun :o



Fozzie	21 Sep 2004, 05:54 AM Post #7
Member Posts: 62 Group: Members Member #26 Joined: 10 September 2004	Ooohhh Lovely if thats what it's like I'm sure I can deal with the kids and reeelaaaaaxxxx! breath in and out in and out see I'm calm already. :D Can't wait to be there. Michelle



kendra123	22 Sep 2004, 03:31 AM Post #8
Newbie Posts: 1 Group: Members Member #82 Joined: 22 September 2004	HI there, am a mum of a 5 yr old. He's just started big school in the UK and am looking to move out to Oz in March/April. Can someone tell me what kind of schooling arrangements he will be going into when he arrives? Many thanks for all help in advance. Kendra



Bordy	22 Sep 2004, 03:36 AM Post #9
Administrator Posts: 4,688 Group: Admin Member #3 Joined: 8 September 2004 Migration Status Citizen My Location Ferntree Gully	I'm sure its exactly the same out here Kendra, ( welcome to the site by the way ) They start primary school at five which is year 1 & carry on through the years so when they start High School its not first year like it was when I was in UK but its year 7 I think. I stand corrected by the mums on here if I'm wrong.



mezza586	22 Sep 2004, 04:05 AM Post #10
Moderator Posts: 273 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: 10 September 2004	kendra123 Sep 22 2004, 03:31 AM HI there, am a mum of a 5 yr old. He's just started big school in the UK and am looking to move out to Oz in March/April. Can someone tell me what kind of schooling arrangements he will be going into when he arrives? Many thanks for all help in advance. Kendra I would expect he would go into Prep (Preparatory) with other 5 year olds that have started in late Jan. The school year follows the calendar year. Usually the start is gentle. It can take a month or so to reach 5 full days but many schools offer after school care. The primary system is 7 years. Prep, then Grade 1 - 6. Secondary, Year 7 to 12. When did he turn 5? Meryl



Jaykay	22 Sep 2004, 10:09 AM Post #11
Addicted Member Posts: 163 Group: Members Member #32 Joined: 10 September 2004	kendra123 Sep 22 2004, 03:31 AM HI there, am a mum of a 5 yr old. He's just started big school in the UK and am looking to move out to Oz in March/April. Can someone tell me what kind of schooling arrangements he will be going into when he arrives? Many thanks for all help in advance. Kendra Hi Kendra My daughter started school this year. She was 5 in January, so one of the youngest (if not the youngest) in her class. In the first month, she did 4 full days with one day off (a Wednesday) to get them used to it all. They have sports day once a week, where they wear their sports uniform to school. (each year has a different day). She absolutely loves school and is doing really well. I'm sure your son will fit in quite quickly as aussie kids seem to be very confident and outgoing. Regards Jaykay



stuckinswansea	14 Jan 2007, 06:58 PM Post #12
Member Posts: 30 Group: Members Member #1,102 Joined: 14 January 2007	I must be real dumb! Does that mean prep is the first time kids go full time? i.e January after 5th birthday? My little one started 5 1/2 days at 3 in the UK, not in private nursery but in regular school. I there not a nursery year before prep? Kevin



Thebears	14 Jan 2007, 07:59 PM Post #13
Posts: 2,172 Group: Moderators Member #798 Joined: 8 July 2006 Migration Status Temporary Resident My Mood GO CATS GO My Location Malvern East	stuckinswansea Jan 14 2007, 06:58 PM I must be real dumb! Does that mean prep is the first time kids go full time? i.e January after 5th birthday? My little one started 5 1/2 days at 3 in the UK, not in private nursery but in regular school. I there not a nursery year before prep? Kevin Our daughter is starting school in a few weeks (OMG) and this is the program 3 Year Old 4 Year Old Preparatory Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12



mezza586	15 Jan 2007, 11:09 AM Post #14
Moderator Posts: 273 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: 10 September 2004	stuckinswansea Jan 14 2007, 06:58 PM I must be real dumb! Does that mean prep is the first time kids go full time? i.e January after 5th birthday? My little one started 5 1/2 days at 3 in the UK, not in private nursery but in regular school. I there not a nursery year before prep? Kevin In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school. Grade 1 is the second year. Children start primary school in late Jan, Feb. They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl



Thebears	15 Jan 2007, 11:23 AM Post #15
Posts: 2,172 Group: Moderators Member #798 Joined: 8 July 2006 Migration Status Temporary Resident My Mood GO CATS GO My Location Malvern East	mezza586 Jan 15 2007, 11:09 AM In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school.....They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl There is childcare "nursery" from 0 or 3 months of age. Resourcing depends on individual establishments, as to does the time. We placed our daughter in full time (5 days per week) others did 2 or 3 days, some even a few half days per week. Refering above 3 year olds can be part time but once into the 4 year old room they must all be full time. Again this is relevant to the school she is attending and could differ school to school and public to private. The local councils are usually very good for sourcing info relevant to your areas.



missiemo	18 Jan 2007, 08:27 AM Post #16
Legend Posts: 2,036 Group: Members Member #692 Joined: 26 April 2006 Migration Status Citizen My Mood Very Happy My Location Mount Martha	Thebears Jan 15 2007, 11:23 AM mezza586 Jan 15 2007, 11:09 AM In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school.....They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl There is childcare "nursery" from 0 or 3 months of age. Resourcing depends on individual establishments, as to does the time. We placed our daughter in full time (5 days per week) others did 2 or 3 days, some even a few half days per week. Refering above 3 year olds can be part time but once into the 4 year old room they must all be full time. Again this is relevant to the school she is attending and could differ school to school and public to private. The local councils are usually very good for sourcing info relevant to your areas. Hi Can you confirm the details about four year kinder, my three year old goes one day a week at the moment but I did not know about the fulltime situation when they reach four.



Thebears	18 Jan 2007, 09:05 AM Post #17
Posts: 2,172 Group: Moderators Member #798 Joined: 8 July 2006 Migration Status Temporary Resident My Mood GO CATS GO My Location Malvern East	missiemo Jan 18 2007, 08:27 AM Thebears Jan 15 2007, 11:23 AM mezza586 Jan 15 2007, 11:09 AM In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school.....They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl There is childcare "nursery" from 0 or 3 months of age. Resourcing depends on individual establishments, as to does the time. We placed our daughter in full time (5 days per week) others did 2 or 3 days, some even a few half days per week. Refering above 3 year olds can be part time but once into the 4 year old room they must all be full time. Again this is relevant to the school she is attending and could differ school to school and public to private. The local councils are usually very good for sourcing info relevant to your areas. Hi Can you confirm the details about four year kinder, my three year old goes one day a week at the moment but I did not know about the fulltime situation when they reach four. Hi Mo This is dependent on the school - please dont get alarmed or think that they have to go full time once they turn 4. Sorry for the confusion. Shane



missiemo	18 Jan 2007, 10:21 AM Post #18
Legend Posts: 2,036 Group: Members Member #692 Joined: 26 April 2006 Migration Status Citizen My Mood Very Happy My Location Mount Martha	Thebears Jan 18 2007, 09:05 AM missiemo Jan 18 2007, 08:27 AM Thebears Jan 15 2007, 11:23 AM mezza586 Jan 15 2007, 11:09 AM In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school.....They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl There is childcare "nursery" from 0 or 3 months of age. Resourcing depends on individual establishments, as to does the time. We placed our daughter in full time (5 days per week) others did 2 or 3 days, some even a few half days per week. Refering above 3 year olds can be part time but once into the 4 year old room they must all be full time. Again this is relevant to the school she is attending and could differ school to school and public to private. The local councils are usually very good for sourcing info relevant to your areas. Hi Can you confirm the details about four year kinder, my three year old goes one day a week at the moment but I did not know about the fulltime situation when they reach four. Hi Mo This is dependent on the school - please dont get alarmed or think that they have to go full time once they turn 4. Sorry for the confusion. Shane Hi Shane That's ok, I was actually hoping to start collage soon to get a dipolma in accounting so it would help if she can go a bit more often. Thanks anyway Mo



Thebears	18 Jan 2007, 04:16 PM Post #19
Posts: 2,172 Group: Moderators Member #798 Joined: 8 July 2006 Migration Status Temporary Resident My Mood GO CATS GO My Location Malvern East	missiemo Jan 18 2007, 10:21 AM Hi Shane That's ok, I was actually hoping to start collage soon to get a dipolma in accounting so it would help if she can go a bit more often. Thanks anyway Mo Funny that I have a masters in accounting :o



missiemo	18 Jan 2007, 06:52 PM Post #20
Legend Posts: 2,036 Group: Members Member #692 Joined: 26 April 2006 Migration Status Citizen My Mood Very Happy My Location Mount Martha	Thebears Jan 18 2007, 04:16 PM missiemo Jan 18 2007, 10:21 AM Hi Shane That's ok, I was actually hoping to start collage soon to get a dipolma in accounting so it would help if she can go a bit more often. Thanks anyway Mo Funny that I have a masters in accounting :o Oh crikey,not that brainy unfortunetly, my brother in law is a partner with pricewater house cooper in London, so he is doing well. I have had 13 years in Accounts up to trial balance but never got qualified so thought I would take this chance of getting some sort of degree. Fingers crossed I should start in Feb. Did you see you post with regards hanging out washing? by buzzy. Thanks Shane Mo



stuckinswansea	18 Jan 2007, 10:21 PM Post #21
Member Posts: 30 Group: Members Member #1,102 Joined: 14 January 2007	missiemo Jan 18 2007, 08:27 AM Thebears Jan 15 2007, 11:23 AM mezza586 Jan 15 2007, 11:09 AM In Victoria, Prep is the 1st year of school.....They must be 5 by April 30 of the entry year. Some parents choose to wait another year. Kindergarten is the equivalent of nursery school. It is under-resourced. Many children attend 4 year old kinder. It is usually 4 half days a week. Meryl There is childcare "nursery" from 0 or 3 months of age. Resourcing depends on individual establishments, as to does the time. We placed our daughter in full time (5 days per week) others did 2 or 3 days, some even a few half days per week. Refering above 3 year olds can be part time but once into the 4 year old room they must all be full time. Again this is relevant to the school she is attending and could differ school to school and public to private. The local councils are usually very good for sourcing info relevant to your areas. Hi Can you confirm the details about four year kinder, my three year old goes one day a week at the moment but I did not know about the fulltime situation when they reach four. Sorry I'm Still confused, Let me see if I have this right. Prep starts the january after the april in which the child is 5 i.e. kids are at least 5 and 9mths 4 year old kinder is full time from (I guess) january afte the april in which the kids are 4??? 3 yr kinder is part time depending where your school is. under 3 is private childcare. Is around $75 the going rate? Have I got this anywhere near right?? Kevin



The-S-Family	31 Aug 2007, 09:38 PM Post #22
Newbie Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #1,644 Joined: 31 August 2007	Hello there! We have the same problem!!! We have just moved to Mount Eliza and my eldest will be 4 this December. In the UK he went 4 afternoons to a Montessori nursery school and loved it. We didn't have to pay anything which was great. Now that we're here he keeps on asking me every day when he will be able to go to nursery. Unfortunately, all the 3 year kinder programmes around here are full. There are some private child care places that have a day or so available for this year but they're quite expensive and our son wouldn't like a full day at nursery. I try to keep him busy but I also got a 14 months old baby so it is quite exhausting!!!! Today we went to an indoor play center for 5 hours in Mornington to keep them entertained and stop them from fighting :hot: My question is: is there anyone in our area who is in the same boat with children of similar ages?? We would love to hear from you!!! Our son desperately needs a friend to play with as he feels a bit down & lonely (plus all our furniture & toys are still somewhere on the ocean!). Oh well, I thought I give it a try! :waving:



Caroline G	1 Sep 2007, 11:15 PM Post #23
Addicted Member Posts: 485 Group: Members Member #397 Joined: 26 September 2005	The-S-Family Aug 31 2007, 09:38 PM Hello there! We have the same problem!!! We have just moved to Mount Eliza and my eldest will be 4 this December. In the UK he went 4 afternoons to a Montessori nursery school and loved it. We didn't have to pay anything which was great. Now that we're here he keeps on asking me every day when he will be able to go to nursery. Unfortunately, all the 3 year kinder programmes around here are full. There are some private child care places that have a day or so available for this year but they're quite expensive and our son wouldn't like a full day at nursery. I try to keep him busy but I also got a 14 months old baby so it is quite exhausting!!!! Today we went to an indoor play center for 5 hours in Mornington to keep them entertained and stop them from fighting :hot: My question is: is there anyone in our area who is in the same boat with children of similar ages?? We would love to hear from you!!! Our son desperately needs a friend to play with as he feels a bit down & lonely (plus all our furniture & toys are still somewhere on the ocean!). Oh well, I thought I give it a try! :waving: Hi, There is a Montessori Nursery in Frankston see Montessori Have you tried the Walkers Rd, Paratea and Baden Powell kinders for places? Also, you need to register your request for a 4year old kinder place with the local council. If you phone them they'll send you out the appropriate forms. There is also a playgroup at the Uniting Church 93 Canadian Bay Rd in Mt.Eliza which is on two mornings a week. It may have a waiting list but it's worth a try. Also, Mini Maestros have sessions at Mt.Eliza Community Centre and Mornington. HTH Caroline



The-S-Family	2 Sep 2007, 04:09 PM Post #24
Newbie Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #1,644 Joined: 31 August 2007	Hi Caroline! Many thanks for your response! I know about Frankston Montessori and have left 4 messages on their answer phone but no response - will try again this coming week. Am viewing a Montessori school in Langwarrin on Tuesday but probably no spaces for this year :( I have tried Mount Eliza House in Baden Powell & Mount Eliza Cottage but they only do full days which we're not really interested. Haven't tried Walkers Road (thanks for the tip) - will give that one a try!!! Will also contact some of the playgroups in Mt Eliza & Mornington. I have managed to get him into a pre-school for next year. I contacted council & I got a quick offer for the Kunyung Pre-School here in Mt Eliza. Waiting list for all the others are too long and they said we have no chance of getting him into any of the others. Am now a little suspicious about the pre-school though - sounds like nobody wants to go there. :unsure: Well at least all this keeps me busy!!! Cheers Caroline! Anke



Amberjade78	10 Jan 2010, 07:36 PM Post #25
Newbie Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #2,352 Joined: 8 July 2008 Migration Status Permanent Resident My Location Still in UK My Mood Cynical...	Hi, we are hoping to move to the Mornington area before September of this year. We have two girls, 2 and 4, and have no idea what types of childcare would be suitable in Oz. I plan to work 3-4 days/wk, possibly shifts, whilst my OH will proboablybe working regular days. In the UK, they both attend long day care. Can anybody advise? How does cost compare? :crazy:


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