Essendon Interim Kindergarten

We built a new kindergarten at an interim site, within the school grounds of Essendon Keilor College.

It provides new kindergarten places in an area experiencing high demand for kindergarten services.

Building the kindergarten at an interim site allowed us to quickly deliver local kindergarten places in time for the beginning of Term 1 2023 while works continue to be progressed across the road at 2–4 McCracken St, Essendon.

The interim kindergarten includes two kindergarten rooms offering 66 places for local 3- and 4-year-old children. It also includes a Maternal and Child Health room and a dedicated outdoor learning space.

The permanent building has three teaching and learning rooms, so it offers an extra 33 kindergarten places (99 in total). These additional places will help meet the growing demand for kindergarten services in the local area.

There are also 2 Maternal and Child Health rooms as well as outdoor learning and play areas.

It also supports the delivery of free kinder for 3- and 4-year-olds across Victoria from 2023.

Why did you build an interim kindergarten at Essendon Keilor College?

Building the interim kindergarten allowed us to quickly deliver new kindergarten places in an area experiencing high demand for kindergarten services. It meant that families can access a local kindergarten service from the beginning of Term 1, 2023.

Why not just make the interim location the permanent site for the kinder?

It’s important for school students to have open outdoor spaces to enjoy for learning and recreation. The school space which has been required for the interim kindergarten will be returned to the school as soon as we are able.

What facilities are available?

The interim kindergarten facility includes 2 kindergarten rooms offering 66 places for local 3- and 4-year-old children. It also includes a Maternal and Child Health room, a dedicated outdoor learning space and dedicated play areas for exclusive kindergarten use.

The permanent facility has 3 rooms offering 99 local kindergarten places. The extra places help better meet the increased demand expected for kindergarten services in the local area and support the delivery of free kinder for 3- and 4-year-olds across Victoria from 2023.

When did the interim kindergarten open?

A kindergarten service began operating at the interim site from Term 1, 2023.

How do I enrol my child?

Kindergarten applications are allocated by Moonee Valley City Council through a Central Registration Service Portal. For further information relating to this process, please contact the Moonee Valley City Council Central Registration Team by email kinderenrol@mvcc.vic.gov.au or call 9343 8888.

Why did you use modular construction?

Kindergartens built using modular construction are an efficient solution for delivering quality buildings in short timeframes.

They are constructed in a factory in sections known as 'modules'. These modules are delivered to the kindergarten site, where builders assemble them, connect utilities and complete outdoor areas.

Constructing the modules offsite minimises disruptions to the school and community. The process also reduces the time required for a traditional build and gives children faster access to high-quality learning environments.

Do kindergarten children and their families need to access the kindergarten via the secondary school?

No. The kindergarten has a separate entrance to Essendon Keilor College. The facility has been designed to early childhood regulations and includes an engaging external learning space and boundary fencing for added privacy. The kindergarten is maintained and operated as an entirely separate service.

Do the kindergarten play areas and secondary school outdoor facilities overlap?

No. Kindergarten children enjoy their own dedicated play space. The entire kindergarten facility is screened by a tall fence and landscaped for added privacy.

Do children at Essendon Keilor College have access to the kindergarten?

No. The kindergarten is maintained as a separate service onsite with a separate entrance to Essendon Keilor College and access is managed as per the National Children’s Services Education and Care Regulations.

What carparking facilities are provided?

The carpark for the interim kindergarten is located at 29 Thomson St (Corner of Thomson and McCracken Streets), with entry from Thomson and exit via McCracken.