Early Learning Centre

In the Walford ELC children are immersed in an environment of joy and wonder that inspires curiosity and learning on their amazing journey towards School.

Rich Learning and Play-Based Experiences

Our ELC curriculum is underpinned by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), offering rich learning and play-based experiences that are purposefully tailored to the unique strengths and interests of each child.

Located adjacent to the Junior School campus, children benefit from access to specialist facilities including the Sports Centre, Health Centre, a Speech Pathologist and teachers from within the school who deliver lessons including Music, Physical Education and Library skills. In addition to these specialist subjects, our ELC students participate in the “Little Scientists Program”, an innovative technologies program and the Early Language Learning Australia (ELLA) program with a focus on French.

Mentoring Programs

Our earliest learners enjoy the role modelling provided by older students through formalised mentoring programs and carefully planned activities designed to build confidence in young learners as they prepare for school.

A lunch order service is available for busy families through the Fig Tree Café and purchase is available online.

The Walford ELC is open 48 weeks per year and eligible families can access the Australian Child Care Subsidy (CCS).

Early Learning Centre Programs

Playgroup (6 months to age 3)

A weekly playgroup session runs each Friday from 10am – 11.30am.

This is a fun, stimulating and informal environment for children and their parents to enjoy quality time together.

An experienced ELC teacher leads the program, providing a gentle introduction into the Centre and familiarisation for children as they prepare for future learning.

Regular Playgroup bookings are required – click here to book.

If you have any queries regarding this please contact our office on 8373 4062 or contact us by email on admissions@walford.asn.au.

The Adamson Program (Age 3 – 4)

Drawing on the individual strengths, interests and developmental needs of the children, the Adamson Program offers enjoyable and rich learning experiences within a welcoming and nurturing environment. Learning is facilitated through purposeful play and active exploration both inside and outside, ensuring a positive start to a lifelong love of learning.

Girls and boys attend a minimum 2 sessions a week. Sessions can be made up of full days and half days and can be increased through the year to full-time attendance (10 sessions), depending on availability.

Morning sessions 8.30am – 11.30am

Afternoon sessions 12.15pm – 3.15pm

Full day 8.30am – 3.15pm

The Dowie Program (Age 4 – 5)

With a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, and through play-based and inquiry learning opportunities, girls and boys are encouraged to explore concepts that will enrich their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.

The Dowie program is focused on the learner with an emphasis on intentional learning and teaching, and collaboration with others. Both large and small group experiences and individual pursuits are evident throughout the day, supporting children to grow as cooperative yet self-directed learners as they build new competencies and skills.

Children attend 4 or more sessions a week. Sessions can be made up of full days and half days and can be increased throughout the year to full time attendance (10 sessions) depending on availability.

Morning sessions 8.30am – 11.30am
Afternoon sessions 12.15pm – 3.15pm
Full day 8.30am – 3.15pm

Mid-Year Reception Program

Walford’s Mid-Year Reception class is available in Terms 3 and 4 to girls who turn 5 during the year and who will embark on a full year of Reception the following year.

This full-time program operates in the Junior Primary wing of the Walford Junior School. Designed to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition into Reception, the learning program in Mid-Year Reception is closely aligned with the Reception program. Deliberate and targeted literacy and numeracy teaching forms the foundation of the program with multiple modes of instruction and inquiry based learning a strong feature of program.

At the end of the year, children will receive a comprehensive assessment portfolio, which will follow them into Reception.