Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of service is Belford Oaks?
Belford Oaks Community Children’s Centre is a community-managed, not-for-profit early learning service in Kew, offering long day care alongside funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs.
How many children attend the centre each day?
Belford Oaks is a 35-place service with three rooms: 10 places in the Babies Room (6 months–2 years), 10 places in the Toddler Room (2–3 years), and 15 places in the Kinder Room (3–5 years).
What is your quality rating?
The centre holds an “Exceeding” rating across all seven National Quality Standards.
Are there extra programs or excursions?
Yes. Children participate in weekly specialist programs such as music and movement and sports programs, as well as incursions, excursions, and monthly nature-play experiences for the Kinder group. These incur no additional costs to families.
Do you offer funded kindergarten?
Yes. Belford Oaks participates in the Victorian Free Kinder program, with funding applied as a credit to eligible families’ accounts.
What are the hours of operation?
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Do children receive meals at the centre?
Yes. Three nutritionally balanced meals plus late snack are provided each day to support healthy eating habits.
What are the fees at Belford Oaks?
Daily fees apply for each enrolled day, with Child Care Subsidy available to eligible families. Fees are reviewed from time to time to ensure the centre remains sustainable while continuing to provide high-quality education and care.
For the most up-to-date fee information and details about CCS eligibility and payments, please see the Parent Handbook.
Do families pay fees when children are absent?
Yes. Fees remain payable during illness, family holidays, and public holidays.
How does enrolment work?
We cater for children aged 0-5 years. Children can enrol from 6 months of age onwards, and places are allocated each August/September to commence at the start of the following calendar year. We are a small centre in high demand so the best place to start is by joining the waitlist, booking a tour, or reaching out directly regarding your needs.
How does the centre support child safety?
Belford Oaks embeds child safety in all policies and practices, follows Child Safe Standards, and requires staff to act as mandatory reporters.
How do you ensure children receive individual attention?
Educator-to-child ratios are set by national regulations and vary depending on the age of children in each room. Belford Oaks meets (and often exceeds) these requirements to ensure children are well supported throughout the day.
For more detailed information about ratios and staffing, please refer to the Parent Handbook.
How will I receive updates about my child?
Families receive communication through email, Xplor, daily reflections, and learning documentation shared by educators.
What approach to learning do you use?
Our program is play-based, inquiry-focused, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Educators plan learning experiences based on children’s interests, observations, and family input.
How do families contribute to the centre?
As a community-based service, family participation helps maintain quality and sustainability. Families can contribute through governance, working bees, fundraising, or volunteering.