Brenbeal acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our service stands. They were the first to teach and nurture children on this Land. We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders, past, present and future, who pass their knowledge, histories and cultures to new generations.
Who we are
Established in 1993, Brenbeal Children's Centre provides a high-quality childcare and pre-school (kindergarten) service. The Centre is not-for-profit and managed by a parent committee. The building is owned and maintained by Maribyrnong City Council. The centre is staffed above the minimum required ratios, and it is governed by the practices and principles of the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our safe, secure learning environments are based on an indoor/outdoor program with specialist classes in music and physical education available. We have been endorsed by the Victorian Government's Healthy Together program, which includes Sunsmart practices, and we provide a seasonal menu, cooked on-site with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Our environment
Brenbeal's approach to Early Childhood education is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, the National Quality Standards, Code of Ethics and contemporary early childhood theorists. Our vision is to provide children with the opportunities for learning in all areas of development, to foster a love of learning and to achieve their full potential. Brenbeal strives to support children in the ways they connect with the natural environment to promote sustainable practices and broaden their understanding of the world and their place in it.
Our approach to learning
At Brenbeal, the children, families and educators work in partnerships as a learning community. Unique family values and culture are respected to foster a sense of belonging for everyone. We support families in their parenting and thread the wider community together through connections with other local families, specialist services and transitioning to other schools.
Families and community
OUR RATING
The early years are critical for establishing self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn. Quality education and care shapes every child's future and lays the foundation for development and learning.
Brenbeal is rated "Exceeding" in all seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard.
Brenbeal is rated "Exceeding" in all seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard.
We understand that nurturing, trusting relationships are crucial to children's development, and we actively support children's emerging and ongoing friendships both with educators and other children alike. High-quality learning is crafted with care by our educators to teach problem solving, reflective thinking, and to explore diverse ways of becoming, being and belonging. We recognise the importance of the outdoor teacher and children's own learning styles and stages of development, as we view children as active participants in their own education. Children's learning is made visible through reflective journals, individual and group observations and twice-yearly assessments.
Rich learning experiences are provided in areas of language and literature, visual arts, music and movement, dramatic and imaginative play, positive mental health, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing. This is balanced with the children's right to childhood and having the time to just 'be'.
What learning looks like here
How we’re governed
We are led by a committee of volunteer parents.
The Committee of Management meets once a month and is responsible for ensuring the centre fulfils its financial and legal obligations whilst supporting the management team in delivering a happy and healthy environment for children and staff.
Being locally owned and run, and not-for-profit means that Brenbeal strives to meet the needs of our families and to support our staff. This is what we are known for and what we pride ourselves on.