Kilvington Early Learning Centre
At Kilvington, we create a foundation that inspires a lifelong love of learning. Early Learning is more than kindergarten, it’s a stronger start.
At Kilvington’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), affectionately known as Swann House, your child will be immersed in a vibrant learning environment that has been nurturing creativity and encouraging curiosity for three decades. If you’d like to learn more or talk through what might be right for your child, we invite you to send an enquiry.
Join Us at our Open Day
Located in Ormond, Kilvington’s Early Learning Centre has a strong community of families from Glen Eira and surrounding suburbs including McKinnon, Malvern, Carnegie, Glen Iris, Caulfield, Elwood, Brighton East and beyond.
As part of our wider Kilvington community, Swann House offers a seamless and reassuring start to learning life where your child will be gently introduced to routines and environments that support their transition into Prep and beyond. With multiple attendance options across our 3 Year Old and Pre-Prep programs, families can choose a rhythm that supports their child to build independence, social skills and a strong foundation for school readiness.
Our ELC Team
Our team of qualified early childhood educators have been a valued part of the Kilvington community for many years. They build genuine relationships with each child, recognising how important these early years are. From the very beginning, they nurture each child’s confidence and foster a strong sense of belonging, ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Meet Our Director of Early Learning
Led by experienced early childhood educator Lyn Pewtress, Kilvington ELC is guided by a team that takes the time to know each child and family personally.
“Kilvington ELC has been a deeply valued part of my professional journey for many years. I am passionate about the impact of high-quality early childhood education and feel privileged to lead a team of highly skilled and dedicated teachers and educators. What truly sets Kilvington apart is its strong sense of community. I prioritise building meaningful relationships with every child and their family, as I believe these connections are at the heart of each child’s success. By working in partnership, we can support every child to thrive and reach their full potential as they begin their learning journey.”
3-Year-Old Kinder and Pre-Prep Programs
Kilvington’s Early Learning Centre, Swann House, offers both 3-Year-Old Kinder and Pre-Prep programs, giving children a supportive start to their learning journey. Our 3-Year-Old Kinder program helps children build confidence, independence and social skills through play, exploration and guided learning. Our Pre-Prep program supports children in the year before school, helping them develop the skills, confidence and familiarity they need for a smooth transition into Prep.
Families can choose from a range of attendance options, with ELC operating from 8.45am to 3.00pm. To learn more, please submit an enquiry and our team will be in touch.
How Children Learn at Swann House
Our ELC curriculum is thoughtfully designed and intentionally taught through play and exploration. Our program is informed by two complementary approaches: intentional teaching, where our qualified educators observe, assess and extend children’s learning based on their individual needs, and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which encourages children to explore their own interests and ideas through inquiry and discovery.
Together these approaches allow us to support each child in a way that is highly individualised. This is enriched through incursions and excursions, specialist classes, and a strong focus on understanding each child’s strengths and interests.
Rated ‘Exceeding’ in all seven National Quality Areas, our ELC reflects the expertise of our educators and the School’s commitment to helping children reach their potential.
STEM
Children explore science, technology, engineering, and maths with access to wider school facilities.
French Immersion
Children are introduced to French by a specialist French educator through songs, games and play based learning.
Music
A qualified music teacher leads children in exploring rhythm, sound and expression through singing and instruments.
Movement
Our perceptual motor program develops fine and gross motor skills through structured movement and play.
Our ELC Space
Take a look at our Early Learning Centre and explore the spaces where children learn and play each day. Our indoor and outdoor environments are intentionally designed to support how young children learn best, giving them room to move, explore, collaborate and reset across the day.
Our outdoor spaces are an essential part of the program. Outdoor learning plays an important role in children’s physical development, emotional regulation, wellbeing and engagement.
A Smoother Transition to School
At Kilvington, the transition from Early Learning to Junior School is a natural continuation of your child’s journey. Being part of one connected school community means children are familiar with the people and spaces that will support them as they grow. This includes access to specialist facilities like science labs and libraries, and opportunities to build relationships with Junior School staff - children are introduced to school life well before they begin Prep.
Guaranteed entry into Junior School
With our guaranteed entry into our Junior School from ELC, children move confidently into Prep with familiar faces, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Starting Prep at Kilvington is an exciting and supported experience. From day one, our students enjoy a rich and varied curriculum, including specialist Science and French lessons.
Year 5 Buddy Program
While in Pre-Prep, each child is paired with a Year 5 buddy. This relationship continues as they move into Junior School, giving children a friendly, familiar connection who helps them settle into new routines, navigate the school environment and feel part of the wider Kilvington community from the very beginning.
History of Swann House
In 1996, Kilvington Grammar School opened its Early Learning Centre in the former home of the Swann family, beginning a new chapter in the School’s commitment to exceptional education. What began in a much loved family home has grown into a vibrant learning environment where generations of young children have taken their first steps into school life.
The Centre’s history is closely connected to the Swann family, whose longstanding relationship with Kilvington has left a lasting mark on the School. Frederick H. Swann (1919–2008) was a devoted Kilvington parent and grandparent, and served on the School Council for 36 years. His contribution and commitment to the School helped shape Kilvington for generations to come.
In recognition of this enduring connection, the Early Learning Centre was formally dedicated and renamed Swann House on its 30th anniversary. The name honours not only the Swann family’s contribution to Kilvington, but also the special place where the journey of so many of our youngest students begins. Today, Swann House continues this legacy, providing a warm and nurturing beginning to school life where children are encouraged to explore, discover, grow and feel a true sense of belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can My Child Start?
Children are able to start Three-Year-Old Kindergarten if they turn three by April 30. However If your child turns three between January and April, due to ratio requirements, your child will be unable to commence until their third birthday. We recommend a conversation with our Director of Early Learning or Director of Admissions to ensure the best possible start to their journey.
To learn more or discuss your child’s start at Kilvington, please contact Liz Chegwin, Director of Admissions, at admissions@kilvington.vic.edu.au
How should I prepare for my child’s first day at ELC?
Starting ELC is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little overwhelming for both children and parents. In preparation, the ELC will offer a comprehensive transition program to support you and your child, with information and educators available to guide you in preparation.
For more detailed information about what to bring, daily routines and key policies, you can view our ELC Handbook here.
How does Early Learning funding work?
The Department of Education has recently updated its approach to funding three-year-old and Pre-Prep early learning programs. We know this can be a little confusing, especially for families using more than one provider each week. As part of the new system, it’s important that you nominate us as your primary kindergarten provider.
If you have any questions or would like help understanding these changes, our Admissions team is here to help, please reach out at 03 9578 6231 or admissions@kilvington.vic.edu.au
Do you run Outside of School Hours Care?
Before/after school and holiday care programs are available on campus to our ELC and Junior School students. Kilvington's programs are managed by the out-of-hours care professionals Extend. Please visit their website for enrolment forms, activity descriptions and further information.
Email Extend
P: 1300 366 437