Absolutely not! In fact, the play-based approach adopted by Community Kindergartens in WA is proven to prepare children for smooth entry into school. It also nurtures brains with ‘flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life’ (Lester & Russell, 2008, p. 9). We follow the same National Australian Kindergarten Curriculum as all school based Kindergartens and focus on delivering this curriculum in a fun, hands-on, play-based way.  

Did you know that Maggie Dent is a strong advocate for Community Kindergartens and play-based learning too? Padbury Community Kindy also maintains close working relationships with all of the local primary schools, to ensure consistency of learning and ease the transition for our students into primary school once their Kindy year is complete.  

We frequently have repeat families return to our Kindy, often juggling two drop offs just to give their next child the opportunity to experience PCK. Feedback from families is positive in how their child has transitioned into Pre-Primary. They find that as the classes get mixed up each year their child is not disadvantaged with having not participated in the school-based Kindergarten. Many families love their experience and remain lifelong friends with the families they meet at PCK.

During normal operations we encourage families to arrange a time to come down and take a look around to make sure PCK is the right fit for you. Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted our ability to offer tours, however we would love to show you around the kindergarten as appropriate. Please get in touch to discuss viewing options.

Padbury Community Kindergarten is not currently looking for permanent teachers. However, you may contact Bambara Primary School to submit a CV for relief teaching opportunities.

Email: bambara.ps@education.wa.edu.au
Phone: 6206 2150.

No. Voluntary contributions are set by the Department of Education, so they are the same for all Kindergartens ($60).  

As a community organisation we keep any additional contributions to a minimum.  

In 2024 our total voluntary contribution and additional charges was $260 per child for the year. This typically covers all activities - there are no additional charges throughout the year, ie. incursions etc.

Our staff are Education Department Staff. The quality of the teaching staff at Padbury Community Kindy is one of the many things that keeps families coming back.

• Jaymee Wiseman joined the teaching team in 2020 - she holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has taught in a range of settings over her career.  
• Angela Plummer has a Master in Teaching (Early Childhood) and has been working in the Community Kindy sector for the past four years. 
• Our Education Assistants, Nicole Mattingley and Lisa Hall, have attained a Cert III and have many years of experience teaching at our Kindy and other quality local schools.  
• Our Performing Arts Specialist -  Melissa Hetherington (aka Miss Mel) - is also highly trained and qualified.

Padbury Community Kindy is partly funded by the Department of Education - covering teacher salaries and some of the operating costs. The remaining funds come from family contributions, fundraising and community grants.

We offer a 2 and a half day per week program.
Currently our groupings are as follows;  

Red group 

• Monday (8:40am-2:45pm)  
• Wednesday (11:55am-2:45pm)  
• Thursday (8:40am-2:45pm)  

Blue group 

• Tuesday (8:40am-2:45pm)  
• Wednesday (8:40am-11:30am) 
• Friday (8:40am-2:45pm)  

These days and times are subject to change.

Yes! Taking care of your children in the gap between Kindy and work can place a lot of pressure on working families.  

Children attending Padbury Community Kindy have access to Hillarys Out Of School Care Inc (HOOSCI), located at Bambara Primary School across the road from PCK. Check out their website for more information.

No! Our students have no uniform - something that appeals to many of our families.  

For families that prefer to have the routine of a "uniform", each year the Parent Management Committee organises screen printing the PCK logo tshirts for families to purchase. This provides those children with an informal uniform, and helps to advertise the Kindy when they are out and about!  

Note: When playing outside hats are compulsory - shoes are not!