Absolutely not! In fact, the play-based approach adopted by community kindergartens in WA is proven to prepare children for smooth entry into school. And to nurture brains with ‘flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life’ (Lester & Russell, 2008, p. 9).

Did you know that Maggie Dent is a strong advocate for community kindy and play-based learning too? (Check out our "Play-Based Learning" page to find out more). 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.

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

• Cathy Whitney has over 30 years teaching experience (including 26 years at Padbury Community Kindy).
• Jaymee Wiseman also joined the teaching team in 2020 - she holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has taught in a range of settings over her 9 year career.
• Mrs Liesel Erskine joined PCK in 2023 and has completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Studies at Edgewood College in South Africa. She has 28 years of experience teaching Kindergarten and Pre-primary in a range of educational settings.
• Our Education Assistants Nicole Mattingley and Lisa Hall have attained Cert III and have many years of experience teaching at our kindy and other quality local schools. And our music and movement specialist - Melissa Hetherington (aka Miss Mel) - is also highly trained and qualified.

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 kindergarten contributions are set by the Department of Education, so they are the same for all kindergartens. As a community organisation we keep any additional contributions to a minimum. In 2022 our total voluntary family contribution was $240 per child (payable up front or in instalments of $60 per term). This typically covers all activities - there are no additional charges throughout the year.

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.

When we operate with one class our days and times remain the same each week:

Tuesday: 8.40am - 2.45pm (full day)
Wednesday: 8.40am - 11.30am (half day)
Thursday: 8.40am - 2.45pm (full day)

With two classes we run the following streams:

Monday: 8.40am to 2.45pm (full day)
Wednesday: 11.55am to 2.45am (half day)
Thursday: 8.40am to 2.45pm (full day)

Tuesday: 8.40am to 2.45pm (full day)
Wednesday: 8.40am to 11.30am (half day)
Friday: 8.40am to 2.45pm (full day)

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). 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", early each year the parent committee organises a screen printing session to print our logo onto t-shirts and jumpers that families provide. 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!

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.