About us
We believe every child belongs in the circle
Lumora is a Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare and kinder with centres in Ballarat and Pakenham. We started with a simple idea: children learn best when they feel they belong, and every child, whatever their needs, deserves a full place in the day.
Two centres
Ballarat and Pakenham
6 weeks to school age
Four rooms, including kinder
An Inclusion Specialist in every centre
Working inside the room, every day
11+ years in early learning
Experience behind every room
Our story
Why we started Lumora
After more than 11 years working in childcare and kindergarten, we kept noticing the same thing. The children who needed a little more support were often the ones waiting at the edges of the room, while everyone else got on with the day.
We wanted to build something different: a centre where support happens inside the room, where the space itself invites children to explore, and where families can see how their child is really developing.
That became Lumora. Our first centre is in Ballarat, and our second is almost ready in Pakenham, with tours open now.
Our beliefs
The ideas behind everything we do
Every child belongs
Every child takes part, every child is celebrated for who they are right now, and no child watches from the edges.
Children are capable and curious
Children have their own ideas and theories about the world. Our job is to take them seriously and help them go further.
The room is a teacher
Natural materials, real tools and open-ended invitations do a lot of the teaching. We design every space with care.
Support belongs inside the room
Children who need more help get it within the normal day, alongside their friends, not in a separate space.
Families are partners
You know your child best. We share what we see, ask what you see, and work towards the same goals together.
Bodies and minds grow together
Movement, feelings and thinking are never separate. Children learn best when they're calm, active and ready.
Room to wonder, and educators who follow it.
Our approach
Reggio-inspired, grounded in Australia
Our approach is inspired by Reggio Emilia, a way of teaching from Italy that sees young children as capable and curious. We bring those ideas together with Australia's Early Years Learning Framework, plus our own ways of supporting feelings, movement and independence.
Educators observe closely, follow children's interests and step in with intentional teaching when it helps. Every week, in every room, we plan for seven areas of development.
The team behind Lumora are experienced early childhood educators who care about doing this well.
See how children learn at LumoraOur centres
Two centres, one way of caring
Lumora Pakenham
Our new centre for families across Pakenham and Cardinia, at 3 Savage Street.
Visit this centre's pageWe acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where our centres stand, the Wadawurrung People in Ballarat and the Bunurong People in Pakenham, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We are grateful to learn, play and grow on this Country.
Careers
Love early learning? Grow with us
We're looking for educators who enjoy following children's curiosity, and who want the time, mentoring and support to do it well. We're hiring now for Pakenham.
Get in touchCome and see Lumora for yourself
The best way to get to know us is to visit. Our Centre Manager will show you around, introduce you to the educators and answer every question, with no pressure to decide on the day.
Book a tourCall Ballarat on 03 5340 0726 or Pakenham on 0406 929 780