Kinder · 4–5 years
Wanderers: our kinder program, getting ready for Prep
In their last year before school, children lead bigger projects, take on real responsibilities, and build the confidence, focus and friendships that make starting Prep easier.
See a day in Wanderers
4 to 5 years
The year before school
Early Childhood Teacher
Leads the kinder program
Kinder within long day care
No extra drop-offs or pick-ups
Free Kinder
Ask us about funded kinder places
Inside Wanderers
Ready for school, and for what comes after
Because kinder is part of our long day care, your child can do kinder with familiar educators and friends, in the same place, across the whole day. There's no need for extra drop-offs or rushing between services.
Getting ready for school means more than letters and numbers. We look at how children manage their feelings, make friends, look after themselves, focus on a task and move their bodies with confidence. We track progress across seven areas and talk with you about school well before Prep.
A day in Wanderers
A day in Wanderers
Every day is a little different, but it might include:
- Arriving and planning what they'll work on today
- Morning circle and Body Ready movement
- Long project work in small groups
- Early reading, writing and numbers through play
- Lunch together, then rest or quiet focus time
- Outdoor challenges and afternoon projects
What they learn
What your child is learning
Focus and readiness
Listening in a group, finishing tasks and planning ahead.
Independence and life skills
Looking after their belongings, routines and themselves.
Voice and language
Early reading and writing, and explaining their ideas clearly.
Feelings and friendships
Calming themselves without help and solving problems with friends.
We prepare children for school, and for life.
Ready for the world
How we support kinder children at Lumora
By the end of kinder, we want every child to feel ready: confident with friends, able to manage big feelings, independent in their routines and curious about learning. We'll share how your child is going every term, and work with you on anything that needs more support.
Our Inclusion Specialist also works in the room every day, supporting any child who needs a little more help, with or without a diagnosis.
For parents
What kinder parents ask us
Funded kinder and Free Kinder
Ask us about funded kinder places and how Free Kinder appears on your fees at your nearest centre.
Starting school
Before your child starts Prep, we prepare a transition statement for their school, written with your input.
Worried about readiness?
Talk to us early. We'll share what we're seeing, listen to what you're seeing at home, and make a plan together.
What to pack
A change of clothes, a hat, a water bottle and their own bag to look after.
Moving on
When your child is ready
Children move on when they show clear, everyday signs they're ready, not on a birthday. We'll always talk it through with you first.
Next step: Prep
How to enrol at LumoraReady for school when they:
- Feel ready socially and emotionally
- Calm themselves without help
- Stick with a project from start to finish
Questions
Questions about Wanderers
Come and see Wanderers for yourself
Visit your nearest centre, meet the educators in the kinder room and ask anything you like.
Book a tourCall Ballarat on 03 5340 0726 or Pakenham on 0406 929 780