Our Programs
At Lady Forster Kindergarten, we offer a range of programs that nurture curiosity, confidence and a deep sense of belonging through play based learning and connection to our coastal environment.
What We Offer
3-Year-Old Sessional Kindergarten
4-Year-Old Sessional Kindergarten
Integrated Extended Kindergarten
Friday Activity Program
At Lady Forster Kindergarten, strong and respectful relationships form the foundation of our days. Connected to our local coastal landscape, we create a calm and welcoming environment where children feel a true sense of belonging. From the very beginning, our educators take time to thoughtfully get to know each child, their interests, strengths, sensitivities, humour and what helps them feel settled, secure and confident.
Emotional safety is the foundation for learning at Lady Forster Kindergarten. We know that independence grows from secure, trusting relationships, so children are never expected to be ‘brave’ before they are ready. We see behaviour as communication and respond to challenges with empathy, calm guidance and genuine connection. By listening deeply and supporting children in understanding their emotions and solving problems, we nurture resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging within our community.
Our Play-Based Learning Approach
At Lady Forster Kindergarten, play is at the heart of learning. Through play, children make sense of their world, exploring ideas, building friendships, developing emotional buoyancy and forming a strong sense of identity.
Our program prioritises open-ended, child-led experiences where curiosity is valued, and ideas are taken seriously. Educators observe closely, engage thoughtfully and extend learning in intentional ways that build on each child’s strengths and interests.
Within our program, you can expect:
Extended periods of uninterrupted play
Opportunities for children to make choices about how, where and with whom they play
Support for friendship development, collaboration and respectful conflict resolution
Learning that emerges from children’s questions and curiosities
Inviting environments and provocations that spark imagination and inquiry
Learning does not always result in something tangible to take home. Instead, it is reflected in children’s growing confidence, language, creativity, relationships and deepening sense of belonging.
Nature-Based Learning
Nature pedagogy is embedded in daily life at Lady Forster Kindergarten. In our coastal landscape, children move beyond observing nature to engaging with it, building relationships with the land, the elements and the living world around them. Daily experiences with sand, soil, water, wind and plant life help children develop a deep sense of connection to the earth and an understanding that they are part of a larger living system.
We also acknowledge and respect that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years. Indigenous perspectives teach us that land is not something we own, but something we belong to, that Country holds knowledge, spirit and story. In age-appropriate ways, we introduce children to ideas of respect for Country, connection to place and caring for the land as an ongoing responsibility.
Through these experiences, children develop environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship and belonging, understanding their connection to the land, their community and one another.
Partnerships with Families
Partnership with families is grounded in genuine relationships and everyday connections. We value the small conversations, shared reflections and insights that help us understand each child as an individual.
The insight you bring about your child plays an important role in how we respond and plan. From supporting wellbeing to shaping learning experiences and transitions, family voice is valued in our thinking and decision-making.
We see our kindergarten as a community space where families feel welcomed, heard and respected. By working alongside one another with openness and trust, we create consistency between home and kindergarten, strengthening each child’s sense of security, belonging and confidence.
Programs & Fees
Explore our kindergarten programs, session times, and fee structure for 2026. With Free Kinder available for 3 and 4 year old programs, families can choose an option that suits their needs.
The kindergarten your child would choose
Give your child a joyful beginning in a community where they feel seen, supported and inspired to grow.