CENTRES

Aspire Bendigo Childcare Centre

Kindergarten Victorian Government Approved Kinder Funding
Rated Meeting by The National Quality Standard (NQS)
Aspire Bendigo Classroom

2025 Centre of the Year

Aspire Bendigo was named Centre of the Year 2025, recognising excellence in leadership, teamwork, educational programs, and family partnerships.

Our Bendigo childcare centre provides a warm, supportive environment where children thrive, families feel connected, and educators deliver high-quality care.

Built on collaboration, innovation, and Aspire’s values, this award reflects the dedication of our team and their impact on the local community.

Our Educators

Our Bendigo childcare centre is supported by a team of experienced and fully qualified educators who are passionate about providing high-quality care and education for every child. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, we work closely with families to support each child’s learning, development, and confidence.

The Bendigo Community

At Aspire Bendigo, we believe children learn best when they feel connected to their local community. We create meaningful experiences that help children and families build strong community connections.

Our community partnerships include:

  • Connections with St Therese Catholic Primary School, White Hills Primary School, and Epsom Primary School to support smooth school transitions
  • Strong relationships with La Trobe University and local council representatives
  • A special partnership with Joan Pinder Aged Care Home, where residents visit and interact with the children
  • An annual FREE community event for families

Bendigo Details

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New Enquiries: 1800 978 429
Existing Families: (03) 5441 1362
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Mon – Fri 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
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Ages: 6 weeks – 6 years
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Programs: AUSLAN Program, Cooking & Mandarin classes, Community Walks & Bush Kinder
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In house chef

Childcare Centre Highlights

Aspire Bendigo offers many weekly, fortnightly and monthly incursions for the different rooms in the childcare centre. Due to the partnership with nearby La Trobe University, the kinder children often visit the library or walk around the campus.

Other popular incursions include:

  • AUSLAN lessons
  • Wildlife incursion
  • Sensory gardening incursion
  • Kelly sports

Aspire Bendigo runs a much-loved Bush Kinder Program for its Four-Year-Old Kinder children. This program brings the classroom outside. The number of learning opportunities multiplies immensely when the classroom is taken out of the building. Bush Kinder gives children the space and freedom to explore and be creative in a natural environment.

At Aspire Bendigo, our in-centre chef prepares fresh and nutritious meals every day, guided by the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Our approach to food focuses on variety, balance, and mindful eating to support children’s healthy growth and development.

We focus on variety, balance and whole foods with each meal containing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. Our chefs also make mealtimes special, whether it's baking a birthday cake or preparing a festive spread to celebrate an occasion. Food is a meaningful and joyful part of our community.

Childcare Centre Facilities

Our purpose-built childcare facility features designs for each age group and caters to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. These rooms foster a tailored curriculum throughout all stages of learning. Designed to help your child learn and grow, they will quickly develop a love of learning and a sense of community in their rooms.

Our indoor rooms are spacious yet homely, with plenty of natural light and specific learning spaces that cater to each age group. Aspire Bendigo has five fully equipped rooms, along with a commercial kitchen, and a lush green space. With plenty of room to play, learn and explore in the centre’s five rooms, your child will soon feel at home amongst their peers throughout our educational programs.

Outside, there is no shortage of things to explore, with sand pits, cubby houses, vegetable gardens, and more to discover. The childcare centre playground had an update in early 2025, opening up even more opportunities for play. The large outdoor play area offers countless opportunities for imaginative play. With a large undercover play area, toys and activities are often brought outside for new ways to play.

Explore the Bendigo Childcare Centre

Early Education Programs

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten operates in a long daycare setting and has four main education programs, tailored to each stage of early development. At Aspire, our quality education programs are designed to guide children’s learning and development by encouraging them to explore, discover and connect with others.

Our Baby Steps Nursery Program provides a nurturing environment, with daily activities and intentional teaching opportunities to support your child to reach developmental milestones. Our play-based learning approach allows children to learn through sensory play, as well as build a foundation for future learning.

The Little Learners Toddler Program is designed to create an engaging environment that supports your toddler’s social and cognitive development. We provide a fun, play-based learning approach that engages their young and active minds within a safe and stimulating environment.

Aspire’s Kickstart to Kinder program is specially designed for three-year-olds, offering a warm and engaging introduction to their kindergarten journey. Created in collaboration with kindergarten and local primary school teachers, the program supports each child’s social, emotional and early literacy development.

With a balance of structured and play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence and develop independence. This approach helps lay the foundation for a smooth transition into four-year-old kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

Aspire’s Step into Prep program is designed for four-year-olds to confidently prepare for primary school in a supportive and stimulating environment. Building on skills developed in earlier years, the program focuses on independence, communication, and critical thinking.

The program combines hands-on activities with intentional learning experiences designed to nurture curiosity and resilience. Our educators work closely with each child, tailoring support to their strengths and interests. This thoughtful approach helps children feel confident and ready to embrace the challenges and excitement of primary school.

Peace of mind for parents

A Day at Aspire Bendigo

Morning

  • Get dropped off and settle into the room
  • Have breakfast and play
  • Learning opportunities
  • Incursions/excursions

Midday

  • Get ready for lunch
  • Wash hands, clean table and sit down
  • Lunchtime!
  • Clean up
  • Naptime

Afternoon

  • Incursions/excursions
  • Play-based learning opportunities
  • Story time
  • Snack time

Evening

  • Start winding down
  • Free play
  • Finish daily activities
  • Get picked up

2026 CCS Benefits

  • Eligible families are guaranteed 3 days of subsidised care each week
  • Save up to $2,101 per year per eligible child
  • Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your subsidy and out-of-pocket costs.

Funded Kindergarten

  • Aspire Bendigo is a government-approved provider of Victoria’s funded kindergarten program.
  • Eligible three and four-year-old children can enjoy high-quality early learning at a reduced cost
  • Up to 15 hours of free kindergarten per week, in addition to CCS
  • Families only pay the remaining gap fee

Bendigo Childcare Fees

At Aspire Bendigo childcare, your daily fee covers everything your child needs: healthy meals, nappies and wipes, engaging learning programs, and care from our qualified, passionate educators.

  • All-inclusive
  • Fees are structured at a daily rate
  • Flexible, tailored payment options

To receive a personalised quote, we encourage you to get in touch with our friendly team directly.

What We Provide

Healthy meals & snacks

Incursions & excursions

Nappies, bottles & wipes

Sunscreen

Play-based learning environments

Qualified teachers

School readiness pathways

In-centre celebrations

Meet the Bendigo Team

Peace of mind for parents

Centre Manager

Britt Harrington

Hello, I’m Britt, the Centre Manager at Aspire Bendigo. I love being part of Aspire and working alongside our dedicated team, families, and children to create a supportive and welcoming community.

My goal is to build a nurturing, play-based environment where every child feels safe, valued, and confident to learn at their own pace. The Aspire value that resonates most with me is Building Trust — because when families feel confident and relationships are strong, children truly thrive.

I began my early childhood career in 2020, progressing from Assistant Educator to Room Leader, Assistant Manager, and now Centre Manager. My leadership focuses on open communication, consistency, and strong relationships with children, families, and educators.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Aspire Bendigo.
Peace of mind for parents

Educational Leader

Mal Phillips

Hi, I’m Mal, Educational Leader at Aspire Bendigo! I love helping children grow into confident, independent learners and making a meaningful impact on their early years. The Aspire value that resonates most with me is Building Trust — strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues are the foundation of a positive learning environment.

I began my career in 2017 as a Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten Teacher, later supporting children with developmental delays and additional needs, and now focus on inclusive practices and trauma-informed care in long day care.

I hold a Diploma in Child Services and a Bachelor of Early Education, with additional training in trauma-informed practice and Hanen Spark communication. My leadership style is based on servant leadership, empathy, and creating a supportive, inclusive environment.

A Bendigo local (and former North Queenslander), I enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community through tree planting and other activities.

Bendigo Open Day

What Our Families Have To Say

★★★★★

All I can say is Aspire is such an amazing centre! I have been through a few different daycares with my other children in the past and this one is by far the best! I can 100% say I trust the carers and know that my lil one is in fantastic hands. The freedom they get allows my daughter to have fun doing what she wants, they keep her happy and content throughout the whole day. If you're searching for a daycare facility you definitely need to check them out! 5/5

Josie, family at Aspire Bendigo, VIC

★★★★★

We have been over the moon with Aspire! Both our children are excited to attend and always have a smile on their faces at drop off and pick up. The staff are always willing to listen to any issues that may arise and do their best to solve these. The educators are caring, creative and enthusiastic. A great experience so far.

Jaclyn, family at Aspire Bendigo, VIC

★★★★★

We are so happy sending our little boy to Aspire. The educators and staff are amazing. I feel content going off to work knowing that my baby is in good hands and being cared for like family. They’ve also been really responsive to our son’s specific diet which has been such a relief. We love being part of the Aspire community and will send our boy here until he goes off to prep.

Laura, family at Aspire Bendigo, VIC

★★★★★

Aspire Bendigo is like a second home for our family. We are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles each day. Our daughter's changing needs are always met and she is very comfortable with all of the educators. The facilities at this centre are wonderful. we highly recommend Aspire to anyone who will listen!

Ash, family at Aspire Bendigo, VIC

★★★★★

We can’t praise Aspire Bendigo enough. Our little one started going a couple of days a week from about 10 months old and we felt welcome from the beginning. The staff have always been professional, caring, informative and look after our little one like their own. Knowing our child is in the best care was so important to us and we can’t thank everyone enough. Highly recommend.

Elisha, family at Aspire Bendigo, VIC

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