CENTRES

Aspire Bendigo Childcare Centre

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

At Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten Bendigo - Kennington, we are dedicated to providing quality care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. With plenty of room to play, learn and explore, your child will soon feel at home amongst their peers throughout our early education programs.

Ideally located between La Trobe University Bendigo Campus and Strath Village Shopping Centre, Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten Bendigo is ideal for busy parents living and/or working in the Bendigo area. Our childcare and daycare centre is modern and easily accessible, and we cater to infants, toddlers and kindergarteners.

Our Educators

Our Bendigo childcare is staffed by a team of experienced and fully qualified educators who are committed to providing the best possible care for every child. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, our teachers closely collaborate with families and offer every child the opportunity to succeed. The Bendigo traineeship program has been extremely successful and has produced some incredible educators!

The Bendigo Community

At Aspire Bendigo, we’re committed to connecting children and families with the wider Kennington community through meaningful experiences and partnerships.

  • Connection to St Therese Catholic Primary School, White Hills Primary School and Epsom Primary School
  • Strong bond with La Trobe University, local Mayor and police
  • Special connection with Joan Pinder Aged Care Home - residents visit, play and interact with the children
  • Annual FREE community event

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.

The Victorian Government provides families up to 15 hours of free kindergarten a week, in addition to the Childcare Subsidy. The funding offsets the fees for eligible three and four-year-old children who are part of the centre's long daycare kindergarten program.

From 2025, families can save up to $2,101 per year per eligible child. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your subsidy and out-of-pocket costs.

The Funded Kinder Program ensures all children can access quality early learning and build a strong foundation for 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

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 and I'm the Centre Manager at Aspire Bendigo.

I love everything about working at Aspire, the team, the families, the children, and the supportive culture we’ve created together and work hard to maintain. My goal is to help build a nurturing, play-based environment where every child feels safe, valued, and free to explore at their own pace. The Aspire value that resonates most with me is Building Trust. It’s the foundation of everything we do. When trust is present, families feel confident, children thrive, and educators work together with purpose and connection. Most importantly, children thrive in environments where relationships are built on genuine connection and consistency.

I started my journey in early childhood in 2020, progressing from Assistant Educator to Room Leader, then Assistant Manager, and now Centre Manager. Each step has shaped how I lead; with open communication, consistency and a focus on building strong relationships with children, families, and our team.

Bendigo has always been home to me, and over the years I’ve built many personal and professional connections in the community. Before COVID, I also spent four years travelling to over 30 countries and my experiences really broadened my view of the world and deepened my appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.

I’m excited to be leading Aspire Bendigo and look forward to connecting with you and your family!
Peace of mind for parents

Educational Leader

Mal Phillips

Hi, I'm Mal and I’m the Head of Curriculum at Aspire Bendigo!

What I love most about working at Aspire is that every day offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives, helping them grow into confident, independent learners. The Aspire value that resonates most with me is Building Trust. I believe that forming strong, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues is foundational to creating a positive and enriching learning environment.

My career began in 2017 as a Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten Teacher, before moving into early childhood intervention, supporting children with developmental delays and additional needs. Eventually, I found my way back to long day care. I’m deeply committed to fostering inclusive practices and implementing trauma-informed care - approaches that ensure every child, regardless of their background or experience, has the opportunity to thrive.

I hold a Diploma in Child Services and a Bachelor of Early Education, with additional training in trauma-informed practice, Hanen Spark communication, and supporting children with behavioural or developmental needs. My leadership style is grounded in servant leadership; uplifting others, listening with empathy, and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for children, families, and educators.

I’ve spent much of my life in Bendigo (and in North Queensland), and love giving back through tree planting and volunteering.

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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