CENTRES

Aspire Pakenham Childcare Centre

Kindergarten Victorian Government Approved Kinder Funding
Rated Meeting by The National Quality Standard (NQS)
Aspire Pakenham Outdoor Area and Blue Slide

Aspire Pakenham Childcare provides a nurturing and inspiring early learning environment for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years old. We understand that choosing the right childcare centre is an important decision for every family. Our team is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where children can learn, explore, and grow with confidence. Families choose our Pakenham childcare centre because we offer:

Convenient Location

Located close to Pakenham Train Station, Pakenham Central Marketplace, and surrounding parks, our centre provides a convenient option for families living and working in the local area.

Quality Learning Programs

Our play-based learning programs are designed to support children at every stage of development, from infancy through to kindergarten. Our educators use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) to create meaningful learning experiences.

Experienced Educators

Our qualified educators build strong relationships with children and families, ensuring every child feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Kinder & School Readiness

Our kindergarten programs help children develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and the foundations needed for a successful transition to school.

Strong Family Partnerships

We believe families play an important role in a child’s learning journey. Through regular communication and collaboration, we work together to support every child’s individual needs and interests.

Pakenham Details

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New Enquiries: 1800 978 429
Existing Families: (03) 5940 1257
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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: School Readiness Programs, Extra-Curricular Activities, Incursions
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In house chef

Childcare Centre Highlights

We offer exciting incursion programs at our Pakenham childcare that provide new experiences for the children and help them develop new interests and skills. These cover sport, music, art and drama, and are a highlight for the children at Aspire.

The Pakenham childcare centre also offers one-off incursion programs throughout the term. Some recent standouts include:

  • Mad Science session 
  • Dental visit 
  • Henny Penny Hatching 
  • Puppet show
  • Woodwork workshop 
  • Day with Clay for our kinders
  • Yoga incursion
  • Korean Ethnic Dance Incursion
  • Bee incursion

Aspire childcare centres frequently run engaging and exciting excursions throughout the year. Aspire Pakenham childcare runs regular excursions to the local park, local primary school, Pakenham library, Myuna farm and more. These excursions further bolster the learning of students in every age group, as they align with Aspire's curriculum and the interests of the children.

At Aspire Pakenham childcare, 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 Pakenham childcare facility sets the benchmark for early learning and childcare centres and caters to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. The seven learning spaces have design features fit for each age group. 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.

Aspire Pakenham's long daycare contains seven spacious indoor rooms, specifically built for children at every stage of their early learning journey. The rooms are filled with different learning experiences including sensory play, letter and colour recognition activities, painting and craft fun, storytelling, cooking experiences and more. The centre also boasts a modern, catering-style kitchen with generous food storage space and plenty of room for our chefs to make their delicious meals!

Pakenham's childcare and kindergarten indoor rooms connect seamlessly with the outdoor yard area, which allows the children to explore and play, supporting their overall learning experience. Aspire Pakenham’s outdoor facilities include different playground areas, a cubby house, veggie gardens, bike paths, sand pits, and dry creek beds. Additionally, our programs actively promote the message of environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Explore the Pakenham Childcare Centre

Pakenham Early Education Programs

Aspire Pakenham Childcare 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 in reaching 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.

Our Pakenham childcare centre is eligible for the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Victorian Government funded kindergarten, helping eligible families make quality early learning and kindergarten more affordable.

From 2026, the Australian Government's 3-Day Guarantee means all eligible families can receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of their activity level. Use our CCS Calculator to estimate your Child Care Subsidy and out-of-pocket costs.

In 2026, eligible families can receive a $2,101 Free Kinder fee offset for the first 15 hours of kindergarten per week, or 600 hours per year. This fee offset is applied directly to families' fees and is in addition to any applicable Child Care Subsidy, helping reduce the overall cost of early learning.

Peace of mind for parents

A Day at Aspire Pakenham Childcare

Morning

  • Warm welcome and smooth drop-off to help children settle comfortably
  • Enjoy a healthy breakfast
  • Fun learning experiences through play and exploration

Midday

  • Practise good hygiene and gather for lunch
  • Enjoy a nutritious meal
  • Help tidy up after eating
  • Rest and recharge with a calm naptime

Afternoon

  • Exciting incursions and excursions that bring learning to life
  • Group story time to build language and imagination
  • Healthy snack time shared with friends

Evening

  • Begin winding down with calm activities
  • Enjoy free play and time with friends
  • Pick-up and handover with families

2026 CCS Benefits

  • Eligible Pakenham families are guaranteed 3 days of subsidised childcare 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 Pakenham Chilcare 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
  • In 2026, families can receive 15 hours ($2,693) of free kindergarten per week (600 hours a year), in addition to the Childcare Subsidy.
  • Families only pay the remaining gap fee

Pakenham Childcare Fees

At Aspire Pakenham 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 Pakenham Team

Peace of mind for parents

Centre Manager

Elaine Barnes

Hello, I’m Elaine Barnes, the Centre Manager at Aspire Pakenham Childcare.

With almost 20 years of experience in the early childhood education sector, I have been fortunate to build a rewarding career that began as an Assistant Educator in the early 2000s. Over the years, I have progressed through a variety of leadership roles, including Room Leader, Assistant Manager, Educational Leader, and now Pakenham's Childcare Centre Manager.

From the very beginning of my career, I discovered a genuine passion for supporting children's growth and development. I believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where they can build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories through play and learning. I am committed to ensuring every family feels welcomed, valued, and supported throughout their child's early learning journey.

As a lifelong learner, I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and leadership skills, recently studying my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Australian Catholic University. This allows me to bring the latest research and best practice into our centre while supporting and mentoring our team of educators.

I joined Aspire because the organisation's values closely align with my own. Aspire's philosophy of helping children grow, learn, and connect is reflected not only in the experiences provided for children but also in the opportunities offered to educators to develop professionally, collaborate with colleagues, and continually strive for excellence.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my five young adult children, discovering new restaurants and destinations, travelling, and exploring the outdoors whenever I can.

I look forward to welcoming your family to Aspire Pakenham and supporting your child's learning journey in a caring, inclusive, and engaging environment.

Pakenham Childcare Open Day

What Our Families Have To Say

★★★★★

One of the best Pakenham childcare centres I have found after researching so many childcare centres and family daycares. This place is amazing with really good, kind, loving, caring educators. Well-planned daily routine for kids every day with lots of fun, education and entertainment. My little one is loving going in there and having fun with other friends.❤️

Sandamali, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

I am very happy and lucky that my daughter is at Aspire, Pakenham Childcare. She has grown so much in her education, learning, and progress in all areas of her development. This could not have happened without all the educators who have given their full support, guidance and attention throughout her tenure. Thanks to all of you and a big shoutout!

Binita, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

Educators are always welcoming and caring, they listen and work very well with goals you have for your little one/s and are very informative. My two little ones have made good connections with their educators and enjoy coming here. Thank you for being an amazing child care 🙂

Charleen, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

Best learning childcare centre in Pakenham. Management has established a positive atmosphere, and Aspire Pakenham has surpassed our expectations, providing an enriching experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It's more than a learning centre; it's a haven where our child thrives. Highly recommend!

Sadeep, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

I highly recommend Aspire Pakenham Childcare to new families as the staff are incredibly dedicated, always creating a warm, welcoming environment for the children. There’s excellent teamwork among the staff, they collaborate well to ensure each child’s needs are met. The facilities are top-notch as well, with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities that keep kids engaged and excited to learn.

Madhavi, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

If you are looking for the most loving, caring and fun childcare then look no further. I would highly recommend Aspire Early Education Pakenham to care for your most precious gift. All staff are highly experienced working with children and catering for all needs. I am continually updated as to my child's activities and well-being throughout the day which put me at ease. The centre is always clean and fresh healthy cooked meals are served to our growing kids. Tash is exceptionally professional, lovely and has a very caring approach towards all the families. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Isha, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

I cannot recommend this Pakenham childcare enough! I was so nervous to put my son into childcare at 4 months old but I can tell he loves it there and has learnt so much already. The childcare workers are so lovely, caring and on the ball with everything. They put so much effort into making the children’s experience fun and unique, as well as organising activities and events beyond the centre hours where parents can link up and get involved. Thank you for easing my nerves and making my son’s experience so enjoyable!!

Chanel, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

We have been at Aspire since 2019 and couldn't fault a thing. Educators and directors are passionate, friendly and supportive. My daughter is offered a variety of activities, food and cultural experiences and has loved everyday she has spent here. The centre is clean, bright and very family orientated. Lots of updates and photos to show us what the kids are doing. Would 100% recommend to family and friends in the area

Jacki, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

★★★★★

This place is so much more than a childcare Centre! Every staff in here put every effort into creating a community that nurtures and uncovers each child’s personality. The team here is a village that support the family and works together to achieve goals and milestones!! My baby girl loves coming to her bluebells room. As a first-time parent, I can confidently say that my child is in safe hand! I would highly recommend this wonderful place.

Anjie, family at Aspire Pakenham, VIC

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