We are pleased to share an exciting development in Burgmann Anglican School's Early Years Program that will significantly enhance the educational foundation we provide to our youngest learners.
Learning
An Expanded Two‑Year Pre‑Kindergarten Program
A new two-year Pre-Kindergarten program for 3 and 4-year-olds, strengthening early learning, wellbeing and school readiness.
A New Pre‑Kindergarten Facility at Forde
A modern, future-focused Pre-Kindergarten facility featuring age-specific studios, specialist play spaces and outdoor learning environments to meet growing community demand.
A More Focused Early Learning Centre for Infants & Toddlers
The Valley ELC will transition to a specialised 6-month to 2-year-old centre, providing age-appropriate care, tailored routines and enriched learning experiences designed specifically for our youngest children.
A Supportive Transition Process for Families
Current families will receive priority access, personalised guidance, and a smooth, well-supported transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing in the Early Years Program?
Burgmann is transitioning to a two-year Pre-Kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-olds, delivered in a new purpose-built facility on the Forde Campus. This new facility will fully replace the current Pre-Kindergarten programs and facilities operating at the Forde and Valley campuses.
The existing Early Learning Centre (ELC) at the Valley Campus will transition to caring exclusively for children aged six months to two years.
Who will these changes affect?
These changes will mainly affect:
- Current ELC families.
- Families with children who will be six months to four years old in the coming years.
- Families on the ELC and Pre-Kindergarten waiting lists.
Kindergarten and older year levels are not changing as part of this restructure.
When will the new Pre-Kindergarten open and when will these changes take effect?
The new Pre-Kindergarten facility is planned to open in early 2027, following the completion of construction.
Changes to the ELC and current Pre-Kindergarten programs will coincide with the new Pre-Kindergarten opening.
What will the new pathway from the ELC through to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten look like?
Beginning in 2027, children aged six months to two years will attend the Valley Campus ELC. Children can then progress into the two-year Pre-Kindergarten program at the Forde Campus, before moving into Kindergarten at either the Forde or Valley campus.
Where at the Forde Campus will the new Pre-Kindergarten be built?
The building will be situated on the northern end of the Forde campus, between the existing oval and Hurrell Street.
Will my child lose their existing ELC or Pre-Kindergarten place because of this change?
No. All currently enrolled families will receive priority access and personalised support throughout the transition. No child will lose their existing place as a result of this restructure.
What ages will the ELC cater for?
The ELC at the Valley Campus will specialise in caring for children aged six months to two years only.
What ages will the Pre-Kindergarten cater for?
The Forde Campus Pre-Kindergarten will offer a two-year program for both 3- and 4-year-olds.
Will there be any changes to operating hours or fees?
No. Operating hours will remain the same as our current Pre-Kindergarten program, running from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Fees will operate under the same long-day-care fee structure as the ELC, ensuring a consistent approach across both services.
Will my child automatically move from the 2-year-old program into the new 3-year-old Pre-Kindergarten?
Children enrolled in the ELC will receive priority on our waiting list for progression into the new Pre-Kindergarten program. Families will receive personalised guidance and support through this process.
Will the curriculum change?
No. The Pre-Kindergarten will continue to follow the Early Years Learning Framework Version 2 (EYLF V2.0) and our Reggio Emilia approach, with enriched specialist programs, strong outdoor learning opportunities, and a continued focus on curiosity, creativity, and school readiness.
Will the educators my child knows continue with the new program?
Many of our current Early Years educators will transition across the two sites. Staffing will remain consistent with Burgmann’s high-quality, caring approach.
Does this affect Kindergarten places?
No. Kindergarten capacity is not changing. This restructure strengthens the pathway into Burgmann’s Junior School.
What will happen to the existing Pre-Kindergarten Facilities?
Once the new Pre-Kindergarten facility opens at Forde, the current Pre-Kindergarten spaces will be refreshed and repurposed for Junior School learning areas. This allows us to enhance the quality of learning environments across the school while ensuring all early years programs are delivered in purpose-designed settings.
Will the Pre-Kindergarten remain a full-time (5-day-a-week) program?
The 4-year-old Pre-Kindergarten program will remain a full-time, five-day-a-week program.
For 3-year-olds, families will have the choice of full-time or part-time attendance.
Will food be provided for children in the new Pre-Kindergarten?
Yes. All food will be provided.
The new Pre-Kindergarten will have a full commercial kitchen and an on-site chef, consistent with the high-quality meal service currently provided in the ELC.
When will offers for the new Pre-Kindergarten be released?
Offers for the new two-year Pre-Kindergarten program will begin in March 2026. Families will receive detailed information about the process closer to this time, along with guidance to support a smooth transition.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
We will provide a dedicated Early Years Expansion contact point. In the meantime, you may contact:
Community Questions - communityquestions@burgmann.act.edu.au
The Director of Early Learning - elc@burgmann.act.edu.au
The Head of Junior School - juniorschool@burgmann.act.edu.au
The Admissions Team - admissions@burgmann.act.edu.au