Early Years
A nurturing beginning
Early Years at Burgmann
For more than 25 years, Burgmann has supported young learners through high-quality preschool education. This long-standing experience in early childhood learning has shaped environments where children feel safe, valued and inspired to explore the world around them.
Our Early Years programs provide children with a nurturing environment where they are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and curiosity. Through strong partnerships with families and dedicated educators, we support each child’s development during these important formative years.
Why Early Years at Burgmann?
A JOURNEY FROM THE VERY BEGINNING
Your Child’s Early Years Journey
At Burgmann Anglican School, children begin their learning journey in environments designed specifically for each stage of early childhood.
Our Early Years programs support children from infancy through to the transition into school learning.
Together, these programs support children’s growth, curiosity and confidence as they develop through the early years.
Families whose children attend the Early Learning Centre receive priority consideration for Preschool enrolment. Upon entry to Preschool, students commence their formal journey within the School, typically progressing into Kindergarten and continuing their education through to Year 12.
STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE
Our Vision for Early Learning
At Burgmann, we believe every child is a capable learner with unique gifts, strengths and potential.
Our Early Years program partners with families to nurture children who are strong, capable and resilient people, rich with wonder and knowledge.
Within a caring Christian environment, children are encouraged to develop:
- curiosity and creativity
- resilience and independence
- kindness and respect
- a strong sense of belonging
We recognise parents and carers as children’s first educators and value the partnerships we build with families.
Our Educators
Our Early Years programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, supported by experienced educators who work together to create nurturing and engaging learning environments.
The educators at Burgmann Anglican School are passionate early childhood professionals dedicated to supporting children’s learning and wellbeing.
Educators observe children’s interests and extend their thinking through intentional teaching, guiding exploration and encouraging curiosity.
Through strong relationships with children and families, our educators create a supportive community where every child feels valued and confident to learn.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY AND DISCOVERY
How Children Learn
Young children learn best through exploration, experimentation and play.
Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and inspired by the Reggio Emilia principles. These recognise children as capable, curious, and creative learners.
Educators observe children’s interests and extend their thinking through intentional teaching, creating opportunities for deeper learning.
Through play-based learning, children:
- investigate ideas and materials
- develop problem-solving skills
- build resilience through experimentation
- develop social skills
- express themselves creatively
DESIGNED FOR CURIOSITY
Learning Environments
Burgmann’s Early Years environments are thoughtfully designed to inspire exploration and discovery.
Natural light, open spaces and carefully designed learning areas encourage children to experiment, collaborate and create.
Outdoor environments provide opportunities for movement, nature play and sensory exploration.
Connections with the surrounding natural environment encourage children to develop curiosity and respect for the world around them.
Food & Wellbeing
Children’s wellbeing is central to life in Burgmann’s Early Years programs.
Throughout the day, children participate in routines that support healthy development, including play, rest, social interaction and outdoor exploration.
Nutritious meals are provided during the day, prepared onsite to support children’s growth and wellbeing.
Shared mealtimes provide opportunities for conversation, connection and developing positive eating habits.
These daily experiences help children feel secure, confident and ready to explore and learn.
Whats happening in our Early Years programs?
At what age can my child start?
The Burgmann Anglican School Early Learning Centre (ELC) offers care for children from six months of age through to a comprehensive program for two-year-olds.
Please note that the ELC is not an official intake point for the School. However, children in the ELC receive priority consideration for entry into our Preschool's 3 Pre program, subject to availability.
Our Preschool program is the first official intake point for Burgmann Anglican School. Children wishing to enter the Preschool's 3 Pre program need to have turned three by 30 April in the year of entry.
How do I register my child at Burgmann?
To place your child's name on the waiting list, simply register online using the Online Application Form. A registration fee will be payable at the time of application, and a confirmation email and receipt will be sent to you.
The registration fee is set in our Fee Schedule, available on the Fees page.
For more information on enrolment, visit the Admissions page.
Do I need separate applications for the Early Learning Centre (ELC), Preschool and Kindergarten?
No. Burgmann uses one application process for both the ELC and the School.
When you submit an Application Form, your child is placed on the waiting list for your selected entry point, whether that is the ELC, Preschool or the School.
This means:
- you do not need to submit a second application later
- your original application carries through as your child grows
If your child attends the ELC, their application will remain active for future enrolment into Preschool.
If your child does not receive an offer for the ELC, their place on the waiting list for the School remains active based on the original registration date.
What are the fees?
The 2026 fees for the Early Learning Centre (ELC), including the application fee, enrolment fee and daily rate, can be found on the Early Learning Centre page.
Fees for Preschool in 2027 will be structured in the same way as ELC fees, ensuring a consistent approach across both services.
Fees for both the ELC and Preschool for 2027 will be published in the 2027 Fee Schedule on the Fees page in September 2026.
When do the Early Learning Centre and Preschool programs operate?
Both programs operate five days per week, Monday to Friday, across 49 weeks of the year, with a three-week closure over December and January. Daily hours are 7.30am to 6.00pm, providing full-day early learning and care.
For more information on dates and times, visit the Term Dates & Times page.
Can my child attend part-time or full-time?
The 4-year-old Preschool program is a full-time, five-day-a-week program.
For the 3-year-old Preschool program and children in the Early Learning Centre, families have the choice of full-time or part-time attendance, subject to availability.
A minimum of two days per week, preferably consecutive, is recommended to support continuity, routine and strong relationships.
Are meals provided?
Yes. All food is provided.
Both the Early Learning Centre and Preschool have a full commercial kitchen and an on-site chef, allowing them to deliver a high-quality meal service for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
Does attending the Early Learning Centre (ELC) support enrolment in Preschool?
Yes. While enrolment in the ELC is not a direct pathway into Burgmann Anglican School, children in the ELC receive priority consideration for entry into Preschool, subject to availability.
Once a child commences in Preschool, they are enrolled as a student of the School and will progress through each year level as part of their ongoing enrolment.
Where are the programs located?
Our Early Learning Centre (ELC), for children aged six months to two years, is located at our Valley Campus: 4 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin ACT 2912.
Our Preschool, for children aged three and four, will be completed in early 2027 and will be located at our Forde Campus: Francis Forde Boulevard and Hurrell Street, Forde ACT 2914.
Does the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) apply to Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Preschool fees?
Yes. CCS applies to the ELC and Preschool programs.
Families receive a reduced out-of-pocket cost depending on their eligibility.
To determine eligibility, please contact the Family Assistance Office or Centrelink Online through myGov. For more information about CCS, please visit www.humanservices.gov.au.
A Co-educational Independent School located in Gungahlin, ACT.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal peoples as the traditional keepers on the land on which we gather. We recognise and honour their wisdom and education traditions. We commit ourselves to actively working towards reconciliation, stepping forward with grace, commitment and wisdom on this journey.