2027 Early Years Expansion
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.
What is changing in the Early Years program?
Burgmann is transitioning to a two-year Preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds, delivered in a new purpose-built facility on the Forde Campus. This new facility will 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
When will the new Preschool open and when will these changes take effect?
The new Preschool 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 opening of the new Preschool.
Where at the Forde Campus will the new Preschool be built?
The building will be situated at the northern end of the Forde Campus, between the existing oval and Hurrell Street.
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.
What ages will Preschool cater for?
Preschool at the Forde Campus will offer a two-year program for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Will there be any changes to operating hours or fees?
Operating hours will remain the same as the ELC, running from 7.30am to 6.00pm.
Fees will operate under the same long-day-care fee structure as the ELC, 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.
Will the curriculum change?
No. Preschool 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. Preschool will become the primary entry point to Burgmann, meaning fewer places will be available for students seeking to commence in Kindergarten.
What will happen to the existing Pre-Kindergarten facilities?
Once the new Preschool 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 Preschool remain a full-time, five-day-a-week program?
The 4-year-old Preschool 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, subject to availability.
Will food be provided for children in the new Preschool?
The new Preschool will have a full commercial kitchen and an on-site chef, consistent with the high-quality meal service currently provided in the ELC.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Team.
Phone: +61 2 6204 3207
Email: admissions@burgmann.act.edu.au
Address:
Burgmann Anglican School Valley Campus
4 The Valley Avenue
Gungahlin ACT 2912
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.