Malin Friends is a nursery and kindergarten at 305 Barkers Road, on the Kew and Hawthorn border.
We care for and teach children from 6 months to 5 years, Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm, 50 weeks a year. Enquire today for 2027 places.
Malin Friends acknowledges that the land in which we meet, gather, work, play and learn, are the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people and we recognise and respect the Wurundjei people's spiritual relationship with Country. We also acknowledge the Kulin Nation as the custodians of the lands around us and recognise that their cultural and heritage beliefs are of continued importance. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, water and community.
We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of the past, present and emerging.
At Malin Friends, we have a published Reconciliation Action Plan with narragunnawali.org.au and an ongoing Reconciliation Action committee.
Our educators are Certificate 3 or Diploma qualified and trained early childhood educators. We also employ qualified early childhood teachers. All staff hold a valid working with children check.
Childcare in Kew, Built Around Friendship
Since the start, Malin Friends has been a place where great friendships begin. Children learn at their own pace in small, nature-rich spaces, supported by educators who know them and their families by name. Our programs are overseen by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and educators , and every educator holds a valid Working with Children Check.
Our Programs: Nursery, Kindergarten and Pre Prep
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Nursery (6 months to 3 years): Set in our original 1906 Barkers Road house, with consistent, trusting relationships and natural outdoor playgrounds.
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Kindergarten (3 years): Two play-based three-year-old kindergarten programs taught by qualified early childhood teachers, in a purpose-built space with natural gardens.
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Pre Prep (4 and 5 years): A structured, play-based program in the year before school, building pre-literacy, numeracy and school readiness.
Funded kindergarten is available for eligible enrolments. Before and after care and holiday programs are available outside program hours. See all programs.
Our Philosophy
Malin Friends loves
Child-centred, developmentally appropriate, play- and nature-based learning that respects individual pace, choice and creativity
Inclusive family partnerships and anti-bias practice
Community connectiveness Indigenous recognition and appreciation, local community connection, and environmental sustainability and care.
For Children, we provide/foster:
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Individual learning at their own pace and in multiple learning styles (visual, sensory, musical, kinaesthetic, spatial).
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Holistic development: cognitive, social, emotional, physical.
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Choice, empowerment and routines-sensitive caregiving.
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Enquiry and nature-rich exploration; creativity and imagination.
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Language and communication role-modelling.
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Positive self-esteem, confidence and social skill development.
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Programs informed by children’s interests.
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Safety, security, togetherness and connection.
For Families we support/foster:
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Respect for diverse family types, cultures, abilities, religions; anti-bias approach.
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Open communication, collaboration, feedback and participation.
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Recognition of family role in child development.
For our Community we trust in:
- Respect and embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into our practice.
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Commitment to evidence-informed practice and ongoing professional learning.
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Environmental sensitivity and promotion of sustainable practices.
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Respect for diverse family types, cultures, abilities, religions; anti-bias approach.
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Open communication, collaboration, feedback and participation.
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Recognition of family role in child development.
What Makes Our Early Learning Centre in Kew Different
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Nature-based gardens for exploring, creating and building motor skills.
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A dedicated studio for weekly music, yoga, sport, art and language, plus dance and drama for older children.
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In-house, whole-food meals, with allergies and individual requirements catered for (Kindergarten and Pre Prep).
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Learning Portfolios that record each child's progress and achievements (Kindergarten and Pre Prep).
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A philosophy that respects every family type and honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.