Haileybury Brighton’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) is the start of an exciting and rewarding journey. Children are given new opportunities to explore, discover and grow together while developing their unique capabilities and a love for learning.
The Pre-Prep program (4–5-year-olds) operates on a full-time basis during school term time, while the Reception program (3–4-year-olds) offers the following options:
- 3-day program, Monday to Wednesday, 8.45 am - 3.15 pm
- 5-day program, Monday to Friday, 8.45 am - 3.15 pm.
These programs follow the school terms and operate for 38 weeks of the year.
About Early Learning at Brighton
At Haileybury Brighton, Early Learning is more than a place to begin education. It is a welcoming community where children and families build lasting connections, feel a sense of belonging and grow together.
A connected community
Our highly qualified teachers and educators create warm and nurturing environments where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive. Through strong partnerships with families, they foster confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from the earliest years.
We are proud of our inclusive Early Learning community, where children build friendships, families form meaningful connections and everyone feels at home.
Designed for discovery
Haileybury Brighton’s Early Learning Centre provides spacious indoor and outdoor environments purposefully designed for young children to learn through exploration and play. Natural play areas give children space to discover, create and develop confidence, while dedicated learning environments support independent and collaborative play.
The facilities also connect students with specialist experiences including Music, Library, Creative Arts, Physical Education and Movement, providing a rich variety of spaces and resources for children to explore their interests and develop new skills. Located within the broader Brighton campus, the ELC gives children the opportunity to begin their Haileybury journey in a welcoming environment designed specifically for the early years.
The start of a lifelong learning journey
The foundations built in Early Learning continue throughout a child's education at Haileybury Brighton. Guided by the same commitment to excellence that saw Haileybury recognised as Australian School of the Year and Primary School of the Year (Non-Government), our Junior School nurtures confident, capable learners who are ready to embrace new opportunities, build meaningful relationships and thrive academically from their very first day in Prep.
Haileybury learning journey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes and how many students do you have in each class?
What are the hours of operation at Castlefield ELC?
Is this funded a program?
Do you provide lunch for the children?
Is there a rest time during the day?
What specialist classes are offered at Castlefield ELC?
Is there a literacy program offered?
Is there digital use in the classrooms?
How do you support children’s behaviour and wellbeing?
How do you uphold Child Safe Standards?
What is your connection to Junior School?
Do you use the school facilities?
Do children wear a uniform?
How many classes and how many students do you have in each class?
We have four classes in the Castlefield ELC: Two Reception classes and two Pre-Prep classes.
The Reception classes are for 3-year-olds. There is currently a part-time option with up to 19 students in each class.
One class caters for full-time students, and the other class offers a 3-day option. There is an early childhood teacher and Educator in each class.
The Pre-Prep classes are for 4-year-olds.
Pre-Prep is fulltime with 22 students in each class. There is an early childhood teacher and Educator. The teacher/student ratio is 1:11 as per regulations (there is an early childhood teacher and educator in each class) and an equal gender split in the class.
What are the hours of operation at Castlefield ELC?
We operate from 8.45 am to 3.15 pm within the four school terms. Before and After School Care is provided by Camp Australia (OSHC) and is available from 7.00 am to 8.45 am in the morning, and from 3.15 pm to 6.00 pm in the afternoon. Camp Australia runs from the multipurpose room next door to the ELC.
Is this funded a program?
We are not a long day care model ELC, so the only funding Castlefield ELC attracts is to support the implementation of a high-quality educational and care program. It does not attract Free Kinder or Child Care Subsidy.
Do you provide lunch for the children?
We do not provide lunch for the children. Families provide lunch and morning tea for their child. The school canteen is available for ELC families to order lunch from the ELC menu, using the myHaileybury app. Mealtimes are a lovely time for the children to chat, share ideas and discuss healthy eating habits with peers and teachers. We encourage parents to pack lunches so that children can eat a rainbow and try new foods.
Is there a rest time during the day?
Yes. All children have a quiet ‘Recharge’ time during the day. This helps them rest their bodies and minds, feel calm and be ready for the afternoon program. During this time, children may listen to stories, do mindful drawing or explore quiet activity bags. Each child has their own mat, blanket and pillow, which is brought from home.
What specialist classes are offered at Castlefield ELC?
Otherwise known as learning Beyond the Classroom, specialist classes are offered as part of the rhythm of the day. Specialist teachers spend time with each class to enrich and complement our educational program, our learning experiences, and the curiosities of the child.
The children have opportunities to further participate in Inquiry, Movement, Physical Activity, Library, Music and Education for Sustainability.
This is also a special time for the children to explore other aspects of the school, connect with our community, interact with others, and scaffold their learning linked to specific learning outcomes, principles and practices.
Is there a literacy program offered?
Yes. Children naturally explore language, literacy and numeracy through play. Our Haileybury Literacy and Numeracy program uses a range of resources to build these skills in fun and engaging ways. We also use Jolly Phonics and Little Learners Love Literacy to support children’s early literacy learning through interactive, hands-on experiences linked to children’s interests and strengths.
Is there digital use in the classrooms?
Our Early Years Digital Technology and Online Safety curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework and supports children to develop a strong sense of identity, wellbeing, confidence, and communication. Digital technology experiences are thoughtfully planned to be developmentally appropriate and are balanced with play-based learning, outdoor exploration, social interaction and hands-on experiences.
How do you support children’s behaviour and wellbeing?
Children’s safety and wellbeing is our priority at Castlefield ELC, as we believe that safety and wellbeing are fundamental to every child’s development and capacity for learning.
We support children in a calm and caring environment. We help them learn how to manage their feelings, build friendships, solve problems and use simple calming strategies. We work closely with families to support each child’s wellbeing on an ongoing basis and strong relationships as a priority.
How do you uphold Child Safe Standards?
Child safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff complete regular child safety and mandatory reporting training, and we work together to create a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels respected, included and empowered to understand their own safety and wellbeing.
What is your connection to Junior School?
We work closely with the Junior School to support each child as they transition into the next stage of their learning journey. A planned transition program for children and families begins in Term 3, the year before starting school.
Do you use the school facilities?
Yes, we do. We regularly take the children out and about to explore the grounds during different seasons and have the privilege of using all the facilities such as the Library, Gym, Dickinson Hall, Clarke and North ovals.
Do children wear a uniform?
Yes, our ELC children do wear a school uniform. The ELC uniform is interchangeable and practical for young children as they play in both the indoor and outdoor environment.
