Childcare in Bayswater
A place where children feel at home, families feel supported, and learning is filled with joy.
Before you visit
What to expect on your Bayswater tour
Watch this short preview to see the welcoming learning spaces, meet our educators, and discover the calm, home-like environment your child will experience when you visit Meraki Bayswater. Tours are a great chance to ask questions, explore our rooms, and feel confident before enrolment.
Bayswater Childcare & Kindergarten — Now Enrolling for 2026
Meraki Early Learning Centre Bayswater is a brand-new long daycare and kindergarten in Bayswater, Victoria, caring for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Open 6:30am–6:30pm, our Bayswater childcare service is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and foster meaningful connections — with beautiful learning spaces, passionate educators and a community-focused approach.
Our rooms are inspired by the Curiosity Approach — natural, open-ended and home-like resources that invite imagination, creativity and learning through play. Purpose-built across two light-filled storeys at 17 Burton Court, we welcome families from Bayswater, Bayswater North, Boronia, Wantirna and the wider Knox area.
Why Bayswater families choose Meraki
- •Right in Bayswater 3153 — 17 Burton Court
- •Government-funded Three and Four Year Old Kindergarten (Free Kinder)
- •Free Kinder delivered inside long day care — no double drop-offs
- •Open 6:30am–6:30pm Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year
- •Five chef-prepared meals daily, included in the all-inclusive fee
- •Qualified Early Childhood Teachers in every kindergarten room
- •Calm, hygge-styled environments designed for slow pedagogy
- •Child Care Subsidy (CCS) accepted to keep fees low
Dates, vacancies & bookings
Opening dates and current availability
Everything you need before you enquire — when we're open, when the 2027 kindergarten intake starts, and how to check the exact days available in your child's room.
Availability last reviewed 1 September 2026
Centre open now
Open daily
Meraki Bayswater is open and operating Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm, 50 weeks a year at 17 Burton Court.
Tours running weekly
Weekdays, by appointment
Tours run most weekdays during centre hours. Book a time below and one of our team will walk you through every room.
2027 kindergarten intake
Enrolments open now
Funded 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten places for 2027 are being offered now, with the program starting at the beginning of Victorian Term 1, 2027.
Enrolment start dates
Any week of the year
Long day care start dates are flexible — children can begin any week once a place is confirmed, with orientation visits beforehand.
Centre closures
Public holidays & Christmas–New Year
We close on Victorian public holidays and for a short break over Christmas and New Year. Exact closure dates are confirmed with families each year.
Room-by-room vacancies
| Room | Ages | Days | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 6 weeks – 2 years | Call for today's available days | Enquire for days |
| Toddlers | 2 – 3 years | Call for today's available days | Enquire for days |
| 3 Year Old Kinder | 3 – 4 years | 2027 funded places being offered now | Enquire for days |
| 4 Year Old Kinder | 4 – 6 years | 2027 funded places being offered now | Enquire for days |
Day availability changes as families adjust their bookings. For today's exact vacancies, call (03) 8658 7880 or send the enquiry form below — we'll reply with the days open in your child's room.
Enquire about a place
Tell us your child's age and the days you need — our Bayswater team will come back to you with availability and fees after Child Care Subsidy.
Prefer to talk? (03) 8658 7880
Book a tour time
Choose a day and time that suits you and walk through every room with an educator.
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Everything parents ask first
Meraki Bayswater at a glance
Hours, ages, rooms, fees, subsidy and funded kinder — the details Bayswater families compare before booking a tour.
| Address | 17 Burton Court, Bayswater VIC 3153 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (03) 8658 7880 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm (closed weekends and public holidays) |
| Ages cared for | 6 weeks to 6 years |
| Care types | Long day care, funded 3 Year Old Kinder, funded 4 Year Old Kinder, school-readiness program |
| Rooms | Nursery, toddler and kindergarten/preschool rooms grouped by age |
| Meals | All meals and snacks included in the daily fee, prepared on-site by our chef |
| Fees | Daily fee includes meals, nappies-free of extra charges and all program costs — call for the current daily rate |
| Child Care Subsidy | Approved service — eligible families can receive up to 90% CCS off the daily fee |
| Free Kinder funding | Victorian Free Kinder funding applied to 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten places |
| Enrolment | Enrolling now — book a tour to check current-day availability or join the waitlist |
Fees, Child Care Subsidy & Free Kinder
Meraki Bayswater is a government-approved child care service, so eligible families can claim Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% off the daily fee through Services Australia. Our 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten places also carry Victorian Free Kinder funding, which reduces kinder costs further.
Because funding rates change each year, we quote current fees directly — call (03) 8658 7880 and we'll work out your likely out-of-pocket cost per day.
What's included in the daily fee
- Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack, cooked fresh on-site
- Funded 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten programs led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
- All learning resources, art materials and incursions
- Sunscreen, hats and bed linen
- Daily updates, photos and learning documentation through our family app
No hidden extras for meals, nappies or program costs.
Getting here from Bayswater
Parking & drop-off
Free off-street parking on site at 17 Burton Court, in a quiet court location away from main-road traffic.
By train
About 5 minutes from Bayswater Station on the Belgrave line — children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms.
By bus
Close to Mountain Highway and Canterbury Road bus routes serving Boronia, Wantirna and Heathmont.
Childcare in Bayswater — parent questions
How much does childcare cost at Meraki Bayswater?+
Our daily fee covers everything your child needs for the day — all meals and snacks cooked on-site, nappies and wipes, sunscreen, hats, bed linen and every program cost including our funded kindergarten programs. Fees change with Victorian and Commonwealth funding, so call (03) 8658 7880 for today's daily rate and we'll estimate your out-of-pocket cost after Child Care Subsidy.
Can I use the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) here?+
Yes. Meraki Bayswater is an approved child care service, so eligible families can claim Child Care Subsidy of up to 90% of the daily fee through Services Australia. Your rate depends on family income and activity level — we'll help you set up your enrolment confirmation in myGov.
Is funded kindergarten available at Meraki Bayswater?+
Yes. We deliver funded Three Year Old and Four Year Old Kindergarten led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, with Victorian Free Kinder funding applied. Kinder runs inside our long day care hours, so there are no separate drop-offs or mid-day pick-ups.
Do you have vacancies for Bayswater families?+
Availability changes weekly and varies by age group and day of the week. Call (03) 8658 7880 or book a tour and we'll confirm which days are open in your child's room, or add you to the waitlist for your preferred days.
What are the opening hours and when are you closed?+
We're open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm — long hours that suit shift work and city commutes. We're closed on weekends and Victorian public holidays.
How do I get to Meraki Bayswater and is there parking?+
Free off-street parking on site at 17 Burton Court, in a quiet court location away from main-road traffic. About 5 minutes from Bayswater Station on the Belgrave line — children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms. Close to Mountain Highway and Canterbury Road bus routes serving Boronia, Wantirna and Heathmont.
Take a look inside
Meraki Bayswater Centre Tour
Step inside our light-filled learning spaces and meet the team caring for your child every day.
Our Philosophy
Our Bayswater service embraces the Hygge approach — a philosophy centred on comfort, calm, and connection. This creates a cosy and home-like atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and ready to explore and learn at their own pace.
Find out moreOur Rooms
Four age-based rooms, one calm community
From tiny babies to school-ready kinder graduates — each room is designed around the needs of that stage.
6 weeks – 18 months
Nursery
Gentle, responsive care in a calm, cot-lined room. Primary caregiving, personalised routines and daily communication with parents.
18 months – 3 years
Toddlers
Sensory play, language-rich routines and small-group exploration. Toilet learning, mealtimes and rest all supported at your child's pace.
3 – 4 years
3 Year Old Kinder
Funded play-based kindergarten led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher — social skills, early literacy, confidence and belonging.
Learn more →
4 – 5 years
4 Year Old Kinder
15 hours per week of funded kinder with a Bachelor-qualified ECT. Strong school-readiness focus and smooth transition to Prep.
Learn more →
What You'll See at Meraki Bayswater
Beautiful learning spaces, passionate educators, and a community-focused approach.
Long Daycare
From 6:30am – 6:30pm
Infant to Preschool
6 weeks to 6 years
Qualified Educators
Minimum qualification requirements
Quality Curriculum
Fostering growth & development
Meet Molly
Meraki's therapy dog
A Word
From Our Director
"Bayswater is a 96 place service across two light-filled stories, situated safely in a court location where the children can watch the trains go by from the kindergarten rooms. Inspired by the Curiosity Approach, our resources reflect those you would see at home and encourage imagination, creativity and learning through play. We have really focused on children-led programs and this is evident throughout the service."
— Sally, Director
Our Team
Meet the Bayswater Educators
Our Bayswater team brings warmth, experience and a genuine love of early childhood education to every day.
Visit our Bayswater centre
17 Burton CourtBayswater VIC 3153
Childcare near Bayswater
Meraki Bayswater also welcomes families from these nearby suburbs.
Childcare Bayswater North
Families from Bayswater North
Childcare Boronia
Families from Boronia
Childcare Wantirna
Families from Wantirna
Childcare Wantirna South
Families from Wantirna South
Childcare Heathmont
Families from Heathmont
Childcare The Basin
Families from The Basin
Childcare Ringwood
Families from Ringwood
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Meraki Early Learning Centres Bayswater different from other childcare centres?+
Meraki Bayswater is guided by intentional slow pedagogy and child-led learning. Our educators take time to truly know each child, supporting learning at a pace that respects individual development. We prioritise strong relationships, emotional safety, and a calm, welcoming environment where children feel secure and confident to explore.
Is Meraki Early Learning Centres Bayswater a safe childcare option?+
Yes. Child safety is central to everything we do. We have robust child-safe practices, thorough recruitment and screening processes, and clear policies that prioritise children's wellbeing, protection, and voice. Families can feel confident their children are cared for in a safe and respectful environment.
Does Meraki Bayswater follow a child-led learning approach?+
Absolutely. Our program is grounded in child-led learning, meaning educators observe children's interests and curiosities and intentionally extend learning through meaningful experiences. This supports confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
What ages does Meraki Bayswater cater for?+
We provide early learning and care for children from infancy (6 weeks) through to kindergarten age (6 years). Our environments and programs are thoughtfully designed to support each stage of early childhood development.
How does Meraki Bayswater support families?+
We value strong partnerships with families and believe communication and trust are essential. Educators work closely with families to understand each child's needs, routines, and culture — creating a welcoming community where families feel connected and supported.
What educational philosophy does Meraki Bayswater follow?+
Our philosophy centres on slow pedagogy, child-led learning, and respectful relationships. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, unhurried, and deeply known. Our practice aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework.
Does Meraki Bayswater acknowledge and support reconciliation?+
Yes. Meraki Bayswater is committed to reconciliation and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our service is developing and embedding a Reconciliation Action Plan that supports inclusion, learning, and meaningful cultural acknowledgement.
How can families book a tour at Meraki Bayswater?+
Families interested in childcare or early learning in Bayswater are encouraged to book a tour. Tours provide an opportunity to experience our environment, meet our educators, and learn more about our approach to early childhood education.
What curriculum framework do you follow?+
Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), combined with the Curiosity Approach and our Hygge-inspired philosophy. Children learn through play, intentional teaching, nature-based experiences and warm, unhurried routines.
When can my child start at Meraki Bayswater?+
The centre is open now, Monday to Friday 6:30am to 6:30pm, 50 weeks a year. Long day care start dates are flexible — children can begin any week once a place is confirmed, with orientation visits beforehand.
When does the 2027 kindergarten program start at Bayswater?+
Funded 3 and 4 Year Old Kindergarten places for 2027 are being offered now, with the program beginning at the start of Victorian Term 1, 2027. Kindergarten is delivered inside long day care, so there are no double drop-offs.
Your child's early learning journey starts with a single visit
Explore Meraki Bayswater's engaging indoor environments and nature-inspired outdoor play spaces. Meet the educators who make our service feel like family.