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Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

2 Jellicoe Street, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 view map
Verified
5.0
(03) 9125 4905

Care Type:

Long Day Care

Hours:

7:00am to 6:30pm

Vacancies

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Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham.

Address:

2 Jellicoe Street, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192

5.0

Rating Score

Read our 11 Reviews

At first, we weren’t too sure — you know how it is when you’re leaving a great daycare and moving to a new one closer to home. It’s always the unknown. But one thing I can say about Goodstart Cheltenham is that the educators there truly show integrity and genuine care. It’s a smaller centre, and that’s what makes it special — it feels more personal, like the educators really connect with each child. That’s something rare to find, not just in daycare centres but anywhere. Dona, Gaya, and Vani, who work closely with our son, are absolutely amazing. We’re so happy he enjoys going there and feels so comfortable and supported every day. We love this centre and highly recommend it to any parent looking for a place with long-term educators and consistent, caring staff who truly put the children first.

- Iva Lamkum

About Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Welcome to Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Our caring educators nurture children’s love of learning across five large, age-based indoor spaces and well-resourced outdoor yards. We have two nurseries, two toddler rooms, and a three- and four-year-old kinder classroom.

We invite you to take a tour – we love to show you around. Our beautiful heritage-listed building is within walking distance of Cheltenham Primary School, Westfield Southland Shopping Centre, and Southland Train Station.

Situated in the heart of Cheltenham on a quiet, tree-lined street with ample parking, we are easily accessible by public transport. During your visit, you’ll discover why families love our longstanding team, welcoming homely atmosphere, quality-approved learning programs, and strong focus on family relationships.

All educators hold high qualifications, with many having been with Goodstart for over a decade. They create a safe, comfortable learning environment with endless opportunities for children.

From nursery to kindergarten, our teacher-led programs follow the Victorian Early Years Framework. Two bachelor-qualified kindergarten teachers lead programming tailored to children’s interests while supporting school readiness. We adjust sensory and play-based learning plans while supporting their readiness to take that critical step to school.

We enrich children’s experiences with community visits and excursions throughout the year, including art and music incursions, an annual onsite dentist visit, and trips to a community garden. Storytime at a local primary school helps our kinder children transition smoothly to school.

Our centre offers a warm, cosy, family feel. Children learn closely in five spacious indoor rooms, including an educator-run intentional space for mindful movement and emotional learning.

Sustainable outdoor spaces include playgrounds with messy play, veggie gardens, a worm farm, sandpit, water feature, mud patch, bike tracks, and shaded verandas.

Centre Image

Services Provided by Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Get To Know Us

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Kindergarten/Preschool Programs

Our high-quality, play based preschool curriculum is delivered by Bachelor qualified Early Childhood Teachers. Our teachers tailor their programs to ensure all children develop the confidence and social and emotional skills needed for a smooth transition to school. Through play, our Early Childhood Teachers facilitate children’s learning of important language, literacy, numeracy and creative skills.

Benefits of Goodstart Kindergarten/Preschool programs:

  • Our programs are planned and led by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Teachers, in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework
  • Our programs have the tick of approval, meaning they meet (and exceed) Government guidelines around learning in the year before school
  • Strong connections with local schools support our extensive transition to school programs
  • We offer greater flexibility and convenience for busy families with longer opening hours, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
  • We offer 9-hour, 10-hour and all-day sessions.
  • Nutritious meals are provided throughout the day, so there’s no need to pack lunch boxes.
Curriculum and programs

Curriculum and programs

The educators at Goodstart Early Learning follow an evidence-based curriculum that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Informed by world-leading research, practices and techniques, the curriculum encourages the children’s natural curiosity and engages them in their learning journey.

As the children move through the different rooms in the centre, the curriculum evolves with them. The educators set goals for the children and celebrate as they reach their milestones. At every stage, the educators are tailoring the curriculum and goals to each child’s individual needs.

The curriculum involves different types of learning experiences and styles. From child-led learning to sessions guided by educators, the children participate in small and large group sessions as well as individual play. Most importantly, the children learn through play, developing social skills, confidence and independence in addition to more formal academic skills.

Parent communication and involvement

Parent communication and involvement

Goodstart Early Learning uses the StoryPark app to connect with parents throughout the day. The educators upload photos and stories to the secure app, which parents can access anytime and anywhere to track their child’s progress. 

The approach at the centre is very much based around partnership between families and educators. The educators work with the parents and carers to build strong relationships. They develop trust so the children can feel safe and secure while at the centre. Parents are also encouraged to share their insights and feedback with educators to add depth to the relationship.

The educators observe the children every day and tailor the program around their observations. They share these with parents, so they can feel connected to their child’s progress and also provide feedback that will further enhance their child’s learning experience. 

Meet the team

Meet the team

Goodstart Early Learning employs qualified and skilled educators who are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care. The centre employs people who are empathetic and compassionate, with a nurturing disposition and a passion for care. Working collaboratively as a team, the educators display qualities such as positivity, kindness and, most importantly, a desire to help every child thrive.

The educators hold relevant qualifications, including the Kindergarten and Preschool Program teachers who are university qualified. The educators are lifelong learners, participating in regular and ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. They are encouraged to upskill, learning about the latest research and thinking in the sector. They can then bring this knowledge back to the centre to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the children.

In Person Tour

Want to see the centre first hand? Book a tour with Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham below.

Fees & Vacancies

Infant

0-1 years

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Friday

$158 /day

Toddler

1-2 years

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Friday

Pre-Kindy

2-3 years

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Friday

$147 /day

Kindy

3-5 years

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Friday

$147 /day

Your enquiry will be sent directly to the Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham.

Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham Reviews (11)

5.0

Rating Score

Iva Lamkum image

Iva Lamkum

Oct, 2025

At first, we weren’t too sure — you know how it is when you’re leaving a great daycare and moving to a new one closer to home. It’s always the unknown. But one thing I can say about Goodstart Cheltenham is that the educators there truly show integrity and genuine care. It’s a smaller centre, and that’s what makes it special — it feels more personal, like the educators really connect with each child. That’s something rare to find, not just in daycare centres but anywhere. Dona, Gaya, and Vani, who work closely with our son, are absolutely amazing. We’re so happy he enjoys going there and feels so comfortable and supported every day. We love this centre and highly recommend it to any parent looking for a place with long-term educators and consistent, caring staff who truly put the children first.

Response from the owner 21 Oct 2025

Hi Iva, thank you so much for sharing your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that your family has felt so welcomed and supported since joining our centre. It’s wonderful to know your son is happy, comfortable, and thriving in our care. Our team takes great pride in creating a nurturing, personal environment where every child feels valued, and we truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!

Julia Reynolds image

Julia Reynolds

Jun, 2025

We’ve been part of this wonderful daycare centre for over four years with both of our children, and we are very happy with the experience. The facilities are fantastic - especially the outdoor area. There’s water play, vegetable gardens, climbing frames, a sandpit, trikes and so much more to keep the kids engaged and active. The centre has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a lovely sense of community. The centre director, co-director and administrative assistant are great - their dedication and professionalism really make a difference. The educators are caring, kind and attentive. Our kids love going each day. Communication is excellent. The centre keeps us regularly updated with photos and messages about what the children are doing. It’s reassuring and helps us feel connected to their day-to-day experiences. We feel lucky to have found this centre and would happily recommend it to our friends!

Response from the owner 05 Jun 2025

Thank you Julia for your heartfelt and detailed feedback. We're so glad to hear that both of your children have had such a positive experience over the past four years. It’s wonderful to know the outdoor space, sense of community, and strong communication have all stood out to you. Your kind words about our leadership team and educators mean so much! We're proud to have created a centre where families feel truly supported and children thrive. Thank you again for being such a valued part of our Goodstart community.

Kelsi Wooding image

Kelsi Wooding

Feb, 2025

We've had kids at Goodstart for a couple of years, and chose the center after touring several for it's large rooms and outdoor area. We have always been impressed by the quality of educators (many of whom have been there a long time) and found them to really care about our little people. Last year there were some new faces brought into the center leadership, who've made a positive impact on how the center is run. Some things are a bit old school (ie you won't get nap times uploaded to an app) which initially took a bit for us to adjust to after coming from another center but after we got used to checking the book, I don't miss it. Very happy to recommend!

Response from the owner 04 Mar 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so pleased to hear that our dedicated educators and welcoming environment have made a positive impact on your family. It’s great to know you’ve appreciated the leadership changes and that our approach has worked well for you. We truly value your support!

How Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham Compares

with Cheltenham, 3192

Reviews

Above average

Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Gold starGold starGold starGold starGold star

5/5

Suburb Average

Gold starGold starGold starGold starGold star

4.9/5

View Reviews

Price

Above average

Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

$154

Suburb Average

$150

NQS

The National Quality Standard is an industry benchmark defined by the government.

Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham

Meeting

Suburb Average

Meeting

NQS Rating Breakdown

Overall

Meeting

nqs logo
Educational Program and Practice Meeting
Children's Health and Safety Meeting
Physical environment Meeting
Staffing Arrangements Meeting
Relationships with children Meeting
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Meeting
Governance and leadership Meeting
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Goodstart Early Learning Cheltenham