School Readiness Program

“Our mission is to empower children with the foundational skills they need to thrive both in the classroom and beyond”

Preparing for a Confident Start to School

At Little Hearts & Minds, we’re passionate about giving children a confident, joyful start to their school journey. Our School Readiness Program is designed especially for children aged 3 to 5, focusing on building essential early literacy, numeracy, social, and emotional skills, all through play-based, engaging experiences that meet children where they are.

Sessions run for 1.5 hours in our warm and welcoming Somerville space, right here on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. With small group sizes and a calm, supportive environment, every child is seen, valued, and given the space to shine. It’s also a lovely window of time for parents to enjoy a coffee or a quiet moment, knowing their child is happy, learning, and gently building independence.

We believe school readiness is about so much more than knowing letters and numbers. It’s about fostering confidence, curiosity, resilience, and friendships. Through intentional, play-based teaching and hands-on activities, children develop the foundational skills they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

At Little Hearts & Minds, every child is supported to feel capable, celebrated, and excited for what’s ahead, because we know that when learning feels joyful and meaningful, children flourish.

Our Space

You’ll find Little Hearts & Minds based in Somerville, upstairs at the We Rock the Spectrum Somerville location — right in the heart of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, surrounded by great local cafés.

There is convenient on-site parking, and families can enter through the main We Rock the Spectrum doors, where you'll be warmly welcomed. Our sessions take place in a light-filled upstairs space that has been thoughtfully set up to reflect a small classroom environment.

The heart behind this setup is to gently introduce children to the routines and feel of a classroom, while still keeping the space calm, warm, and nurturing. It’s designed to help children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn, supporting a smoother, more positive transition into formal schooling. With just a small group of children in each session, it’s a space where your child can feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.

Session Information

Our School Readiness Program is offered in a small group environment of just 4 to 6 children, allowing for personalised attention, strong relationships, and meaningful learning experiences. We offer flexible session times to suit different family schedules:

Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Afternoon Sessions: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Sessions run weekly during the Victorian school terms, providing consistency and rhythm that supports your child’s learning and growth. Each session is led by experienced, qualified teachers with expertise in Early Years and Primary Education. With a deep understanding of child development, our educators thoughtfully plan engaging, play-based experiences tailored to the needs and interests of the group.

By combining evidence-based teaching with warmth, care, and connection, we create a nurturing space where children can build confidence, independence, and the foundational skills they need to thrive, all while having fun and feeling safe.

Areas we focus on in our School Readiness Sessions

 FAQ’s

  • We recommend that children attend once a week to gain the most benefit from our School Readiness Program. As they get closer to starting school, some children may benefit from attending twice a week for extra reinforcement and confidence-building. If we feel additional sessions would support your child’s progress, we will discuss this with you. Our program runs in line with the Victorian school terms.

  • Our School Readiness Program runs during the Victorian School Terms, with four terms each year.

    Session Times:

    • Morning Sessions: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

    • Afternoon Sessions: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

  • We recommend enrolling your child for the full academic year, as our program builds on skills progressively each term. One term alone is often not enough to gain the full benefits, as each stage of the program is designed to develop and strengthen key foundational skills over time.

    We welcome new enrolments throughout the year; however, these are subject to availability. A common phrase we hear from parents is, "I wish we started sooner!"

  • Yes, absolutely! We offer trial sessions so you and your child can get a feel for the program, meet the educator, and see if it’s the right fit. It’s a great opportunity for your child to explore the space, experience a session, and build confidence before committing to ongoing attendance.

  • As this is a school readiness program designed to help children transition to a classroom environment and build independence, parents do not stay during sessions. You are welcome to see the classroom at drop-off, but we kindly ask that you leave promptly and return at the end of the session.

    This may be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment or a coffee, knowing that you are investing in your child's future by giving them the space to grow, learn, and gain confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment.

    If you feel your child may need extra support with separation, please let us know—we are happy to work with you to create a gentle transition plan that fosters their confidence and independence.

  • Yes! We welcome NDIS funding for both self-managed and plan-managed participants. Our school readiness program can support children with developmental goals outlined in their NDIS plans.

    When enrolling, we encourage you to share any relevant reports and discuss your child's goals with us. We believe in a collaborative approach and will work closely with you and your child’s allied health professionals to ensure our sessions complement their existing therapies and provide the best possible support for their needs.

  • No, Little Hearts and Minds does not replace kindergarten. Kindergarten is a crucial part of your child’s early development, and all children are encouraged to attend. Our programs are designed to complement and work in unison with kindergarten, providing additional support in a smaller group setting to enhance your child’s skills. By offering a more personalized approach, we help strengthen their readiness for school, building confidence, independence, and foundational learning skills.

  • Absolutely! Our School Readiness Program is a fantastic opportunity for homeschool families looking for additional support and enrichment. These sessions are perfectly suited to complement your child’s homeschooling journey, providing valuable small group interactions, social opportunities, and personalized learning experiences.

    Children will benefit from the focused skill development we cover, including early literacy and numeracy, social-emotional skills, independence, and self-regulation. Our small group setting offers the perfect environment for your child to build confidence, engage with peers, and develop important school readiness skills while still receiving the tailored support they need. We wholeheartedly welcome homeschool families to join us and be part of this enriching experience!

  • Personalised Learning Environment

    We provide a personalised learning environment with small group sizes of just 4-6 children for our School Readiness Program. This approach fosters a safe, supportive atmosphere where children can thrive academically and socially, forming meaningful friendships and connections. By focusing on each child's individual needs, we ensure they receive the attention and guidance they require, with the option for one-on-one support when necessary.

  • Skills to Succeed

    At Little Hearts & Minds, we are dedicated to equipping children with the essential skills they need to succeed, not only in the classroom but in all areas of life. Through a holistic approach to learning, we nurture their cognitive, emotional, and social development, empowering them to confidently face new challenges. By fostering critical thinking, resilience, and a love for learning, we ensure that children are prepared to thrive both academically and personally, now and in the future.

  • Qualified and Experienced Teachers

    All of our programs are run by qualified and experienced teachers with expertise across the Early Years and Primary Education settings. Our educators are well-versed in the developmental expectations for young children and use evidence-based supports, teaching practices, and programs tailored to your child’s needs. By combining their knowledge of child development with the latest educational research, our teachers create engaging, effective learning experiences that promote your child’s growth and success across all areas of development.

  • Educational and Fun

    Our programs are designed to be both educational and fun, providing dynamic learning environments that inspire creativity and imagination. With thoughtfully crafted spaces that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on activities, children are engaged in a joyful learning process. These environments foster curiosity and creativity, allowing children to learn through play and discover new ways to express themselves while building important skills for the future.

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