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Our Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a purpose-built environment, designed to stimulate and engage children. It is an integral part of our Junior School experience and for families the beginning of a rich relationship with the School.

Our educators in the ELC recognise that progress and learning are unique to every child. This approach is shaped by the guiding principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program (IB PYP). These work harmoniously together and are responsive to the prior knowledge and experiences of our children. Inquiry is used to explore a child’s thinking and harness their creativities, whilst explicit skills-based teaching supports the achievement of developmental milestones in cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language domains.

Positive, trusting and enriching relationships are integral to the experience of all students, parents and teachers. These are lived every day in our ELC: students are family and parents are our partners in guiding learning.

The ELC operates as a 5 day per week program from 8:25 am – 2.50 pm, throughout the four terms of the school year. Children who attend are aged 4 or turn 4 before the 30 April of the year that they commence. There are two classes with a teacher and qualified Early Childhood educator in each class. The program also includes Music, Drama, Library and Physical Education lessons conducted by a specialist team of teachers.

Frequently asked questions about Pembroke ELC

Are families that attend the ELC eligible to claim the Government’s child care benefit?

No, tuition fees for Pembroke ELC do not attract the Government subsidy, more information on fees can be found here.

Do you provide meals?

As we prepare them for life at School, children bring their own packed recess and lunch to ELC each day. ELC students are able to access the Junior School tuck shop facilities.

Is there a uniform?

Our ELC students wear a play and activity-friendly uniform, including a hat for outdoor activities, more information is available here.

Is there care offered outside of ELC hours?

The YMCA runs Out of Hours School Care (OSHC) on the Junior School campus, OSHC is open Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 8:30 am and 2:45pm – 6:00 pm. There is an additional cost for this service which is payable directly to YMCA, these charges are eligible for the Government child care benefit. The YMCA also offers a Vacation Care service (as the ELC operates during the four school terms, it is not open during school holidays). More information can be found here. Children can attend when they are turning 4 before May 1st of that year. If they are turning 4 after that date, they can attend the next year in the start of term.

Is there a separate application process for ELC?

No, you can complete our online application form to register your child for the waitlist at Pembroke School for any year level.

Does entry into the ELC guarantee you entry into Reception at Pembroke School?

Yes, we are one ELC-Year 12 school with a single enrolment process, if you child commences in the ELC they will continue on into Reception and beyond, there is no separate enrolment paperwork to complete or fee to pay.

Does my child need to be vaccinated to attend Pembroke ELC?

As per changes to the South Australian Public Health Act 2011 (the Act) effective 1 July 2019, as of 1 January 2020 the Act requires early childhood services to keep a copy of all immunisation records provided for each child enrolled in, or attending that service, for the period of the child’s enrolment. This is because a rapid response is required to prevent the spread of a vaccine preventable disease in an early childhood service, which is why services need to have current immunisation records on site, and able to be provided to the Chief Public Health Officer within 24 hours when requested. We therefore request a copy of a child’s immunisation record, prior to them commencing. If the record is not provided it will be assumed the child is not vaccinated and they may therefore be required to stay at home in the event of an outbreak.

Does my child have to attend ELC 5 days per week?

All students in our ELC are enrolled in our 5 day per week program from 8.25 am - 2.50 pm each day and there is a fixed fee structure for the 5 day per week program. You are of course welcome to discuss whether your child needs a day off, or the occasional shorter day, with our ELC staff.

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