Velora's Early Learning Centre maintains a maximum educator-to-child ratio of 1:11, ensuring every child is known, supported and able to learn with confidence. On days when attendance is lower, ratios are naturally smaller, allowing for even more individual attention.
Our ELC educators are experienced early-years professionals who work closely together to create a calm, nurturing and engaging learning environment. Consistent staffing helps children build trust, develop independence and feel secure as they begin their learning journey.
Our ELC educators and co-educators are listed below. Together, this team brings warmth, expertise and a deep understanding of early childhood development to the ELC each day.
Low ratios, strong relationships
Charlotte Hayes
Amelia Foster
Educators
Emma Richardson
Olivia Bennett
Co-educators
Sophie Carter
Hannah Collins
Lucy Parker
Chloe Mitchell
Our Philosophy
Community
AbcOur Early Learning Centre is a place in which children are known, valued, and supported to flourish. Together, we create a community where every child feels safe to explore their interests, take thoughtful risks, and celebrate who they are. Courage, curiosity, and integrity guide our daily practice, shaping confident learners who are empowered to question, discover, and grow.
Child-Seafty
Child safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing environment where children’s wellbeing is protected and their voices are respected. Our learning spaces are thoughtfully designed to be secure, inclusive, and responsive, ensuring every child feels a strong sense of belonging and trust.
Children's Voices
We believe that learning grows within warm, respectful relationships. Through genuine connections, we build a community where trust, shared wonder, and collaboration shape our days. Children’s voices are central to our program, and we incorporate their ideas, interests, and perspectives as active contributors to their learning journey.
Holistic Development
We support the holistic development of each child, nurturing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Guided by a belief in the many ways children learn and express themselves, we provide opportunities for expression through specialist programs including Music and Movement, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and Literacy experiences through story times and library borrowing.
Learning Approach
Underpinned by the Reggio Emilia approach and informed by the Velora's Learning Framework, we embrace play based learning as a powerful context for exploration, creativity, and problem solving. We recognise children as capable, curious, and resourceful learners.
Partnerships with Families
Partnerships with families are at the heart of our community, strengthening connections and enriching each child’s learning journey. Together, we cultivate a sense of belonging and a passion for lifelong learning.
Practical Information
Co-educational
Velora's Early Learning Centre is co-educational, welcoming both girls and boys aged 3 and 4. Many families choose the ELC as the beginning of their child’s learning journey within the Velora community.
Age groups
Velora ELC welcomes children (both boys and girls) aged 3 and 4. The children are placed into small, dedicated classes according to age, and follow a carefully planned curriculum for their enrichment and development.
Hours
Classes start at 8.30am and end at 2.45pm, Monday to Friday
Before School Care
Velora offers complimentary Before School Care for students who arrive early. Any ELC student arriving between 7.30am and 8.30am must be signed in to Before School Care in the ELC 4 room, located on the ground floor of Junior School.
After School Care
Velora offers an on-site After School Program for ELC to Year 6 children in the Junior School. We partner with Extend to deliver this service, which runs from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Location
The Early Learning Centre is located on Vrloa's Glen Iris campus, with access to specialist facilities across the school. Children interact with the rest of the school through library visits, "big school" incursions and school community events.
Play-based learning
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Velora provides a joyful, nurturing environment where both girls and boys aged 3 and 4 begin their first steps on a lifelong learning journey.
Through play-based experiences, your child explores, questions, and discovers at their own pace, building confidence, creativity and social skills.
Each day is designed to spark curiosity and foster independence, while specialist programs in Music and Movement, Art, Science, and Physical Education introduce new skills and exciting opportunities.
Velora ELC children benefit from being part of a vibrant Prep-12 campus. This gives them special access to many of the older children's specialist facilities, such as the art room, music spaces, Sports and Wellbeing Centre, library, and playgrounds.
Our community is built on strong relationships among children, staff and parents, creating a safe, supportive environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
Ages 3-4
Where Curiosity Begins
We believe that every child is a capable, curious and unique learner. At Velora's ELC, we celebrate individuality, respect cultural diversity, and encourage children to explore and collaborate.
Early Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Next ?
VELORA
At Velora School, education extends beyond the classroom. We cultivate a culture of innovation, kindness, resilience, and lifelong learning, where every student is encouraged to discover their strengths, challenge themselves, and thrive in an ever-changing world.