Childcare close to Seddon
Why Us
Programs designed to inspire and grow every child
At Whitehall Early Learning, we welcome children from Seddon and across Melbourne’s inner west into a warm, nurturing early learning centre just minutes away in Footscray.
Our programs are built around a unique blend of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies — encouraging independence, creativity, and meaningful connection at every stage.
We create age-appropriate learning environments that allow children to explore at their own pace, supported by nurturing educators who truly understand child development. From infant daycare to kinder readiness, Seddon families can count on care that helps every child feel confident, curious and cared for every day.
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Reggio Emilia
A Philosophy That Listens to the Child’s Voice
At Whitehall Early Learning, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach recognises that children are capable, curious, and full of potential from the very beginning. Learning is viewed as a journey — not a race — and every child’s ideas, questions, and creativity are deeply valued.
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Montessori
Independence, Respect, & Purposeful Learning
Our Montessori-inspired practices give children the freedom to explore within a thoughtfully prepared environment. Activities are hands-on and practical, allowing children to build focus, independence, and real-world skills at their own pace.
6 weeks to 1 year
Infants
A gentle, nurturing start where trust, comfort and connection come first. Our infant program focuses on creating strong bonds and a calm, responsive environment that supports each child’s individual routines, needs and early development.
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Secure attachments through consistent, caring educators
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Individual sleep, feeding and care routines
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Safe spaces for movement, exploration and tummy time
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Sensory play to support early brain development
1 – 2 Years
Toddler
A time of discovery, confidence and growing independence. Our toddler program supports children as they explore the world around them, build language skills and develop social confidence through play-based learning.
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Encouraging independence and self-help skills
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Language development: songs, stories & conversation
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Social learning, sharing and turn-taking
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Active play to support coordination & physical development
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Learning routines that provide structure and security
2 – 3 years
Junior Kinder
A stage of rapid growth, curiosity and emerging independence. Our Junior Kinder program supports children as they begin to express themselves, explore relationships and make sense of the world through hands-on, play-based learning. We focus on building confidence, communication and early social connections in a safe and supportive environment.
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Language through songs, stories and play
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Early social skills through play
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Simple problem-solving
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Creative sensory play
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Independence in daily routines
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Consistent routines for confidence
3 – 6 Years
Preschool
Building confidence, curiosity and school readiness. Our preschool program prepares children for their next learning journey by fostering independence, resilience and a love of learning in a supportive and engaging environment.
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Play-based learning aligned with early learning frameworks
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Developing early literacy and numeracy skills
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Problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking
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Emotional regulation, confidence and peer relationships
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Supporting a smooth transition to school
School Readiness
Preparing Confident Learners for Big School
At Whitehall Early Learning Centre, our School Readiness Program is designed to equip children aged 3–6 with the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to transition confidently into primary school.
Grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and aligned with the expectations of the Australian Foundation Curriculum, our program nurtures a love of learning and builds independence, resilience, and school-ready capabilities.
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Program Goals
Our programs prepare children for school by building foundational literacy and numeracy through play, fostering independence, social skills and emotional confidence, and encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and a love of learning within structured group experiences.
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Key Learning Areas
Our program balances intentional teaching and child-led exploration to develop early literacy and numeracy skills, including reading, letter and sound recognition, counting, patterns, vocabulary, communication, and problem-solving through play-based activities.
Early Literacy & Numeracy
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Storytelling, phonemic awareness, and name recognition to build early reading skills
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Letter and sound exploration through play-based learning
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Counting, sorting, and pattern recognition through hands-on activities
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Vocabulary development, communication, and early problem-solving skills
Social & Emotional Development
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Turn-taking, sharing, conflict resolution
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Expressing feelings and managing emotions
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Confidence in group settings and making new friends
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Open-ended questions and inquiry-based learning
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Developing persistence and curiosity
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Managing personal belongings
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Dressing, toileting, and hygiene routines
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Following daily schedules and classroom expectations
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Fine motor development: Drawing, cutting, writing
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Gross motor skills through outdoor play and physical challenges
Incursions & Excursions
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Exploring the World
Excursions give children meaningful, real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom. Our program fosters curiosity, confidence, and connection to the community while reinforcing classroom learning through hands-on, sensory-rich activities that align with the EYLF.
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Local Adventures
From Footscray parks to Melbourne Zoo, children discover, play, and learn everywhere. Trips include nature walks, libraries, markets, arts centres, emergency services, and school visits — helping children understand their environment, explore culture, and develop independence.
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Safe & Supported
Every excursion is carefully planned, fully supervised, and designed to support growth and school transitions. Families are involved through volunteering, sharing ideas, and continuing learning at home, while staff ensure safety, risk management, and smooth, educational experiences for every child.
We welcome kids from 6 weeks to 6 years.
Getting to Whitehall Early Learning Centre from Seddon
Whitehall Early Learning Centre is located just minutes from Seddon, in neighbouring Footscray at 58 Whitehall Street. It’s a short, easy trip for Seddon families — a convenient drop-off on the way through Footscray. We’re open Monday to Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm, giving Seddon parents flexibility around work and the school run.
Childcare close to Seddon — frequently asked questions
Where is your childcare centre near Seddon?
We’re at 58 Whitehall Street, Footscray — just minutes from Seddon. It’s an easy drive for Seddon families looking for quality childcare and daycare close to home.
What ages do you care for?
We welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years, across our nursery, toddler, junior kinder and preschool rooms, including a school-readiness program for our older children.
How much does childcare cost for Seddon families?
Our all-inclusive daily fee is $174, covering meals, a nutritious menu, sunscreen and all learning programs. Whitehall is CCS approved, so most Seddon families pay significantly less after the Child Care Subsidy.
What are your opening hours?
We’re open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm.
How do I enrol or book a tour?
You can register online or book a tour any time, and we’ll walk you through enrolment and your Child Care Subsidy. Call us on 1300 617 370.
Is Whitehall a good early learning centre close to Seddon?
Yes. Whitehall Early Learning Centre is a highly regarded early learning centre close to Seddon, located minutes away in neighbouring Footscray. We offer long day care and kindergarten for children 6 weeks to 6 years, with Reggio Emilia– and Montessori-inspired programs, nutritious meals and nurturing educators — a convenient early learning choice for Seddon families. Open Monday to Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm.
Looking for childcare close to Seddon?
If you’ve been searching for childcare or daycare close to Seddon, Whitehall Early Learning Centre is an early learning centre close to Seddon, just a short trip away in neighbouring Footscray. We care for children from six weeks to six years, blending Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired learning with freshly prepared meals, a safe modern centre and genuinely warm educators. Many Seddon families choose us because we’re close to home and on the way to the station, making drop-off and pick-up easy. Book a tour to see why families across Seddon, Footscray, Kingsville and the inner west feel at home here.
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