South Melbourne Child Care & Kindergarten
Campus Overview
Only About Children South Melbourne is proud to be rated Exceeding NQS for 10 years running.
At the campus, children have plenty of space to explore, create and lead their own play. The campus is designed between a nursery/toddler environment and a seperate dedicated kindergarten renowned for its 2 year school readiness program
With our team of bilingual educators who can speak Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi and Italian, we enjoy connecting with our local community through regular planned excursions and activities that build on the children’s interests and learning. At Only About Children Childcare South Melbourne, these include trips to Melbourne Zoo, the Aquarium and South Melbourne Market where we go to buy our fresh produce for our children to patriciate in cooking experiences and learn about healthy eating.
Children at our South Melbourne campus enjoy –
- Our expansive, dedicated outdoor play spaces, including climbing frames, sand pits, bamboor forest and plenty of space for children to explore, create and lead their own play.
- Caring for their garden and worm farm.
- Our age-based indoor spaces that have been specifically created to encourage children in their learning and growth, with a focus on safety and natural elements.
- Close relationships with Albert Park Primary School, Middle Park Primary School and South Melbourne Primary School as part of our school readiness program.
- Getting out into our local community through planned excursions and community activities that build on our educational curriculum and the children’s interests. These include regular outings to nearby schools and parks.
- Passionate educators and allied health specialists who are focused on creating a learning space where families and children can learn and grow together.
- A leading nutrition, health and wellbeing offering which includes a Dietitian designed seasonal menu and fresh meals prepared daily in-house by our campus cooks
- All-inclusive offering including our daily app diary updates, nappies, formula, bedding, sunscreen and more.
At Only About Children South Melbourne, we offer More Than Childcare. Our unique approach to early years learning goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and wellbeing of every child in our care. We call it The OAC Way.
Our innovative play-based Grow Curriculum gives Nursery, Toddler and Kindergarten children the best opportunity to develop their growing minds during their early years. It includes:
- Left Brain Logic – Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) and Sustainability
- Right Brain Creativity – Music, Dramatic Play and Art
- Health and Wellbeing – Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Social Development – Trust, Respect & Relationship and Resilience & Mindfulness
Our Grow curriculum is delivered via intentional teaching in dynamic small group learning environments where children’s successes, skills and challenges are monitored on an ongoing basis.
OAC Flexi (occasional care) is available at our South Melbourne Campus. This option is for families wishing to utilise occasional or back up childcare at short notice. OAC Flexi is available in 2 sessions, full day or part day and is available for children aged 12 weeks – 5 years old.
Our Learning Spaces
Where to find us
Our unique Campus is located 221 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne, in a heritage listed train station which was built in 1883. Our two buildings are named Westside and Eastside because they are separated by a tram line, which runs between them. We are close to several local schools including South Melbourne Primary, South Melbourne Park Primary, Albert Park Primary and Galilee Primary. Local bus stops are just around the corner and the 96 tram passes between our Westside and Eastside buildings.
We have 3 childcare centres located in Melbourne CBD, please view our Melbourne CBD Campus page to see more.
Interested in learning more? The best place to start is with a tour or call us today on 138 622.
South Melbourne Nursery (6 weeks – 2 years)
At Only About Children South Melbourne Nursery, our passionate educators focus on laying a foundation for enduring curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. Our South MelbourneNursery caters to the care and development needs of infants aged 6 weeks -2 years.
The South MelbourneNursery focuses on safe sleep practices developed by qualified Family Health Nurses and Consultants. Our nursery is a safe and stimulating environment that encourages your child to explore and play and implements both structure and a nurturing environment with our exceptional caregiving and play routines.
Our South Melbourne Nursery Program includes:
- Age 6 weeks -2 years appropriate indoor/outdoor learning environments.
- Sleeping rooms with a focus on positive sleep practices.
- Dietitian designed baby menus with all meals and snacks included.
- Baby essentials such as nappies, cots, linen, and sunscreen.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning – Grow curriculum
For more information, download the Only About Children Nursery Room Guide
South Melbourne Toddlers (2-3 years)
Our Only About Children South Melbourne campus is focused on giving your child a calm and welcoming environment that balances play, exploration, and learning. Our Toddler rooms are led by passionate educators who create play-based learning activities designed to provide toddler-aged children with nurturing experiences that encourage growth and development.
Our Toddler rooms are safe, supportive spaces that facilitate creative exploration. Each space is expertly designed to encourage younger children to explore, solve problems, create, construct and interact with peers.
Our South Melbourne Toddler program includes:
- Age 2-3 years of appropriate learning and playing environments.
- Balanced structured and unstructured play-based learning – Grow curriculum
- Small group learning activities.
- Dietitian designed menus with all meals and snacks included.
- Calm sleeping and resting rooms.
For more information, download the Only About Children Toddler Room Guide
South Melbourne Kindergarten (3-5 years)
Only About Children South Melbourne Kindergarten is focused on creating quality experiences that place your child in the best position to begin school. Our nurturing kindergarten educators give special emphasis on building school-ready skills, such as Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math), Sustainability, Music, Dramatic Play and Art. We aim to make your child’s transition to school as smooth as possible by providing balanced, small group learning activities that build independence and resilience along with academic skills.
Our team of highly-skilled educators and health specialists work together to create an integrated journey that enhances your child’s learning and development. Individual learning plans are created to empower each child with skills that will help them reach their full academic and social potential.
We use the Kinder Tick at Only About Children South Melbourne because we’re an approved provider of a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program. That means our service delivers a play-based learning program, led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
South Melbourne Kindergarten program
- Provides an innovative curriculum focused on left brain logic and right brain creativity
- Includes both structured and unstructured play-based learning that considers the child’s individual interests and development
- Provides an ‘Individual Learning and Development Plan’ for every child with 6 monthly check-ins with families
- A learning focus from 9am to 3pm to prepare children for typical school hours and routine whilst providing the flexibility of long hours for social development and play
- Is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) for childcare.
- Includes Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including complementary Vision Screening
For more information, download the Only About Children Kindergarten Room Guide
Helpful Info
South Melbourne Campus Educators
Irene Jingya Xu
Campus Director
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Irene Jingya Xu
Campus Director
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Childcare Subsidy
For more information, visit our Childcare Subsidy Information (CCS)
Our Learning Spaces
Contact Us
- Open hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6:30pm
- Phone: 138 622
- 221 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Under these standards, childcare services are assessed and rated against the seven quality areas, 18 standards, and 58 elements that make up the NQS. Click here to find out more about the NQS quality areas, standards, and elements.
Meet our Campus Director
Irene Jingya Xu
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Irene Jingya Xu
Campus Director
Irene Jingya Xu is the Campus Director at South Melbourne, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. With a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Irene began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher, recognising the impact of early education on lifelong learning and development. She believes that each child is unique and enjoys supporting educators as they implement playful and innovative teaching methods that make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Building strong relationships with families and fostering a sense of community are also key aspects of her approach.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Irene enjoys Pilates, yoga, travelling, and gardening in her spare time.
Here’s what our families have to say
South Melbourne Campus Community
A Decade of Excellence at Only About Children South Melbourne
Only About Children South Melbourne has proudly reached a remarkable milestone – ten years of being rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard. This celebration marks not only a decade of exceptional early education and care, but also the trust and connection shared with families over the years.
The Best Kid-Friendly Cafés Around Melbourne
If you live in Melbourne or just visiting, here are some of our top child-friendly cafes you should check out. Aside from serving top-notch babyccinos, these kid-friendly cafés in Melbourne provide entertainment options to keep the little ones busy.Take a look around – view our campus tour
