Most of our kiddos went to South Perth Learning School.

A major contributing factor to that decision is their well-rounded approach, specifically the institution’s implementation of Montessori, WA, and Reggio Emilia curriculums.

The combination covers all the bases—child-centredness, play-based education, and emotional support. It even extends to their tools and facilities which are mostly nature-based and offer real-world learning opportunities.

Another thing we like is how accommodating their staff is. They gave us a tour and a checklist, which included a well-defined pricing guide.

Most of the teachers here hold a Children’s Service diploma. Pair that with the school’s 25-year run, and you know they do things right.

One hassle, though, is the school’s high demand. You’ll likely be put on a waitlist.

They’re also pricier than Perth’s usual rates, but we say the fees are justified.

Worth the Money

‘Best centre in Perth!

We have had a previous bad experience with another centre and were hesitant about going to another centre. Our daughter is clingy and gets separation anxiety, since starting at PELSWA she has been so happy. The staff are so attentive and caring; they keep you updated constantly. Our daughter is a fussy eater and they would try various different types to make sure she ate. Straight away they have helped us toilet training our daughter and the centre is immaculate, top of the art. It is worth the money and the best centre we have been to. Very happy! 10000x recommend’

Jayde Sood, Google Review

Staff Member Has Been Great

‘Can’t recommend SPEL’s enough! My son started when he was about 18 months old and during his time was diagnosed with autism and SPELS have always created a great environment. Every staff member has been so great, I cannot fault them for anything during our time there. The updates you get during the day help so much for reassurance and knowing what to expect, and I have just noticed many daycares don’t use this function of the app. Have needed to leave due to moving out of the area and so sad to have to transfer my son but so grateful for the ladies that helped with my son’s development. Highly recommend!’

Nita Chan, Google Review

As a boutique childcare centre, The Akidamy School of Early Learning zeroes in on a more personalised teaching method. There are fewer students, so your little one will receive individualised attention.

As for their actual curriculum, it’s evidence-based, involving structured learning and child-led exploration. This is executed via studios, like a kitchen and art space, that hone cognitive, coordination, and motor skills.

Unfortunately, their fees are higher than Perth’s standard rates, starting at about $174 a day. Good news is you get what you pay for.

Akidamy’s staff is composed of tertiary-qualified teachers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Their team even has art, sign language, yoga, and foreign language specialists.

Your children won’t be cooped inside too. The school has an engaging outdoor area with climbing walls and a veggie patch.

That said, they’re the newest school here, having launched in 2018. More established options are available.

My Children Arrive Happy

‘A wonderful centre with caring, kind, considerate staff, some of whom have been there for many years. They provide excellent, healthy meals and they offer an array of stimulating and play based learning activities including Italian, baby sign and yoga. My children arrive happy and leave happy, which brings peace of mind knowing my kids are in the best hands while I’m at work.’

F SK, Google Review

Home Away from Home

‘I cannot imagine my son going anywhere else. From the moment I stepped into the Akidamy I knew this was the place for my baby. The most genuine beautiful loving staff, who truly deeply care about each child, the most amazing menu, the professionalism. Hugo has thrived and continued thriving in the Akidamy environment and I owe much of his amazing social skills and happy disposition to his home away from home – the Akidamy – thank you for creating such a special safe magical place for our little loves xx’

Martina Ivey, Google Review

If you want a kindy that sticks to Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework, with an emphasis on play-based methods, give Hillarys Community Kindergarten a shot.

Their classes work like this: kids learn fundamental skills by playing and doing real-world activities as a group, with teachers guiding their learning.

It’s important to note, though, that they’re 35 minutes away from the Perth city centre.

On the upside, their centre is purpose-built. For example, there’s a massive outdoor area with a vegetable patch, flower garden, sand pit, and bike track.

Comfort isn’t overlooked either. The indoor facilities are well-spaced and fully air-conditioned. Students even get to enjoy relaxing parkland views.

Keep in mind, though, that the waitlist is long since their class size is limited.

Their A-tier teachers make up for it. Not shocking, as educators here specialise in early childhood education and are employed by the West Australian Education Department.

Positive Experience

‘Hillarys Community Kindy has been the best decision for my son. The play-based education is engaging, making him genuinely love going to kindy. The teachers are amazing, creating a warm, nurturing atmosphere that feels like family. They handled his separation anxiety with exceptional care, turning the transition into a positive experience. Grateful for the wonderful impact this kindy has had on our family and highly recommend over school based kindy!’

Rebecca Dudek, Google Review

Caring Educators

‘What a year it has been! I know I will be eternally grateful for years to come for this incredible community kindy and caring educators. It has been the best introduction to schooling for my son. Watching his progress has been amazing. We love the played based learning approach and how all the parents get involved and create such a wonderful community vibe! Highly recommend.’

Leissa Drudi, Google Review

It’s hard to overlook Padbury Community Kindergarten. For starters, they’ve been serving for 40+ years.

A combination of play-based and structured learning is one reason they’ve lasted long. The kindy’s goal is to develop early literacy and numeracy skills, achieved through highly interactive tasks like counting games or storytelling.

Another win is their before and after-school care. This is fantastic for children requiring extended care outside of school hours and parents seeking peace of mind.

We’re also fans of their age-appropriate facilities. Given they’re play-centric, most sessions are in an outdoor area where students ride bikes and interact with nature.

They also score extra points for having teachers with advanced credentials, like Angela Plummer who holds a Master’s in Teaching (Early Childhood) and Melissa Hetherington, an art specialist.

A snag is they’re 40 minutes from downtown Perth. Moreover, you’ll deal with limited availability.

A Warm and Welcoming Environment

‘I can highly recommend Padbury Community Kindy. It is a wonderful place to send your child. It is a nice gentle way to introduce your child into the school system. A warm and welcoming environment for your little ones (and parents). I love that it is play based learning and that the children have plenty of time outdoors.’

Anne Downing, Google Review

Caring and Gentle

‘We loved Padbury Community Kindy. It provided such a great learning foundation for our daughter. We particularly enjoyed the beautiful outdoor space (the fairy garden was a big highlight!). The teachers are so caring and gentle. It has a welcoming community feel and play based focus. We recommend it to anyone looking for a kindy and we are looking forward to sending our sons there in the next few years.’

Bec Kennedy, Google Review

As the name implies, Southbank Montessori follows the Montessori method. The approach is child-centred, so if you want your kids to learn at their own pace through hands-on tasks, this kindy might be it.

The best part is they smooth out the method’s weak spots, like having a ‘too loose’ framework. Southbank accomplishes this by incorporating the Australian Early Years Learning Framework into their curriculum.

Specifically, their classes cover five essential aspects of early childhood development: practical, sensory, mathematical, linguistic, and cultural.

What’s more, students work on monthly STEM projects, boosting their critical thinking skills and creativity.

Physical and imaginative play is also sorted with their well-designed outdoor space and art studio.

As you’d expect, though, the kindergarten is pricey due to its specialised materials and qualified teachers.

The most glaring issue, however, is that kids might struggle to transition smoothly into traditional schooling, chiefly in a teacher-directed school.

Safe and Nurturing

‘We absolutely love Southbank Montessori! The staff is incredibly caring, patient, and attentive, making every child feel welcome and valued. The facility is always clean and well-organized, and the activities are both fun and educational, keeping the kids engaged and happy. Our child has learned so much and looks forward to going every day. It gives us great peace of mind knowing they are in such a safe and nurturing environment. We highly recommend Southbank Montessori to any parent looking for a wonderful place for their little one!’

Alan Mayahi, Google Review

Best Early Learning Centre

‘I Believe Southbank Montessori is the best early learning centre in the area. Their commitment to nurture and teach our little ones is incredible. Their support to our child’s independence and growth goes above and beyond. They do an amazing job, thank you for all your work.’

Marga Ruiz, Google Review