Lilian Cannam Kindergarten (LCK) is a historic, not-for-profit community run kindergarten located in South Melbourne. We offer sessional kindergarten programs for 3 to 5 year olds, along with an extended hours program.
For more than 100 years Lilian Cannam Kindergarten has provided a large outdoor sanctuary for inner city children and a connection to our local environment and community. Our kindergarten is managed by a voluntary parent committee, alongside our Kindergarten Director and Educational Leader.
We operate according to the Victorian government school terms.
Learning at LCK
Our Programs
Our kindergarten is renowned for our innovative, play based programs that are guided by a child’s interests and their connection to the natural environment and local community. Our Educational Philosophy ensures we remain socially relevant, intellectually engaging and meaningful to children and families.
Sessional Kindergarten
In 2025, Lilian Cannam Kindergarten offers two 3-year-old kindergarten groups (Wattle and Bottlebrush, 14.5 hours per week) and two 4-year-old kindergarten groups (Eucalypt and Blue Gum, 20 hours per week). All programs offer 15 hours of free kindergarten, funded by the Victorian State Government. Kindergarten fees apply for the additional 5 hours of the 4-year-old programs.
Specialist classes
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten offers specialist classes in visual arts, music and French, to complement our curriculum.
Our Groups
Wattle, Bottlebrush, Blue Gum, Eucalypt and Banksia group names belong to native flowering plants that we have in our local area and in our kindergarten. They represent LCK’s connections to nature and to the Country on which we grow, learn and play.
Session Timetable
Wattle
3-year old group
2025 hours:
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Monday 8.30am - 12.30pm (4 hours)
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Thursday 8.30am - 12.30 (4 hours)
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Friday 8.30am - 3pm (6.5 hours)
Total hours: 14.5 hours per week
Things to know about enrolment
Kindergarten is an educational program and that differs from childcare. Kindergarten delivers high-quality programs designed to help children begin their learning journey and set them up for success once they begin primary school. Through play-based learning, kindergarten programs help children to cultivate a love of learning, make friends and develop useful life skills. All kindergarten programs are delivered by a university-qualified early childhood teacher.
To set children up for success, give them the best start by considering when your child is likely to gain the most benefit from starting school, as this will help you determine when your child's kindergarten experience should commence. Your child must be at school in the year that they turn six years of age, this is the compulsory school starting age.
Once a child starts three-year-old kindergarten, their education journey has commenced with an expectation of moving into four-year-old kindergarten the following year and then school the year after.
A common question is 'My child turns three in February but we are not sure if we should submit their registration for three-year-old kindergarten yet?'
If your child is born between January and April, you have a choice as to when they start kindergarten. You can choose to start your child in the year they turn 3 or the year they turn 4.
Although every child's development is unique, observation and research suggest that children who turn three between January and April can benefit significantly from waiting a year and starting 3-year-old kindergarten the year they turn four.
Please note that a child cannot repeat 3-year-old kindergarten.
To help you make an informed decision about your child's readiness, contact our kindergarten via enrolments@liliancannam.com.au to speak with our Director or Educational Leader. Talk to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse. See also Developmental Milestones.
Our Philosophy
At Lilian Cannam Kindergarten, we view children as capable, competent, and active members of the community. We are committed to providing children and families with high quality, stimulating, collaboratively developed programs that support opportunities for growth in all areas of cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical development. We strive to foster a love of learning through playful, hands-on involvement and provide a foundation of respect, responsibility, care and compassion.
LCK acknowledges the Yalukit-Willam Clan of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we play, teach and learn. We engage children in thinking and learning about First Nations perspectives and how these connect with their developing understanding of the world.
Value One
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Value Two
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Value Three
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Value Four
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Value Five
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Inclusion
At LCK, we are committed to inclusion, embedding the ideas of equity and equality for all. Our goal is for children and families to feel welcome, safe, valued and respected. We recognise the potential and appreciate the individual nature of each child, who along with their families, possess their own set of values, attributes, and strengths to be nurtured. We prioritise the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) as fundamental to creating an environment which recognises, respects, and celebrates diversity.
Connection
At LCK, we believe learning is holistic and integrated, and takes place when ideas, concepts and theories are shared. Children develop independence and grow as citizens through respectful, supportive, and co-constructive encounters with others and their environment. We are committed to working closely with families as children’s first teachers, as an integral part of building community and supporting children’s sense of being, belonging and becoming. Our inquiry-based curriculum documentation provides deep insight into children’s learning, contributions from families and the wider community. At our annual ‘Community of Learners’ Art Exhibition, the children’s creativity, thinking and skills are celebrated through their artistic, musical, and intellectual achievements.
Learning
We practice an emergent, inquiry-based approach to learning, designed by the children’s wonderings, discoveries, strengths and curiosities. Children are supported to share their interests, thoughts and ideas, ensuring their voices are heard on matters that affect their lives. We encourage children to experiment, be imaginative and inventive in how they explore their surroundings and communicate their ideas, and our programs highlight appreciation and expression through the Arts. Our thinking is guided by the Reggio Emilia approach and Loris Malaguzzi’s theory of ‘100 Languages,’ as a metaphor for the extraordinary potential of children and their ability to think, understand and make connections in a multitude of ways.
Environment
We consider the environment as the ‘third teacher’ and strive to provide a safe, inspiring, and democratic space where children can explore, discover, and grow with confidence and happiness. We support children as active participants in their own learning and encourage them to take calculated risks, as they connect with Country. We nurture children’s development of sustainable practices and holistic wellbeing by embedding nature play into our everyday learning experiences. Through their interactions with the environment and its elements, children are able to explore, move, imagine, appreciate and experience the sensory wonders of the world around them.
Kind words from parents (and children)
Our three children loved attending Lilian Cannam. The staff were great at connecting with them and encouraging and supporting their learning through their passions - whether it be music, or food or art or even Pokemon. The outdoor space was amazing allowing our children to explore, grow things in the garden and get messy.
Shattock Family
Our family is extremely grateful for the experience our son has had at LCK. Initially arriving at Kinder nervous, reluctant, and shy, he has thrived under the genuine love, care, and guidance of all the educators he's met there. It brings us immense joy to see him learning and flourishing in such a magical place. Thank you, LCK, for making a wonderful difference in our son’s life.
Obushka Family
There are so many things to love about Lilian Cannam Kindergarten, but what has stood out most is the depth with which the educators know our son. This means they work with his strengths and help him develop new skills as he grows. Most of all, they're caring and compassionate in their approach, which we really value.
Sarah Lambert Wilson
We sincerely appreciate the care, education, and support provided by the teachers and staff during our child's time at the LCK. Krithiv will truly miss the wonderful teachers and dear friends at LCK, who have been a significant part of his early learning journey. It has been a wonderful learning experience, and we are grateful for the nurturing environment that has contributed to our child's early development.
Dheep Family
Our history
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten (LCK) has been serving children and families in the South Melbourne area since 1922. The Kindergarten is named after its founder and first President, Lilian Cannam. LCK employs highly qualified early childhood teachers who undertake the design, implementation and evaluation of the kindergarten program. The teaching teams work closely with specialist teachers in visual arts, music and French to provide high quality teaching and learning programs.
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