About Lilian Cannam Kindergarten
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten (LCK) is a historic, not for profit, community run, sessional kindergarten located in South Melbourne. We offer sessional kindergarten programs for 3 to 5 year olds, specialist classes in visual arts, music and French, along with an extended hours program.
Our Kindergarten is renowned for its innovative, play based programs that are guided by a children’s interests and their connection to the natural environment and local community. LCK is proud to hold an overall rating of “Exceeding”, assessed against the National Quality Framework by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Value One
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Child Safety
Our commitment to Child Safety.
Lilian Cannam Kindergarten (LCK) is fully committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care, and the effective delivery of child safe practices. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and their families.
LCK adheres to the Reportable Conduct Scheme and the 11 Child Safe Standards set out by the Commission for Young People and Children.
Learn how the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards work together to keep children safe here.
The LCK Community
Our Committee
LCK is an Incorporated Association managed by a voluntary Committee of Management elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. All parents are eligible to vote and stand for election. The committee is responsible for the management of the kindergarten and undertakes this in close consultation with LCK’s Director and Educational Leader. Specific responsibilities include managing the finances, policy development, staff employment, liaison with government departments and the City of Port Phillip Council. The committee ensures the kindergarten operates in accordance with government legislation, policy and best practice.
Our Teaching Team
LCK employs highly qualified early childhood teachers who undertake the design, implementation and evaluation of the kindergarten program. The teaching teams work closely with LCK’s Educational Leader, and specialist teachers in visual arts, music and French to provide innovative and high quality teaching and learning programs. A vast majority of our teaching team have a long-standing relationship and connection with Lilian Cannam Kindergarten.
Our Families
As a community run kindergarten family participation is vital to our success and an important part of life within LCK. We believe partnerships with parents/guardians help children and families build a sense of belonging to our community and are essential to a child’s learning and development. Active participation also ensures our beautiful and spacious facilities are maintained and well equipped for our children.
Families can participate by volunteering for the committee, attend working bees, fundraise, assist in the classrooms, help with excursions or join sub-committees (i.e. sustainability, policy review, RAP Reconciliation Action Plan, gardening).
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. Over the years LCK has been innovative in developing a range of children’s programs in order to meet the needs of local children and families and to ensure broad community use of the facility. The Kindergarten provides a large, outdoor sanctuary for inner city children.
LCK has had a long relationship with the City of Port Phillip. In 1927 the Council bought the present site and has since played a major role in the development and maintenance of its buildings and facilities and in supporting our kindergarten programs.
Infrastructure Program
In 2022, during our centenary year, LCK was fortunate to become part of the City of Port Phillip's Kindergarten Infrastructure Services Program. Securing the long-term future for six highly valued early education and care centres.
Council’s Kindergarten Infrastructure Services Plan aligns with the Victorian Government's commitment to provide two years of universal kindergarten to all children by 2029. As part of this commitment there is a need to optimise the use of existing services. The redevelopment of Lilian Cannam Kindergarten planned for 2028, supports the Best Start Best Life reforms that will see an increase in demand for kindergarten places that will increase to 30 hours of free kindergarten education in the year before school for all 4-year-old children. Learn more in our Infrastructure Planning Permit FAQ.