Jenny’s ELC named as Bendigo’s best kindergarten 

Jenny’s Early Learning Centre in Strathfieldsaye has been named the best kindergarten in the Bendigo region, achieving an outstanding score of 9.8 on the KindiCare Quality Index.

In addition to Strathfieldsaye’s remarkable achievement, Jenny’s Kindergarten in Epsom was ranked as the second-best centre in the Bendigo region, highlighting the group’s consistent dedication to excellence. 

Jenny’s Maiden Gully and Jenny’s Bendigo Hospital centres also received commendable ratings, with Maiden Gully achieving an Excellent rating and Bendigo Hospital earning a Very Good rating, further solidifying the Jenny’s reputation.

The KindiCare Quality Index evaluates 17,680 early learning services across Australia based on outcomes from assessment and rating visits, as well as online reviews from families which are using the services. 

Aspects of the Strathfieldsaye offering, including AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) education and dance activities, were noted as being standout elements which contributed to the successful result. 

For Centre Director Bridie Lyle, the acknowledgement is testament to the community-focused approach taken by all the centres in the Jenny’s network. 

“Our goal is to ensure families are happy and to share that happiness with others,” Ms Lyle said. 

“We’re proud to offer extra-curricular activities that foster creativity, communication, and a strong sense of belonging for our children and their families.”

With a stable team of long- standing educators, Strathfieldsaye provides a nurturing and consistent environment that builds trust, she continued, which is also another factor in the success of the service. 

Each year the service closes over the Christmas and New Year period to allow the team to recharge and spend quality time with their loved ones, something Ms Lyle said is critical in supporting staff wellbeing, allowing her staff to “return refreshed to provide the highest standard of care.”

For Jenny’s Kindergarten Epsom, which earned the region’s second-highest ranking, program elements such as community walks, Kelly Sports and musical book programs are all part of the way that educators across the service work with external providers to ensure that children and families have a high quality experience at their centre. 

“We focus on creating strong connections with families from day one,” Ms Gilboy said. “That sense of community and trust is what makes us stand out,” Assistant Director Brooke Gilboy said. 

To learn more about Jenny’s Early Learning Centres, in Bendigo and beyond, please visit the Jenny’s website, or contact any of the Bendigo-region centres directly.