The Kindergarten Program at Sanctuary Ashmore

Choosing the right Kindergarten program is about more than academics.

At Sanctuary Ashmore, our Government-approved Kindergarten Program prepares children for Prep by nurturing confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning — guided by a gentle, intentional teaching approach led by our Early Childhood Teacher, Miss Jo.

If you’re looking for a Kindergarten in Ashmore that balances school readiness with wellbeing, creativity and joy, here’s what makes our program different.

What does school readiness mean?

School readiness isn’t about rushing children toward the future.

For Miss Jo, school readiness looks like:

“When I see a child growing in confidence, when they have embraced the seeds of learning with agency and joy.
When they are able to embrace kindness, acceptance and flow with the rhythms of each day.
When they confidently want to grow their knowledge and understanding and look forward to new opportunities.”

We focus on who your child is becoming — not just what they can do.

How does our Kindergarten Program prepare children for Prep differently?

At Sanctuary Ashmore, we lean into what Miss Jo calls a gentle approach to learning.

This means:

• Slowing down the pace
• Following children’s curiosity
• Creating space for deep thinking
• Valuing agency and independence
• Inviting educators into the child’s learning world.
  
  

Miss Jo describes it as “slow pedagogy” — an approach that allows learning to unfold naturally and meaningfully.

The result? Children who are:

• Confident communicators
• Independent thinkers
• Emotionally regulated
• Curious about new challenges
• Ready for the expectations of school.

We don’t rush childhood. And that’s what prepares children best for Prep.

What does a typical day in the Ashmore Kindy room look like?

Miss Jo says it best:

“There are no two days the same. The children determine the rhythm of each day.”

While we intentionally embed literacy and numeracy into learning experiences, exploration and flow take centre stage.

A typical day may include:

• Group discussions and storytelling
• Emergent literacy experiences
• Hands-on numeracy exploration
• Outdoor learning and sustainability projects
• Creative arts and expression
• Mindfulness and reflection.

Every interaction is a learning opportunity.

Children are encouraged to:

• Make choices
• Solve problems
• Lead experiences
• Take responsibility for their environment.
  

What do parents worry about most before starting Kindy?

The biggest concern we hear is:

“Is my child school ready?”

Miss Jo understands this deeply.

“Every parent has a perfectly normal idea of seeing their child in the future. I say, the future is far away. When we let them be who they are today, then they will be ready to be who they are tomorrow.”

We support families by:

• Sharing daily learning stories
• Analysing significant moments in development
• Explaining how play links to school readiness
• Building confidence in what children are already achieving.
  
  

When parents understand the learning behind the experience, their confidence grows — alongside their child’s.

What skills do children develop during the Kindergarten year?

Big milestones matter. So do the small ones.

Miss Jo shares:

“Big can mean confidently waving goodbye to Mum and Dad and running off to a friend. Or learning to hold a pair of scissors.
Small might be packing their bag or sharing a toy.”

Throughout the year, children develop:

• Independence in daily routines
• Emotional resilience
• Early literacy and numeracy foundations
• Care for their environment
• Friendship and social awareness
• Confidence in trying new things.
  
  

When children leave Kindy as happy, confident little beings — we know we’ve done our part.

Why choose Kindergarten at Sanctuary Ashmore?

Our Ashmore Kindergarten Program offers:

• A qualified Early Childhood Teacher
• A Government-approved Kindergarten program
• A gentle, intentional learning approach
• A home-like, inspiring environment
• Strong family partnerships
• A focus on wellbeing, creativity and life skills.
  
  

We are proud to be part of the Ashmore community and to support children as they take their next big step toward school.

Let your child grow at their own pace - with confidence and joy

Kindergarten is not about rushing toward the future. It’s about nurturing who your child is today.

At Sanctuary Ashmore, we create space for curiosity, kindness and confidence to flourish — so your child feels ready for tomorrow, naturally.

Enquire today to arrange a tour to explore our Kindergarten environment.

Frequently asked questions