Barring Djinang Kindergarten

Exceeding-rated, affordable kindergarten conveniently co-located with South Melbourne Primary School. Led by qualified educators on the rooftop level of Melbourne’s first vertical school - with Free Kinder fee offset and flexible drop-off and pick-up times from 8 am to 5.30 pm.
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Welcome to Barring Djinang

Barring Djinang means “little footsteps” in the Taungurung language. Our Council-run kindergarten sits on Level 5 of South Melbourne Primary School - Melbourne’s first vertical school - with a rooftop outdoor play space overlooking the city.

As a City of Port Phillip service, Barring Djinang is run for the community, not for profit. And you don’t need to live in the school zone: any family can enrol, with no obligation to attend South Melbourne Primary afterwards.

Barring Djinang is part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct - which means kindergarten on Level 5, a Maternal and Child Health service on Level 1, and a primary school in between. For many families, that’s health checks, kinder and the school transition all under one roof. And with public transport connections on our doorstep, drop-off fits neatly into the city commute.

Places available - book a tour

We currently have places available in selected age groups at Barring Djinang, offering safe and affordable childcare which exceeds national quality standards. Book a tour to see if we’re the right centre for your child. Tours take around 30 minutes, and our friendly team will happily answer every question.

Book a tour Register to Barring Djinang

Quality rating

Barring Djinang is rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). It means independent assessors found our educational program, our relationships with children and families, and our leadership go above and beyond what the National Quality Standard requires.

Our kindergarten program

Play, learn and grow

Children learn best through play, and our program is built around children’s interests, strengths and stage of development. Our educators support children to build confidence, friendships and school-ready skills through playing, exploring and creating with their peers.

Wellbeing and inclusion

Children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Regular community excursions to locations such as the beach, park, and South Melbourne Market enrich children's learning experiences while fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection to their local area.

Celebrating diversity

We value and respect the diversity of our community. Our indoor spaces and rooftop playground are designed so children of all abilities can join in fully, and we celebrate the cultures, languages and traditions of every family in our community.

Quality care that’s genuinely affordable

Our full daily fee is $168.50 and for most families the real cost is significantly lower:

  • Child Care Subsidy (CCS): Eligible families are able to claim the Government Child Care Subsidy at our centre. It is paid directly to Barring Djinang to reduce the fees you pay. Families who meet the Services Australia requirements may be eligible for this subsidy. 
  • Free Kinder in a long day care setting: Free Kinder provides a fee offset of up to $2,101 per eligible child per year. The kindergarten program is delivered by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher for 5 hours per day and is integrated within a full day of care.
  • This fee offset is applied in addition to your Child Care Subsidy (CCS), helping to maximise your overall savings and reduce your out-of-pocket childcare costs.

Because we’re Council-owned and not-for-profit, our fees reflect the cost of quality care - nothing more.

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Location

Level 5, 129 Ferrars Street, Southbank 3006 (South Melbourne Primary School building)

Hours

Monday to Friday
8 am to 5.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday
Closed
Public holidays
Closed

You choose arrival and departure times for your child that suit you best within these opening hours. A minimum 2 day attendance policy applies.

FAQs

Contact us

Our friendly Children’s Services team is here to help.

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6840
Email: BarringDjinang@portphillip.vic.gov.au

  • North St Kilda Children’s Centre, St Kilda

    Hosting 4-year-old kindergarten while our centre upgrade program is underway; the site will welcome relocated services as each upgrade proceeds