Operating hours
The Peter Toms Early Learning Centre offers Long Day Care for 48 weeks, Long Day Care for 38 weeks where the boys can access care from 7.30am – 6pm. ELC full time and part time calendars for 38 weeks/48 weeks are available here. Our Program Only enrolment is based on the Brighton Grammar School term dates as follows for 2024.
Term 1: 30 Jan – 4 Apr
Term 2: 22 Apr – 27 Jun
Term 3: 23 Jul – 19 Sept
Term 4: 6 Oct – 9 Dec
During term time, the Centre operates from 8.45am to 2.45pm for ELC3 and ELC4. The long day care hours of operation are 7.30am to 6.00pm during both term and holiday periods.
Long Day Care
ELC Long Day Care works in partnership with Brighton Grammar School to provide the best-quality before and after school hours’ care to the ELC community. Boys engage in a wide variety of activities to stimulate their learning and encourage them to have fun. Activities include art and craft, outdoor games, puzzles and board games, dress ups and periods of uninterrupted play.
All boys enrolled in the long day program who arrive before 8am will receive breakfast. Fees also include afternoon tea for all children attending the long day program. Boys need to bring their own lunch.
Our staff are all experienced team members who hold a minimum qualification of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and a current Working with Children Check. Our Coordinator holds a Bachelor in Early Childhood Studies, and all staff are trained in first aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis. There is a Coordinator on duty at all times.
For Long Day Care FAQs click here.
Delivery and Collection of Children
The Early Learning Centre’s doors open at 7.30am. Parents/Guardians must sign their boy in and out daily using the Qikkids system. Boys will only be allowed to leave the centre with parents, unless written permission is given for another person to collect them which is documented in their Confidential Emergency Information Form. In an emergency, a phone call from parents will be accepted, but written permission must be given ASAP.
Programming
All early childhood educators are actively involved in the planning process. Plans are implemented each fortnight, and are reflected upon through the Fortnightly Reflective Journal. Planning is undertaken in accordance with the DEECD Regulations and incorporates the Early Years Learning & Development Framework.
Specialist Classes
As part of our learning experiences we offer the boys Specialist classes in Health & Wellbeing, Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Library/Literacy, Cooking, and a Cross Age Buddy activity time. These classes provide new and exciting experiences for the boys and an opportunity for lots of fun and adventures.
Behaviour and guidance
The aim of the ELC is to maintain an environment, which encourages children to be cooperative, fosters self-esteem and develops a child’s ability to interact with others. Each group within ELC has Group Behaviour guidelines for indoor and outdoor. These are drawn up in consultation with parents and provide age/developmentally appropriate limits for the group. The guidelines are monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure they remain appropriate.
Routines and procedures
Routines are an integral part of daily programs and provide boys with a secure structure in which to learn. When formulating routines, consideration will be given to the child’s developmental age/stage, and the needs of the child.
Rest time
This is a required component in our daily program, which provides each boy with the opportunity to learn relaxation techniques that transform stress into vitality. It is not essential that your son goes to sleep, and they are able to bring a soft cuddly toy for rest time. Please note that colouring books, electronic devices etc are not allowed as they can be quite disruptive. If you do not wish for your son to rest, he can be picked up after lunch at 1pm.
Allocation of a locker
All boys are allocated their own locker outside their classroom for the year. These are to store your son’s school bag, morning tea and lunch boxes. Please note that artwork and parent information will be placed in your son’s locker. We ask that these be cleared every day please.
Home toys and trinkets
Toys and trinkets brought to the ELC from home can be broken or lost, so ideally these should be left at home. As mentioned previously, a special toy can be brought for rest time comfort. It should be noted that war toys such as guns are forbidden in the ELC. Interesting items such as flowers, books, shells, insects and the like are welcome.