Early Learning

Mentone Girls’ Grammar is incredibly proud to share that the Sarah Simpson Early Learning Centre has been rated Exceeding National Quality Standard in all seven Quality Areas under the National Quality Framework. 

The National Quality Framework sets the national benchmark for the quality of early childhood education and care across Australia, assessing services across educational practice, health and safety, learning environments, staffing, relationships, family and community partnerships, and leadership. 

Every one of the seven Quality Areas at our ELC was rated Exceeding. 

The assessment highlighted our high-quality learning environment and the expertise of our educators in creating experiences that respond to each child’s strengths, interests and ideas. 

Children were recognised as capable and curious learners, encouraged to explore, test ideas, solve problems and actively contribute to their learning. The assessment also highlighted the deep knowledge our educators have of each child, the strength of our relationships with children and families, and an environment where children’s voices are valued and they develop a strong sense of belonging, confidence and agency. 

As Bayside’s only girls-only Kindergarten, this recognition is particularly meaningful. It independently affirms the experience we want for our youngest girls – to be known as individuals, to have their ideas heard and valued, and to develop the confidence to discover what they are capable of. 

Known. Seen. Heard. from the very beginning. 

The 2026 result continues a proud history for the Sarah Simpson Early Learning Centre, which was also rated Exceeding National Quality Standard in 2013, 2017 and 2022. 

Congratulations to our extraordinary ELC team on this exceptional achievement. 

Influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), we recognise our students as capable and resourceful learners. 

We believe young children learn best through a balanced approach that combines play, inquiry, and intentional teaching. By fostering their sense of identity, connection to the community, wellbeing, confidence, and communication skills, we support each child's potential and growth. 

Our goal is to nurture each child's potential by supporting their growth in identity, community connection, wellbeing, confidence as learners, and communication skills.

We aim to inspire our youngest learners to develop the confidence and capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the world around them—and to dream BIG.