Apply for preschool

There are 15 preschools in Nillumbik's central registration system. Council accepts and processes preschool registrations on behalf of the 15 preschools in the central registration system.

When to apply

Preschool applications open on the first business day in February.

You can submit a preschool application from the first business day in February -

  • one year before your child is eligible to attend 3-year-old preschool, or
  • two years before your child is eligible to attend 4-year-old preschool.

To be included in the first round offer process, your application should be submitted before 30 June in the year before your child attends preschool. The date you apply does not give you higher priority, as long as your application is received before 30 June.

To view the specific dates that apply to your child based on their date of birth, use our preschool dates calculator.

Parents are encouraged to apply for both 3 and 4-year-old preschool in the same application.

How to apply

Before you begin

Step 1.Determine your child’s Priority of Access rating

If your child is identified as being high priority, or you meet the 'local' criteria, you may need to provide additional documentation along with your application.

Use our online tool to find out which rating applies to your child and what documentation you may need to provide. Select the option that applies to you.

Scroll down to find out more about Priority of Access.

Step 2.Decide which preschools you would like to nominate

You can nominate up to three preschool preferences. Nominating more than one preschool maximises the chance of your child being offered a place at a preschool of your choice. 

Each preschool service sets their own curriculum, timetable and program fees (where applicable).

To find your nearest preschool and their contact details, use our interactive family services map (select 'show map options' to select preschools).

Please remember that Council only process applications for the 15 preschools in the Nillumbik central registration system - private preschools and long day care centres will have their own application process.

Step 3.Proceed to apply

Click on the 'Apply online' tab above to move to the next step.

Apply online

Step 1.Have your supporting documentation ready

  • All applications will require proof of the child’s age (birth certificate or passport).
  • Nillumbik residents or ratepayers will require proof of residency such as a rates notice, lease agreement, contract of sale, driver license or utility bill.
  • Additional documentation may be required based on your child’s Priority of Access rating.

Complete the online form

Preschool application form

Step 2.Update your details

If your circumstances change after you register, you can use the "update details" link found in your acknowledgement email to update your details. If you are unable to locate your acknowledgement email please contact the Preschool Registration Team on 9433 3161 or at preschool@illumbik.vic.gov.au.

Step 3.More Information

First round preschool offers are made in July. Find out more about how to accept, decline or cancel your preschool offer.

In person

Step 1.Have your supporting documentation ready

  • All applications will require proof of the child’s age (a copy of their birth certificate or passport).
  • Nillumbik residents will require proof of residency or ratepayer of Nillumbik such as a rates notice, lease agreement, contract of sale, driver license or utility bill

Additional documentation may be required based on your child’s Priority of Access rating.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Hard copy application forms are available from the Council offices or download a copy:

Step 3.Lodge your application

To customer service at

Civic Centre
32 Civic Drive
Greensborough

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm excluding public holidays

Step 4.Update your details

If your circumstances change after you register, you can change your preschool preference or update your details using the “update preferences or update contact details’ link found in your acknowledgement email. If you are unable to locate your acknowledgement email please contact the Preschool Registration Team on 9433 3161 or at preschool@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.

Step 5.More Information

First round preschool offers are made in July. Find out more about how to accept, decline or cancel your preschool offer.

Mail

Step 1.Have your supporting documentation ready

  • All applications will require proof of the child’s age (a copy of their birth certificate or passport).
  • Nillumbik residents will require proof of residency or ratepayer of Nillumbik such as a copy of a rates notice, lease agreement, contract of sale, driver license or utility bill.

Additional documentation may be required based on your child’s Priority of Access rating.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Post your application

Customer Service
Nillumbik Shire Council
PO Box 476
Greensborough VIC 3088

Step 3.Update your details

If your circumstances change after you register, you can change your preschool preference or update your details using the 'update preferences or update contact details’ link found in your acknowledgement email. If you are unable to locate your acknowledgement email please contact the Preschool Registration Team on 9433 3161 or at preschool@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.

Step 4.More information

First round preschool offers are made in July. Find out more about how to accept, decline or cancel your preschool offer.

More information

Priority of Access

Our Priority of Access policy is applied to ensure there is a fair and equitable process for the management and allocation of places in Council’s preschool services.

In line with our policy and the Victorian Department of Education (DE) Priority of Access Guidelines, we will prioritise: 

  • High priority children
  • Children who fit the local criteria 

To determine your child's Priority of Access rating and what documentation you may need to provide with your application, use our online tool (under the 'Before you begin' tab above).

Read our Priority of Access and Offer Policy Guidelines(PDF, 454KB)

Updating preschool preferences

If you have already submitted your child's preschool application but wish to change your nominated preschools, you can update your preferences. 

Preferences can be changed up until 30 June in the year before your child is due to attend preschool without affecting the offer process.

  • To change your preschool preferences before 30 June please use the “change details’ link found in your acknowledgement email. If you are unable to locate your acknowledgement email please contact the Preschool Registration Team on 9433 3161 or at preschool@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

After 30 June, changes to preferences will be considered a late application and will be given equal opportunity to positions during the second and third round of offers.

  • To change your preschool preferences after 30 June please contact the Preschool Central Registrations Team on 9433 3161 or at preschool@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

No Jab, No Play

Once a place has been allocated by Council, you will be contacted by the preschool to formalise your child's enrolment. You must provide evidence that your child is:

  • fully immunised for their age, or
  • on a vaccination catch-up program, or
  • unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons

An Immunisation History Statement can be requested via your Medicare online account via myGov, or the Medicare mobile app. Find out more here.

For more information about immunisation contact the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.

Find out more about the No Jab, No Play legislation on the Victorian government's website.

 

Contact us

Phone

03 9433 3161

Email

preschool@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
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