Windermere Child and Family Services

15/09/2026

A wonderful morning of connection, wellbeing and outdoor learning at our RUOK? Day Bush Playgroup held at Lysterfield Lake last week 🌿

Families, children, and educators came together to enjoy a shared morning tea before exploring mindfulness through yoga, breathing exercises, and activities focused on understanding emotions and feelings 💛

The adventure continued with a wellbeing rock search, nature walks where participants spotted a kookaburra, and engaging conversation cards that encouraged connection and curiosity 🦆

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a morning filled with nature, learning and play!

15/09/2026

💡 Do you know how NDIS funding periods work?

Many participants have funding released in stages throughout their plan, helping budgets last across the entire funding period. Understanding your support categories, funding components and budget releases can make a big difference in how you manage your plan.

Key things to remember:
✔ Core Supports help with everyday activities
✔ Capacity Building Supports help build skills and independence
✔ Capital Supports cover items such as assistive technology and home modifications
✔ Unused funding within a funding period can roll over into the next period of the same plan

Taking the time to understand your NDIS plan can help you access the supports you need, when you need them.

🔗 Learn more in our latest article: www.windermere.org.au/news/understanding-the-ndis-plan-and-funding-periods/

10/09/2026

This RUOK? Day, we came together to strengthen connections, start meaningful conversations, and support one another's wellbeing 💛

In the morning, we enjoyed a relaxed morning tea, sharing a cuppa, fruit and a Kit Kat while taking the opportunity to connect with colleagues and reflect on the importance of asking a simple question: "Are you OK?". During this time, we also reflected on our personal wellbeing pledges, sharing personal commitments to mental health and connection.

In the afternoon we held a Wellbeing Walk, encouraging staff to take a break, get some fresh air and connect with one another. Walking side-by-side provided a natural space for conversation, reminding us that meaningful check-ins don't always have to happen across a desk.

💛 A conversation could change a life.
💛 Ask RUOK? Any Day, because life happens every day.

09/09/2026

🚒 Learning About the Local Heroes Who Keep Regional Communities Safe 🚒

Rhianna's Family Day Care recently welcomed the dedicated volunteers from Darnum Ellinbank CFA, giving children a valuable opportunity to learn about fire safety and the important role firefighters play in protecting regional communities when they're needed most.

The children were excited to explore the fire truck, see firefighting equipment up close, and learn more about the people who help keep their community safe during emergencies.

A big thank you to the volunteers from Darnum Ellinbank CFA for sharing their time, knowledge, and passion with the children.

❤️ Experiences like these help children build a deeper understanding of their regional community and the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to support and protect it.

08/09/2026

Why Schools Are Choosing Windermere for OSHC! 🎒🍎

Our Out of School Hours Care offers safe, inclusive, welcoming, and leisure based before & after school programs that support children’s wellbeing, learning and play. From healthy breakfasts and afternoon snacks to fun group games and age-appropriate activities, every day is filled with connection and growth ⭐

What makes us stand out:
✔️A community-based, not-for-profit organisation with expertise in early childhood development.
✔️Inclusive programs tailored to support children of all abilities with individual plans.
✔️Activities linked to the national OSHC framework that encourage play, creativity, and social skills. ✔️School holiday care options and flexible booking choices for families.

Whether your school is already working with Windermere or considering a new OSHC partner, our supportive team is ready to tailor programs that truly fit your school community 😁

Visit the link to learn more: https://www.windermere.org.au/childcare/out-of-school-hours-care-for-your-school

Are you a primary school in Melbourne’s south east? Are you looking for an out of school hours care (OSHC) provider who truly puts back into your community and has expertise in early childhood education and development? Contact Windermere on 1300 946 337 or find out more of visit here.

08/09/2026

Today, on World Physiotherapy Day, we celebrate a simple but powerful message: Every Milestone Matters ⭐

For some children, a milestone may be their first independent steps. For others, it could be sitting independently for the first time, reaching for a favourite toy or feeling confident joining in at school or on the playground.

Every child's journey is unique. There is no single way to move, play or grow, and we are proud to celebrate each achievement, however it may look.

Our Paediatric Physiotherapists are passionate about supporting children with disability and developmental delay to build skills, confidence and independence at their own pace.

Today, we celebrate every child, every milestone, and every step forward.

Happy World Physiotherapy Day! 🧡

Learn more about our Physiotherapy services: www.windermere.org.au/services/physioherapy/

06/09/2026

This Father's Day, we celebrate all those who provide care, guidance, support and love 💙

Whether you're a dad, stepdad, grandfather, uncle, foster carer, mentor, elder, or another significant father figure, thank you for the positive impact you make every day.

We also acknowledge that Father's Day can bring a mix of emotions. Today, we hold space for those missing a loved one, navigating complex family relationships, or longing for connection.

At Windermere, we celebrate the many ways people show up for children, families and communities, helping them to grow, thrive and feel supported ☺️

04/09/2026

Recovering from a natural disaster is about more than rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It's also about supporting wellbeing and strengthening community connections.

The Coping with Natural Disasters: A Comprehensive Guide to Recovery video playlist from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) offers helpful guidance, practical recovery strategies and insights from experts.

Take a look and share with your networks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZDDqbob8gEV2ox2vsQtvF4kSRbbEaF22

💙 Recovery is a journey, and support is available every step of the way.

Natural disasters like fires, floods, and storms can disrupt our lives in unimaginable ways. 🌪️🔥💧 But remember, you're never alone in the aftermath. 🤝 Suppor...

03/09/2026

This month, our Family Day Care Educator Conference brought together our incredible educator community for a day of connection, learning, and inspiration 🌟

This year's conference focused on Sustainability, helping educators expand their understanding of the environmental, social, and economic domains of sustainability and how these can be embedded into everyday practice within Early Childhood settings.

Educators connected with peers, shared ideas, and explored practical ways to create sustainable learning environments for children. Attendees also received a goodie bag containing children's books focused on the world, our environment, sustainability, and Australia, along with seeds to plant in their services to support bees, biodiversity, and the wider ecosystem 🌱🐝

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. We are proud to support our educators as they continue to provide high-quality education and care while inspiring the next generation to care for our world 💚

02/09/2026

🌟 Happy Early Childhood Educators' Day 🌟

Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference in the lives of children and families every day.

They are co-regulators, anchors, problem solvers, brain architects, play advocates, cheer squads, first responders, cooks and scientists, all rolled into one. Their dedication, care and commitment help children learn, grow and thrive.

Thank you to all our wonderful Early Childhood Education Specialists, Family Day Care Educators and OSHC Educators for the lasting impact you make in our communities each and every day 💚