North Star Ivanhoe (Bellfield)
An inviting space designed following Nordic guidelines, with lots of room for exploration, learning and wholesome well-being
Previously serving as a community kindergarten, the building has been a cornerstone of childcare in the Bellfield community for over four decades. Recently reimagined as a world class long day care centre by North Star, our distinctive facility provides comfortable, specialised learning environments for your child. The physical setting in which children learn is pivotal to their educational journey, and our spaces have been thoughtfully designed based on research to create a soothing and focused atmosphere for children.
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Our wonderfully refurbished Ivanhoe (Bellfield) childcare centre is conveniently located on Bell Street, offering easy accessibility from Heidelberg, Preston, and Bellfield. You'll find ample secure off-street parking for hassle-free drop-offs and pickups, with the added convenience of nearby shopping options such as Aldi and Chemist Warehouse adjacent to the centre, making it family-friendly.
Our centre caters to the care and education of children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, including Victorian Government 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs led by Qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Our architecturally designed facility boasts well-lit rooms specifically crafted for different age groups, along with spacious, natural, and engaging playgrounds for children to discover and enjoy.
Tailored Learning Spaces
At North Star Early Education, we’ve named each of our rooms after Nordic animals, symbols of strength, curiosity, and wisdom, to reflect the unique journey of development that takes place at every stage of early childhood. These animals are thoughtfully chosen to represent the qualities and characteristics we see in children as they grow and learn. From the gentle beginnings in the Owl Room to the confident steps toward school in the Bear Room, each space is designed to nurture, inspire, and guide children through their early learning journey with care and intention.
Owl Room
Nursery | 6 Weeks – 1 Year
At North Star Early Education, the Owl Room welcomes our youngest learners into a nurturing and secure environment that supports their earliest developmental stages. Named after the wise and gentle owl, this room reflects calm and care, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Inspired by the Finnish early education model, our approach focuses on holistic growth through play-based learning, responsive caregiving, and meaningful relationships. Our educators build strong, trusting bonds with each child, supporting individual routines for feeding, rest, and play to create a true sense of belonging.
With its warm, homely feel, the Owl Room is a ‘home away from home’ where emotional security and curiosity are nurtured. Through the FinlandWay®️ curriculum, we promote early communication, physical development, and social awareness in a calm and caring space.
Eagle Room
Toddlers | 1 – 2 Years
The Eagle Room supports our curious toddlers through an exciting phase of exploration and independence. Just like the eagle, children in this room are beginning to spread their wings, gaining confidence and developing new skills each day.
Designed for children aged 1 to 2 years, this space promotes independence, language development, and social connection through guided play. Educators support the development of self-help skills, introduce early literacy and numeracy, and offer activities that enhance physical coordination.
This is also where our in-house programs begin, including sports, sustainability, and yoga for emotional regulation, providing a well-rounded approach to learning and wellbeing. The FinlandWay®️ curriculum supports toddlers in building resilience, creativity, and self-expression.
Reindeer Room
Junior Kindy | 2 – 3 Years
In the Reindeer Room, children continue to develop their independence and begin preparing for the next stage of their learning journey. Like the reindeer—steadfast and social—our children are growing in confidence, navigating friendships, and refining their communication skills.
This stage introduces more complex learning experiences through the investigations program, which is shared with the Pre-Kindergarten. With access to a shared outdoor yard, children enjoy open-ended play and collaborative learning.
Educators promote self-help skills, expanded vocabulary, problem-solving, and emotional regulation through imaginative play, sensory activities, and physical movement. The FinlandWay®️ curriculum guides this development, ensuring each child is supported as they strengthen their social, cognitive, and physical foundations.
Moose Room
Pre-Kindergarten | 3 – 4 Years
Our Moose Room offers a rich and engaging environment designed for children preparing to transition into more structured learning. Just as the moose represents quiet strength and readiness, children in this room are gaining the tools they need for a confident move into formal education.
Led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, the program blends child-led learning with intentional teaching. The room includes a large, shared outdoor space with a sandpit, climbing equipment, and a herb and vegetable garden—encouraging connection with nature and hands-on discovery.
With added incursions and excursions, children engage with their community and deepen their learning. The FinlandWay®️ curriculum supports literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and problem-solving, giving each child a strong foundation for school.
Bear Room
Kindergarten | 4 – 5 Years
The Bear Room is our government-funded 4-Year-Old Kindergarten program, led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and supported by a passionate team of educators. Like the bear, children in this room are curious, capable, and ready for the journey ahead.
This final stage focuses on school readiness, independence, and self-confidence. Children are encouraged to communicate their ideas, regulate their emotions, and engage in more structured group activities, all while continuing to learn through play.
With a strong emphasis on language, collaboration, and personal responsibility, the Bear Room is where key developmental milestones are consolidated. Supported by the FinlandWay®️ curriculum, the program prepares children for a seamless transition to school with the knowledge, resilience, and confidence they need to thrive.
Our centre is split into dedicated rooms tailored to children’s age groups, to ensure the developmental needs of each age group is met.
What’s included
Induction Process
We understand that starting at a new childcare centre is a significant transition for both children and parents. Our induction process is designed to make this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s how it works:
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01one-on-one interview
Before your child begins, we invite you to a one-on-one interview with our team. This is an opportunity for us to get to know your family, understand your child’s unique needs, and discuss any specific concerns you may have.
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02tailored induction sessions
To help ease your child into their new environment, we offer a series of induction sessions. These sessions allow your child to acclimatise gradually while you remain close by. We recommend starting with at least two to three half days before transitioning to full days.
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03individualised approach
We recognise that every child is different. Our experienced staff will work closely with you to create an individualised induction plan that suits your child’s temperament and needs, ensuring a personalised experience.
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04minimising separation anxiety
We understand that separation anxiety is common during this transition. Our team is trained to support children through this process by:
- Encouraging gradual separation through short visits.
- Providing comforting routines and familiar activities.
- Maintaining open communication with parents to keep you informed and reassured.
We aim to foster a sense of security and belonging, ensuring that your child feels safe and excited about their time with us.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our induction process further, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
We are loved by families
We’ve attended many centres, but North Star is worlds apart. Our 2-year-old is happy every day, and they truly nurture each child’s individuality. We’ve even waitlisted our unborn baby!
Thank you Connagh & Jaspreet for having Varis. It’s such a relief knowing that Varis is having such a lovely teachers.
So glad she has settled in perfectly.
Thank you I am so so glad she is back into childcare and making friends ❤️.
My daughter has become a strong character and she expresses her opinions.
Want to know more about North Star?
Let’s talk! We’d love to tell you more about our childcare centre.