A place where your child belongs, grows, and thrives.
Welcome to grove start
Helping Children Step Boldly Into School Life
At Grove Start, we’re not just preparing children for school — we’re starting them in it. Our program is proudly located on school grounds, giving children a natural, confident introduction to school life.
Every day, they experience the rhythms, spaces and community of the school environment — building familiarity, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
educational Preschool program in Millthorpe, NSW
Why families choose us
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Relationship-focused care
We build strong, trusting relationships so children settle in and feel confident from day one.
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Real school experience
Our program prepares children for kindergarten. We’re located on the Millthorpe Public School site.
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Community connection
Proactive collaboration with the school and local community gives children a strong sense of belonging.
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Flexibility for families
Full-day hours and open during school holidays — we understand family life.
Our educational program
Through our play and discovery-based program, children learn by exploring, questioning, and collaborating. It’s joyful, purposeful learning designed to help them thrive, not just cope, with their next step - ‘big school’.
Our educators focus on:
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Early literacy and numeracy
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Social and emotional learning
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Creativity and self-expression
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Outdoor and nature play
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Project-based STEM education
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Community connection
Meet our team
We’re proud to have a passionate, experienced, and community-minded team. Our educators bring warmth, professionalism, and a genuine love for what they do. We’re united by a shared commitment to helping children feel confident, capable and ready for the next step.
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Johannah
Johannah has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, has led local early childhood services, and is a trusted name among many Millthorpe families. Her approach centres on joyful, engaging learning experiences that help children thrive.
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Sophie
Sophie has worked in early childhood education for over a decade, developing her leadership in various roles across the Central West. She’s passionate about inclusion and works to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and confident in their learning journey.
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Lily-Anne
Lily-Anne joins us in 2025 as a trainee educator. A proud graduate of Millthorpe Public School, she’s excited to return to familiar grounds — now supporting young learners herself. She brings enthusiasm, kindness, and a natural connection to our school community.
What our families have to say
FAQs
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Yes – Grove Start is on the Millthorpe Public School grounds. We are located in B block in a beautifully renovated heritage building. Grove Start operates separately from Millthorpe Public School.
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Grove Start caters for children aged 3 to 5 years old, and we are licensed for 24 children per day. However, due to our location and priority of access requirements, we prioritise children in the year before attending kindergarten at Millthorpe Public School.
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Currently, our fees are $113.80/day. Families can access Child Care Subsidy and Start Strong Funding. The Child Care Subsidy Calculator can give a close estimation for the subsidy you can receive. You can also read about the 3-day guarantee for 2026 here.
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We accept enrolments based off families intention to send their child to Millthorpe Public School for Kindergarten. Our educational program includes school-specific immersion opportunities such as interactions with school students and staff, incursions to different areas of the school, and incorporate lessons with school staff such as music, library and sport.
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Children will bring their own backpack with a packed lunchbox and drink bottle. Children have recess, lunch and Crunch and Sip. We recommend packing a separate labelled container or piece of fruit for Crunch and Sip.
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Children do not have to wear the Millthorpe Public School sports uniform, however, majority of children do. Sports polo shirts and jumpers are available for purchase at Orange Clothing Company, or the clothing pool may have small sizes available. Blue shorts or tracksuit pants can be purchased from any store – Kmart, Best and Less, Big W. Children are required to wear closed in shoes such as joggers or boots, and bring a wide-brimmed hat. The school hat and backpack can be purchased from the front office.
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No, children must be dropped off and collected by an adult.
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Grove Start operates 49 weeks a year. We are open during school holidays because we understand that families require care all year round. Our educational program remains the same during the school holidays to cater to working families’ needs.
A message from millthorpe public school
"Grove Start helps children build confidence, develop friendships, and feel a true sense of belonging within our school community. Whether they’re visiting the library, saying hello to our friendly staff, or joining in special events, they are a cherished part of our daily lives. By the time they reach Kindergarten, our Grove Start children are ready to thrive – already part of the Millthorpe family.” - Mrs Penny Granger, Principal at Millthorpe Public School
Book a tour
Tour our classrooms, meet our educators and discover what makes us the trusted choice for families in Millthorpe.