Enrolling at Sakura, step by step
From your first enquiry to your child's first day, here is what happens and what you will need. If you have a question at any stage, call us on (03) 7034 7088.
Seven simple steps
Send us an enquiry
Use our enquiry form, call or email. Tell us your child's age, the days you need and when you would like to start. We will reply with tour times or a waitlist form.
Tour the centre
Visit with your child, see the rooms and garden, meet our educators and ask anything. We will talk through fees, the Child Care Subsidy and how your child's day would look.
Receive an offer
When a place is available on your days we will offer it to you. Sakura enrols children for a minimum of three days a week.
Set up your Child Care Subsidy
Claim CCS through your Centrelink online account in myGov, and give us the Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs) for you and your child. How CCS works
Complete your enrolment pack
Two to four weeks before your start date we send your orientation dates, our family information and the enrolment forms, including the All About Me form and dietary and permission forms.
Two orientation visits
In the week before your child starts, you and your child visit twice. Please stay on site and contactable during these visits, as your child is not yet on our roll. Your first two weeks of fees are charged at orientation, instead of a bond.
First day
Sign your child in on the OWNA kiosk, then confirm the enrolment in your Centrelink online account so your CCS can be paid. We will be in touch through the day to let you know how your child is going.
Good to know
- Minimum booking of three days a week
- No bond: two weeks' fees are charged in advance
- Two weeks' written notice to reduce days or leave
- Children from six months to school age
What you'll need to enrol
Please have ready
- Your child's AIR Immunisation History Statement (see below)
- Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs) for the parent claiming CCS and for your child
- Contact details for parents, emergency contacts and anyone authorised to collect your child
- Your child's doctor and Medicare details
- Any medical management plans, for example for asthma, allergies or anaphylaxis, and the medication that goes with them
- Copies of any court orders or parenting plans about who may collect your child
We will send you
- The enrolment form
- An All About Me form for your child's age (0–2 years, toddler or preschool), so we can follow your child's routines and interests from day one
- Dietary requirement and permission forms, including photo and social media permission
- Our Family Handbook, settling-in guide and packing list
- Your orientation dates
No Jab No Play
Under Victoria's No Jab No Play law, we can only confirm your child's enrolment once you give us an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) showing your child is up to date with their vaccinations. A child on a recognised catch-up schedule, or with a medical exemption recorded on the AIR, also meets the requirement.
Some families can enrol under a 16-week grace period while they get the statement, with our support. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, families holding a Health Care Card or pension card, children in emergency or out-of-home care, and families in crisis accommodation or supported by a family violence service.
Conscientious objection is not an exemption under No Jab No Play. Once your child is enrolled, please give us an updated statement after each round of vaccinations, and at least every seven months.
Getting your child's statement
- Download it from your Medicare online account in myGov or the Medicare app
- Or call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809
- Vaccinations are available from your GP or your local council's immunisation sessions
- Questions? Talk to your GP or Maternal and Child Health nurse, or call the National Immunisation Information Line on 1800 671 811
More information: health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/no-jab-no-play · Services Australia
Helping your child feel at home
Every child settles in their own way and their own time. These ideas help most children through the first few weeks.
Start with shorter days
Short days at first help your child learn that you always come back. Build up the hours gradually, and talk to us about what works with your job.
Practise time apart
If you can, let your child spend a little time with a relative or friend beforehand, so being cared for by other adults feels familiar.
Say a confident goodbye
Give your child time to say goodbye, keep it warm and brief, and tell them who will pick them up. Children take their cue from you.
Bring comforts from home
A favourite blanket, soft toy or dummy, or an activity your child loves, like playdough, can help educators comfort your child.
Get to know the educators
Chat with your child's educators at drop-off. As your child sees you relaxed and friendly with them, they will feel safe too.
We'll keep in touch
If your child is upset for a long time, isn't eating or seems unwell, we will call you and agree a plan together.
Ready to take the next step?
Send us an enquiry and we will be in touch with tour times.