Our philosophy
NATURAL
We value natural learning in natural environments. We support the children to engage in interest based, exploratory play – something that is intrinsically motivated and not forced upon the children. We believe that through these natural experiences, children are provided with opportunities to make connections, develop skills and share and deepen their understanding. Our full immersion in the natural environment and the everyday practices of bush craft skills reactivate our innate connection to nature.
Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education - David Polis
UNITED
We believe in the importance of relationships. The relationships between children, educators, families and the wider community are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding and are the foundation for everything we do. We believe that feeling a sense of belonging is crucial for everyone and by forming strong bonds with children and families, we create that by offering a safe and secure base for children and families. We believe that meaningful relationships bring opportunities for learning, sharing, acknowledging and celebrating differences. We strongly encourage family and community involvement through participation in our program, social events and our management committee. It is important that we support children to adopt values, attitudes and ways of living that will enable them to contribute effectively and positively to the community. Our team of educators takes time to connect with one another, share skills and ideas, advocate for children and build a professional approach to early childhood education, creating a strong sense of community.
RIGHT TO CHILDHOOD
We believe that every child has the right to a childhood. We believe that children should have long periods of uninterrupted time to dig in the dirt, climb trees, paint, daydream, hunt for bugs, splash in puddles, travel to imaginary worlds, explore with their hands and quite simply – PLAY! We believe that every child should be encouraged to live for today rather than always planning for tomorrow. We value authentic school readiness, where children are provided with quality tools and resources and are supported to develop a passion for learning. We believe that when children’s interests and ideas are respected and their curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm is supported – learning comes along for the ride.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein
THIRD TEACHER
We believe that the physical environment has a crucial role to play in children’s development, one that is referred to in Reggio Emilia, Italy, as “The Third Teacher”. An environment that acts to teach children can be described as a physical space that nurtures concentration, creativity and the motivation to independently learn and explore (McKellar, 1957) This is what we endeavour to provide in our environment. Choices about equipment, resources and the physical environment are made with the needs of the children, aesthetics and the effect on the natural environment in mind. We aim to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, stable, yet that changes to meet the needs and interests of the children. We foster a strong connection to, and respect for, the land.
UNIQUE
We believe that uniqueness is something to be embraced. We believe that all children, families and educators bring unique skills, interests, culture. abilities, ideas and ways of simply being, that contribute to our amazing centre. The Hundred Languages of Children Poem sums it up beautifully - The child has
a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking. We believe that valuing each person for who they are enables them to feel welcome and respected. We strive to provide a unique service to children, families and the community that reflects the diverse geographical context that we are part of.
RISK TAKING
We strongly value risk in the early years. We believe that when supported children are capable of making decisions about their risk taking in play. We encourage children to assess risk, challenge themselves and make discoveries. This can include riding down the hill on their bike or climbing one of our trees. Our educators believe it is not only possible, but essential to balance safety with risk and see the importance of risk in children’s development. We believe it is our responsibility to advocate risk taking in early childhood and to take risks ourselves. We believe that when educators take risks they open doors to new ideas, opportunities and understandings.
Risk is essential. There is no growth or inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable. Once you find out what is best, why not try something else?
- Alex Noble
EVOLVING
We believe in the importance of evolution. By continually reviewing and critically reflecting on our practices, environment, relationships and understandings, we are able to strive for excellence. We value professional development and ongoing education and believe that this enables our educators to feel valued and to provide a program that is inspired by many theories, approaches and ideas.
We value natural learning in natural environments. We support the children to engage in interest based, exploratory play – something that is intrinsically motivated and not forced upon the children. We believe that through these natural experiences, children are provided with opportunities to make connections, develop skills and share and deepen their understanding. Our full immersion in the natural environment and the everyday practices of bush craft skills reactivate our innate connection to nature.
Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education - David Polis
UNITED
We believe in the importance of relationships. The relationships between children, educators, families and the wider community are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding and are the foundation for everything we do. We believe that feeling a sense of belonging is crucial for everyone and by forming strong bonds with children and families, we create that by offering a safe and secure base for children and families. We believe that meaningful relationships bring opportunities for learning, sharing, acknowledging and celebrating differences. We strongly encourage family and community involvement through participation in our program, social events and our management committee. It is important that we support children to adopt values, attitudes and ways of living that will enable them to contribute effectively and positively to the community. Our team of educators takes time to connect with one another, share skills and ideas, advocate for children and build a professional approach to early childhood education, creating a strong sense of community.
RIGHT TO CHILDHOOD
We believe that every child has the right to a childhood. We believe that children should have long periods of uninterrupted time to dig in the dirt, climb trees, paint, daydream, hunt for bugs, splash in puddles, travel to imaginary worlds, explore with their hands and quite simply – PLAY! We believe that every child should be encouraged to live for today rather than always planning for tomorrow. We value authentic school readiness, where children are provided with quality tools and resources and are supported to develop a passion for learning. We believe that when children’s interests and ideas are respected and their curiosity, imagination and enthusiasm is supported – learning comes along for the ride.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein
THIRD TEACHER
We believe that the physical environment has a crucial role to play in children’s development, one that is referred to in Reggio Emilia, Italy, as “The Third Teacher”. An environment that acts to teach children can be described as a physical space that nurtures concentration, creativity and the motivation to independently learn and explore (McKellar, 1957) This is what we endeavour to provide in our environment. Choices about equipment, resources and the physical environment are made with the needs of the children, aesthetics and the effect on the natural environment in mind. We aim to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, stable, yet that changes to meet the needs and interests of the children. We foster a strong connection to, and respect for, the land.
UNIQUE
We believe that uniqueness is something to be embraced. We believe that all children, families and educators bring unique skills, interests, culture. abilities, ideas and ways of simply being, that contribute to our amazing centre. The Hundred Languages of Children Poem sums it up beautifully - The child has
a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking. We believe that valuing each person for who they are enables them to feel welcome and respected. We strive to provide a unique service to children, families and the community that reflects the diverse geographical context that we are part of.
RISK TAKING
We strongly value risk in the early years. We believe that when supported children are capable of making decisions about their risk taking in play. We encourage children to assess risk, challenge themselves and make discoveries. This can include riding down the hill on their bike or climbing one of our trees. Our educators believe it is not only possible, but essential to balance safety with risk and see the importance of risk in children’s development. We believe it is our responsibility to advocate risk taking in early childhood and to take risks ourselves. We believe that when educators take risks they open doors to new ideas, opportunities and understandings.
Risk is essential. There is no growth or inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable. Once you find out what is best, why not try something else?
- Alex Noble
EVOLVING
We believe in the importance of evolution. By continually reviewing and critically reflecting on our practices, environment, relationships and understandings, we are able to strive for excellence. We value professional development and ongoing education and believe that this enables our educators to feel valued and to provide a program that is inspired by many theories, approaches and ideas.
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