Our Philosophy

Belonging, being & becoming

We are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework – Belonging, Being and Becoming which underpins all our educational learning programs and practice. Our commitment to providing a warm and welcoming environment and fostering a sense of belonging, enables all children to thrive and realise their potential. To belong is to feel included. Belonging helps all children develop a strong sense of identity, wellbeing and the ability to learn.

Our Philosophy

The voice of the child

Our vision respects children as valuable members of our community in which they have a right to be heard. We view children as active participants and decision makers, which enables us to move beyond preconceived expectations about what children can do and learn (EYLF). We view the child as filled with potential and wonder, curious, capable, resilient, as having a 100 Languages – a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking and seeing, of marvelling and dreaming (Loris Malaguzzi).

Learning environement

Our learning environments are welcoming spaces that reflect and enrich the lives and identities of children and families who are a part of the EWP community. They are vibrant, flexible spaces that are responsive to the interests and abilities of each child. Our learning spaces invite children and families to contribute ideas, interests and questions and invite discovery as children explore, investigate, imagine and create.

We encourage all children, supporting them to build upon their interests and ideas, which provide the foundation for our emergent program. When children have the chance to investigate and solve problems together with their teachers, their thinking and learning is enriched. Inquiry is a central component in effective learning, not only in childhood but throughout life (EYLF). We value and build on children’s strengths, skills and knowledge to ensure their motivation and engagement in learning.

Relationships matter

‘When children feel safe, secure and supported they grow in confidence to explore and learn’ (EYLF). We value our partnerships with our families and focus on building genuine relationships with each child’s family. This enables us to have open communication about all children’s learning and development. Our partnerships are based on the foundation of understanding each other and on the strength of each other’s knowledge. Such partnerships enrich our preschool community and facilities a culture of collaboration. When families collaborate with educators about curriculum, it ensures that learning experiences are meaningful. We know that children thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning.

Children have a strong sense of identity

Children learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities. Relationships are the foundation for the development of identity (EYLF). In partnership with Emanuel Synagogue we are a pluralistic community that is welcoming to all. We offer an inclusive environment with a rich Jewish heritage for our preschool children and children’s children well into the future. We joyfully celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) every week, the Jewish Festivals and traditions throughout the year, which form an integral part of our program.

Holistic approach

Our holistic approach to teaching and learning recognizes the connectedness of mind, body and spirit. We focus on the development of a strong sense of wellbeing which provides children with confidence and optimism which maximise their learning potential and engagement with their world. Our holistic approach brings attention to children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning. We view children’s learning as integrated and interconnected.

We care for the environment

We care about our environment and embed nature in all that we do. Through our Bush Kinder nature program we bring nature into the hearts and lives of our children and develop an awareness and culture of reduce, recycle and re-use. We find ways for children to care for and learn from the land. Sustainability is embedded into our program and in this way we instil a lifelong commitment of caring for our world.

Our big heart

« All that we do is done with genuine warmth and care for each individual child and their families. »

Nothing without Joy

Loris Malaguzzi