PHILOSOPHY 2023
Follow the link to experience our Gunnedah Preschool Virtual Tour
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Here at Gunnedah Preschool, we acknowledge the Gamilaraay people – the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we gather to teach and learn.
We pay our respects to Elders – past, present and emerging.
Gunnedah Preschool offers quality education and care through a nurturing, play-based and child led program, to empower all children and celebrate their strength, resilience and capabilities. We believe social interactions shape children and their learning, recognising the power of wider learning circles – personal experiences, values and beliefs. We value and appreciate diversity, with a special focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Gunnedah Preschool is led by Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (V2.0) and the National Quality Framework. The principles of the Child Safe Standards are implemented as a part of the service’s practices and procedures to foster child safety and wellbeing.
We believe in the importance of teaching and engaging children through their interests, with an emphasis placed on fun, exploration and discovery. We seek to challenge children’s abilities and focus on set individual and group goals guided by a developmental checklist.
Goals and interests are programmed for through the following focuses:
- Munch and Move activities surrounding healthy eating and exercise, taking care of our bodies.
- Sustainable practices of recycling and repurposing to promote care and respect of the present and future environment.
- T.E.A.M – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematic education
- Literacy and numeracy activities developing pre-writing, pre-reading and mathematical skills.
- School Readiness concepts such as phonological awareness through the Heggerty Program, self-help skills, emotional regulation, cognitive challenges and social skills.
- Cooking experiences utilising fresh produce from the gardens and encouraging children to learn life skills through cooking.
- Emotions are nurtured and explored, with the expression of feelings encouraged to support children develop their emotional language, healthy emotional well-being and coping mechanisms.
- Risky Play challenges through gross and fine motor experiences.
- Community engagement and cultural inclusion through learning the Gamilaraay language, cultural practices and engaging with the local Indigenous community.
- Expression and creativity through the arts.
- Excursions utilising our preschool bus.
- Inclusive environments and learning for children with exceptional development ensuring experiences facilitate opportunities for learning and engagement.
On an end note… ‘we ensure the children have had the best day possible, with lots of fun and enjoyment, and they go home dirty at the end of the day!’
Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework
Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
Quality Area 2: Children’s health and safety
Quality Area 3: Physical environment
Quality Area 4: Staffing arrangements
Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Quality Area 7: Governance and leadership
