North Nowra Preschool Philosophy
Our Child First Statement
At North Nowra Preschool, children come first. We believe every child has the right to feel safe, respected, valued and heard. Children’s wellbeing, rights, needs and best interests guide all decisions, practices and interactions within our service. We recognise children as capable and active participants in their world. Through strong, respectful relationships, we listen to children’s voices, advocate for their agency and prioritise their safety, sense of belonging and wellbeing in everything we do.
Our Commitment to Country
At North Nowra Preschool, we deeply respect and acknowledge the Wodi Wodi People as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn, and play. Respecting and learning from Country and recognising that kinship connects people and all living things. We believe in sharing connections, knowledge, and advocating for reconciliation, change, and inclusion. Being meaningful in our relationships and teaching to promote First Nations people’s Heritage and traditions.
“Eli: “Our Acknowledgement, we live on this earth”.
Our Children
We understand children are capable and active citizens in their world. Celebrating each child's uniqueness and strengths in their learning and development. Advocating for children’s agency, rights, and needs through meaningful and responsive relationships. We delight in children’s company and value their voices. Holding the responsibility to keep children happy and safe is paramount. This is reflected in our relational pedagogy, practices, and curriculum. Being child-focused and attuned to children’s needs reinforces a sense of worth and belonging.
What does it mean to be kind? Cohen: “Be nice”, Lilianne: “You can help people with things”.
Families
We value the importance of children’s families and participate in reciprocal relationships to promote greater outcomes for children’s well-being and development. We invite and encourage parents' voices into our curriculum, representing and respecting family life and aspirations. We work collaboratively with families through open, respectful communication, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.
Community
We believe in actively participating, helping and supporting each other in our community for a commitment to the greater good. We strive to be culturally responsive by fostering a safe, inclusive space where all individuals feel supported and respected. We lay the foundation for a strong sense of being, belonging, and becoming. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs of the children, families, educators, and the wider community.
Wellbeing
At North Nowra Preschool, we believe that the wellbeing of all children, families, and educators is fundamental. Everyone has the right to feel safe, supported, and valued. We take a holistic approach to wellbeing, supporting our learning community's emotional, physical, and mental health. Co-regulation is essential in helping children understand and regulate their emotions. Children are supported to engage in meaningful rest, relaxation, and mindfulness each day as part of our approach to balance and wellbeing. Fostering healthy eating habits through the concept of "everyday food".
Our Environment
We believe our indoor and outdoor learning environments should be inviting, engaging, natural, and sustainable. All learning environments extend each other and support play, inclusive learning and holistic development at all ages and stages. Imparting fascination and care for the natural environment to feel connected to nature and reap the benefits of enhancing learning and wellbeing. Learning environments reflect children's voices and spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Always fostering active engagement and a sense of belonging. Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in daily practice. Teaching and using hands-on learning to develop environmentally responsible behaviours, empowering a sense of responsibility, wonder, and connection to the care of our natural world.
Educators
At North Nowra Preschool, we believe in providing responsive and nurturing learning and care. We prioritise building trusting, secure relationships between educators and children, grounded in warmth, consistency, and respect. The National Quality Framework guides our educators, the Early Years Learning Framework, the Child Safe Standards, the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues. These frameworks support a culture of professionalism, ethical practice, and child-centred decision-making. Valuing open communication, teamwork and engaging in collaborative relationships. By recognising and learning from each other's strengths and abilities, our educators work together to provide high-quality care and education through a reflective, supportive, and professional approach.
Curriculum
At North Nowra Preschool, we understand that play is the vessel for children’s learning. We value co-programming and see children as active participants in their learning. Being present and embracing the magical moments through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. The curriculum is strengths and interest-based to enhance a love of learning and unique learning dispositions. Our routines and daily practices are responsive, child-led and flexible to meet the needs of children’s exploration. We are committed to inclusiveness in all aspects of our practice, recognising and celebrating the diversity within our community. Our programming, pedagogy, and learning environments are shaped by the social and cultural contexts of the children and families we work with, ensuring equity and respect for every child's background and identity. Our approach and curriculum are informed by various early childhood theories and perspectives. Educators draw on the work of theorists such as John Bowlby (attachment), Lev Vygotsky (social constructivism), Urie Bronfenbrenner (ecological systems theory), and Jean Piaget (cognitive development) to support a rich, informed, and dynamic approach to children's learning and development.
Statement of Commitment to Child Safe standards
Our Service, educators and staff are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We understand our responsibilities and statutory duty of care to implement the National Child Safe Principles and embed the Child Safe Standards to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse. We are committed to implementing our Child Safe Environment Policy incorporating the Child Safe Standards. This policy accentuates our zero tolerance for child abuse and raises awareness about the importance of child safety and protecting children who have experienced or are at risk of significant harm, abuse or neglect within our Service and the broader community.
We ensure all staff, volunteers and students engaged at our Service are suitable to work with children and young people through rigorous employment procedures and Working with Children Checks. We uphold our commitment to follow the Child Protection Policy, ensuring compliance with mandatory reporting and the Reportable Conduct Scheme responsibilities to safeguard children from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect.
We are dedicated to promoting cultural safety and providing an inclusive environment for all children and young people, including First Nations Peoples, children with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, disabilities, gender identity and/or diversity. We believe all children are unique and have the right to be protected against discrimination, harm and abuse. We support ongoing professional development for employees to maintain clear boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour and their ability to distinguish and respond to situations of abuse and neglect.
We work in collaboration with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and educate children on their right to be safe, empowering them to voice any concerns they may have. We encourage children to express their views and opinions on matters that affect them and provide them with guidance on what to do if they feel unsafe. The Service policies and procedures are developed with the children’s voice to help keep all children safe from harm and abuse.
We value communicating regularly with families, carers and the community to assist with input towards the review of our policies and procedures, ensuring continuous improvement to child safe practices.