At Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool; we aim to provide a warm, caring, supportive environment where children feel happy and safe. We respect each child as a unique and capable individual. Every child has the right to quality education and care, regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, family structure, lifestyle, disability or gender. We acknowledge and show respect to the people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin and we are committed to respecting the diverse backgrounds of all children and their families and weaving these backgrounds into the fabric of our kindergarten, so that our kindergarten is a place of belonging for all.

Young children are naturally inquisitive and curious about the world around them; therefore, our educational program fosters and nurtures this curiosity by providing a broad range of stimulating experiences both indoors and outdoors. For many the educational aims of the program may not be obvious within an environment which appears to give children a great deal of freedom. As educators we respond to children’s ideas and play using intentional teaching to scaffold and extend each child’s learning. We reflect on children’s learning and development both as individuals and groups to regularly implement changes to our program. We place equal value on the indoor and outdoor environments when planning experiences. Both our indoor and outdoor environments are designed and organized to ensure access and participation by all children attending the service.

Children learn through play; it helps them to come to terms and make sense of their lives and the world around them. Play is therefore the basis of our preschool program as it encourages creativity, self-expression and independence. It also develops concentration, promotes problem solving skills and aids the development of speech through social interactions. Children are encouraged to extend their play in any direction they choose and to take appropriate risks.

Within our service we are also taking an active role to care for the environment and contribute to a sustainable future by teaching the children the importance or recycle, reuse and reduce. We also encourage the children to care for and respect our environment through natural play.

At Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool we follow the Early Years Learning Framework which describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming. Belonging is the basis for living and fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community and culture. Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just “be”, time to play, try new things and have fun. Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.

Our program is based on a balance between teacher and child directed experiences and activities. Throughout our program we aim to guide, support and assist children to achieve the five learning outcomes as stated in the Victorian Early Years Framework.

These outcomes are:

Children have a strong sense of identity.

Children are connected with and contribute to their world.

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.

Children are confident and involved learners.

Children are effective communicators.

It is our belief that children learn best when they feel positive about their own self-worth. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance in our teaching that each child learns to value themselves for what they are and what they can offer others. Staff model appropriate behaviours and provide guidance where necessary to help children socialize, develop respect for one another, assume responsibility for their actions and resolve conflicts.

The role of parents, families and staff is respected and supported through committees, staff induction and the continuity of educators at the service. The success of our program depends on this partnership between parents, community and staff. Our center is committed to open and constructive communication with families which includes discussion, portfolios, daily reflections and newsletters. It is not only the influence of preschool staff but that of parents, peers and community that helps to achieve the overall growth of the child.

Through commitment to continuous improvement, self-assessment, ongoing learning and reflective practices we aim to provide the best for your child’s welfare and education.

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the land throughout Victoria and pay our respects to the ongoing living cultures of First People.