Botany Park Philosophy

Our Mission:

At Botany Park Preschool we strive to foster a welcoming, child-safe and inclusive environment where all children can be who they are and be a part of our community while exploring and discovering their world with the support of caring educators who partner with families to achieve the best for every child.

Our Vision:

At Botany Park Preschool we believe that children learn best when they feel safe and happy. The teaching team extend and continue our own learning journeys to continue improving our practice through reflection and feedback and to promote a love of learning for our whole community.

Children:

At Botany Park Preschool, we believe every child has the right to a positive kindergarten experience, including:

  • Feeling safe and secure and supported
  • To voice their ideas and be involved in decision making 
  • Having fun and enjoying their time at preschool
  • To be provided with opportunities to engage with others respectfully and to explore and discover
  • Continuing to learn, experiment and test ideas through play
  • Engaging respectfully with others and exploring the world around them

Families:

We believe that families are children’s first teacher and the expert on their child.

  • We work in partnership with families to support their child to be the best they can be
  • Our open-door approach ensures families can connect with us in the way that works for them
  • We value families feedback and voices
  • Our kindergarten only survives thanks to our parent volunteers who run our kindergarten 
  • We learn from our families, respect all cultures, and celebrate diversity by consulting with families to ensure we work in a kind, considerate, and respectful manner

Educational Team:

We are a small, experienced team who work together to provide a nurturing and supportive learning environment

  • As a team, we work together with a common goal, supporting the best outcomes for children and families
  • We believe in the importance of continuity of staff with educators filling in for each other when possible
  • We are passionate learners, committed to continually growing our skills, knowledge, and practice.
  • We work collaboratively, modelling positive relationships with both children and families to foster supportive and inclusive environments

Community:

At Botany Park Preschool we pride ourselves on being a community kindergarten. Families are invited to celebrate special events throughout the year, including a whole kindergarten end-of-year celebration

  • Families often meet up for a play and a chat after the kindergarten session at the park across the road
  • Throughout the year, community members and services visit our kindergarten through planned incursions
  • Educators participate in meetings and professional development sessions with local groups

Our Curriculum:

At Botany Park Preschool we pride ourselves on providing inviting learning spaces providing children with opportunities to explore and grow. 

  • Our programs blend play-based learning with intentional teaching, providing a balance of child-directed, guided, and adult-led experiences, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework
  • We plan our programs collaboratively, viewing 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten as a two-year journey. Programs are tailored to each child and group’s unique needs and interests
  • Learning together, we incorporate First Nations perspectives into our curriculum while supporting children to celebrate cultural diversity and practice respect, acceptance, and kindness
  • A focus on social and emotional learning helps children build confidence and resilience
  • We provide opportunities for rest and relaxation into our day
  • Fine and gross motor skills are developed through play, exploration, and intentional teaching
  • We learn about our environment, sustainability and taking care of it and each other
  • Road safety education is explored in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
  • Body safety and children’s rights are taught to empower children and promote child safety and wellbeing
  • Problem solving, thinking skills, and mathematical concepts are woven into everyday experiences
  • Literacy learning is embedded in play, communication, and exploration
  • Music and movement experiences nurture creativity, joy and self-expression

Our service philosophy has been guided by UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Child Safe Standards in conjunction with guiding National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, National Quality Frameworks, ECA code of ethics and Early years learning framework 2.0