Southwold Street Kindergarten

At Southwold Street Kindergarten we have a strong awareness of the wider community and the importance of belonging, which is reflected in our learning environment.  We embrace diversity and believe in the preservation of family culture, languages and traditions.  We acknowledge and respect the land of the Wurundjeri people who are part of the Kulin Nation on whose land we are privileged to be situated.  We pay tribute to the elders past and present.

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, educators are committed to the right of all children to feel safe and be safe at all times.  We comply with the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards, including:

–   Promoting the safety of all children and their families.

–   Promoting the safety of children with a disability.

–   Promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children.

–   Promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We as educators, have respectful relationships and value each educator’s wealth of knowledge, commitment and dedication as professionals.  All Educators at this centre adopt a professional approach in regards to confidentiality, respect and ethical conduct at all times.  Educators are provided with ongoing professional development to ensure we continue to provide a quality service.

Children are individuals who learn at their own pace; they are competent, confident and capable learners with enquiring minds for knowledge.  We plan for each individual child and for the collective kindergarten group with tailored programs underpinned by our centre philosophy, the EYLF and the VEYLDF.  We support a play-based learning environment which fosters and promotes children as confident and competent learners.  Children are encouraged to explore, engage and be stimulated by their kindergarten environment.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) support’s and guides our practice and philosophy at Southwold Street Kindergarten.  These outcomes aim for children to become involved and confident learners, to have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, to be effective communicators, and feel connected to their world; a holistic approach to enhance children’s learning.

An emergent program is used alongside the permanent program, and modified in accordance to the children’s strengths, interests and abilities.  An emergent program encourages educators to communicate with children through sustained shared thinking and intentional teaching which actively promotes children’s learning.  Our educational program places equal importance on indoor and outdoor play spaces and experiences to support children’s learning.  Here at Southwold Street Kindergarten, we ensure interaction with the natural world occurs across all our learning environments.  Through these wonderful interactions children can be curious and adventurous and learn about their impact and place within the world around them.

We welcome and respect parents/families interactions and acknowledge that children come to our service with existing knowledge.  Southwold Street Kindergarten recognises that families play an important role as their child’s first teacher.  We value the active participation of families in their children’s program and encourage families to share their skills and expertise through spending time at the kindergarten.  Our kindergarten actively collaborates with the local community and inter-disciplinary services, such as the Preschool Field Officer and Maternal & Child Health Nurse.  We believe in the importance of collaboration and professional partnership with our local schools to support transition to school.

3YO & 4YO Registration