Our Philosophy

Our image of the child is that they have a passion for relationships, activity, exploration, and discovery; and with an inborn expectation of how the world should be.

Our role is to make sure these expectations are met and to provide a service to children and their families. To offer love and support traditionally provided in extended families and community networks and to provide the children with guidance, care, and protection. Our role is to facilitate the development of each child’s unique aptitudes, skills, and interests. We provide opportunities that enable each child to reach his or her full potential as an individual and as a contributing member of his or her family and community.

In order for children to grow and develop to their full potential they need to develop trust in themselves and others through attachment relationships. They need to have their physical needs met by positive and caring adults with whom they have loving relationships. They need the opportunity to play and to explore the environment without fear of harm, under the guidance of respectful adults who are willing collaborators in their development. The environment must be responsive to the interests and abilities of each child.

Both the human and physical environments have a major influence on the development of children. The human environment needs to be characterised by respectful, responsive, and reciprocal interactions. The physical environment needs to be safe, to offer challenges and opportunities for problem solving, and to promote the health and emotional well-being of each child.

Children’s development is influenced by the social and cultural context in which they live. Children need continuity and stability with regard to expectations and child rearing practices, they need to know that there is mutual respect and understanding between their family and the child care staff, and that  individual family differences are considered and welcomed.

We consider that we are all spiritual beings and children have a thirst for answers to meet their individual spiritual needs. We meet those needs in a Christian context, at the appropriate level each child is able to understand. To ensure consistency and no confusion for the children of the message we provide, it is important that families and the centre both promote the same Christian message.

Children and families using the program need to feel part of their local community, and the program has a duty to foster links between the children, their families, and the community. This is achieved with reflection and a commitment to improvement on all levels, using the principles and learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework.

Caregivers have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of the children and their families in the broader community and to make contributions to policy debates that have an impact on the children and families.