OUR PHILOSOPHY
Children
We see children as co-constructors and researchers of their own learning, alongside educators who listen, scaffold, support and provoke the children’s thinking and ideas.
We see the early years as a crucial time in a child’s life where lifelong learning patterns are established.
We want the children in our care to grow with the knowledge of how to be empathic, thoughtful, considerate of others and their world, and to have a voice in their community which is valued.
We want the children to feel great about themselves and to develop their identity as both individuals and members of a group.
We believe that children learn best in a play based environment where abundant, open ended materials are available to enable the children to express their many languages for learning. We regularly use the word safe with the children to ensure that is how they feel at all times when at Willmore. We believe that children need to feel safe and connected in order to learn.
The Environment
We provide an environment that is beautiful as we believe that children deserve to be surrounded by beauty.
We display the children’s work with respect as we want them to know their work is valued.
We imbed sustainable practises in our program through recycling, our worm farm, gardening and caring for all of the living elements in our space.
Families
We work closely with families to learn about their child and their own unique story.
We collaborate with parents and carers about our curriculum to achieve learning which respects the diversity in our centre.
We treat all families equally, inclusively and with respect.
Community
We are connected to our community and have long established partnerships with businesses and schools.
We support the community with thoughtful endeavours which enable the children to have a voice, to make a difference.
We work in collaboration with professionals to best support the children attending Willmore.
Teachers
We love seeing the children experience joy in their day with calm educators who can guide gently. Our teachers are influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, Vygotsky and Bruner.
We engage in regular professional development. We utilise the EYLF, Building Waterfalls and the National Quality Standards to guide our practise.
We embrace environmental education and learning outdoors, we encourage the children to take risks and challenge themselves constantly.
We pride ourselves in having a growth mindset.
We critically reflect regularly and support each other in our practise.
We advocate and educate at every opportunity the importance of young children and to give them a voice.
