philosophy
At Grange Road Kindergarten we believe that strong reciprocal relationships are central to creating a successful kindergarten experience for children and their families. We value collaborative partnerships between families, children, teachers, educators, the Committee of Management and our community to foster a greater sense of belonging for all. Collaboratively, we work to create an environment where children feel safe, secure, respected and supported.
We acknowledge and welcome each child and each family’s uniqueness and diversities. At Grange Road Kindergarten we foster the importance of children developing an understanding and respect for themselves, others and the environment. We recognise that diversity contributes to the richness of our community and provides opportunities for different ways of knowing and being. We encourage the contribution of families within all aspects of the Kindergarten to strengthen the sense of community within our service. We strongly believe that being at Kindergarten should be a fun and happy experience for both children and their families.
Grange Road Kindergarten acknowledges the first peoples of this land where we learn and play, the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and make an ongoing commitment to authentically embedding Aboriginal culture within our Kindergarten environment and programs.
We value and encourage partnerships with other professionals and members of our broader community. Collaborating with these stakeholders provides support and strengthens the services we are able to provide children and families.
We recognise and value the importance of children being able to actively explore, engage and experience the natural environment and all it has to offer. We highly value outdoor experiences where children are appropriately challenged and encouraged to take considered risks in their play. We understand the importance of giving children the time to “just be” and connect with their environment and natural materials. At Grange Road Kindergarten we actively strive to ensure children have the opportunities to play, explore and learn whilst outdoors. Intentional teaching in and about the outdoors encourages an appreciation and respect for the environment, introduces sustainability practices and develops a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live.
At Grange Road Kindergarten we strive to create an environment where children are viewed as capable, competent co-contributors and we acknowledge them as active participants in their learning. We believe that having high expectations for all children gives them greater confidence in their own abilities, increases motivation to learn and in turn leads to a greater sense of pride. At Grange Road Kindergarten we are committed to providing high quality open ended and play based programs that are tailored to the individual needs of all children. Our programs celebrate children’s contributions, successes, mistakes and failures as we see all these moments as opportunities for learning. We strive to foster a joy of lifelong learning and equip children with a range of life skills, including resilience, confidence and independence.
We at Grange Road Kindergarten believe that children have a voice and a right to have their voice heard. We advocate strongly for children’s rights, whilst creating opportunities for children also to learn of their rights, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Grange Road Kindergarten is a Child Safe organisation with a strong, ongoing commitment to promoting and learning about child safety. Throughout our organization, we embed the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
At Grange Road Kindergarten, the National Quality Framework (NQF) and its included learning frameworks and standards underpin our philosophy, practices and programs.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with parents and their children on this journey – learning from them, sharing with them and guiding them as they become more aware of who they are (Being), learning and respecting how they fit in this world that we share (Belonging), and discovering what they are capable of (Becoming), through the continual process of growth and change.