The program developed at Horsley Kids is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of Early Childhood Learning. We believe play is essential for children to learn, and the best learning experiences happen when children choose what they want to do. This is called “self-directed play”.

Through meaningful outcome-based activities, open ended questioning and discussions, each child is encouraged to learn and develop their own natural curiosity. Children will develop the skills to become self-confident, self-motivated and self-disciplined. Children will have the opportunity to grow at their own pace and develop a respect for others in a non-sexist environment.

Activities in each classroom are designed to enhance learning and engage in high level thinking. Through exposure to a variety of media and expressive materials, children are free to choose, explore, observe, create and learn in a literacy-rich environment.

At Horsley Kids, we believe in each child’s capacity to succeed. We aim to provide inclusive programs to ensure positive outcomes for all children.

Since learning comes through activities that children enjoy, a positive attitude toward school will be established, forming a positive basis for future education.

At Horsley Kids, parents play an active role in their children’s development and learning. The wealth of ideas and skills that parents bring to the Centre and even more importantly, the exchange of ideas between parents and teachers, favours the development of even better ways to educate children in our care. Educators will develop and maintain open, communicative relationships with the families of the service, and at all times will remain professional.

At Horsley Kids we believe in high quality care and education for all children. We will reflect and incorporate the needs of our families, staff and the community in order to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all who utilise our service.

We recognise that our educators are the most important factor in providing a high quality standard of education and care for each child. So educators are encouraged to continually seek ways to build on their professional knowledge and practice through professional enquiry, reflective practices and professional development.

At Horsley Kids we provide an exemplary model of Early Childhood Education.

CENTRE GOALS:

• To provide a warm, safe, caring, stimulating, and fun learning environment that:
  • meets the individual developmental needs of each child;
  • is one in which children, families and educators feel that they belong; and
  • is representative of the wider community.

• We provide a curriculum that encourages curiosity, imagination and investigation.

• The program fosters: personal and social development, gross motor and physical development, cognitive and memory skills, fine motor and coordination skills, creative and imaginative skills, and language and intellectual development.
  

• For educators to provide a curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework in partnership with children and families, that:
• takes into account every child’s abilities and strengths;
• fosters their natural curiosity; and
• encourages them to participate in a lifelong journey of learning.
• A multicultural and anti-bias curriculum is included in the program, in which all children are treated as equals regardless of gender, race and abilities.

• For children, educators and families to learn to respect the differences in each other, to value the diversity of e very culture within the centre and wider community, and to share traditions with respect and appreciation.

• For educators to:
  • work as a team;
  • Educators will always interact with children in a positive, friendly and nurturing environment.
  • to value and respect, each other with guidance, ongoing support and encouragement to reach their potential;
  • and contribute equally to create a cohesive environment that reflects a sense of being, belonging and becoming.
  • carefully listen, observe and document children’s work in their classroom.
  • work together as a positive supportive and collaborative team.
  • connecting to and respecting our natural environment;
  • role modelling sustainable practices; and
  • sharing and gaining knowledge with our families, local and wider community
  • We value families as the first teachers of children, and therefore will encourage, communicate and facilitate their participation and involvement in their child’s learning journey within the centre’s environment.

National Quality Standards

The curriculum planned at Horsley Kids appreciates and reflects the interests, uniqueness and the developmental needs of all children in the centre, whilst maintaining a high level of care and professionalism. We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy

• High quality security
• Air conditioned- open learning spaces
• A smoke-free environment
• interested based learning- emergent curriculum
• developmentally appropriate experiences and activities
• highly qualified and experiences Educators and Director
• high quality programming and supervision
• exceeding rating service
• Menu set by a certified paediatric Dietician
• Soft-fall grounds for all children’s play areas
• Shade cloth areas for all weather protection
• Parking facilities with covered entrance