Our Philosophy
Our service philosophy is built on five key components
Belonging
At Fern Gully, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel safe, supported and inspired to explore the world around them. We nurture an environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging, forming deep connections with their families, educators, peers and the wider community.
Children are encouraged to be themselves, express their ideas and engage in meaningful experiences that shape their learning journey.
Learning Through Play
Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we take a holistic approach to child development, recognising that learning is interconnected and influenced by each child's unique background, interests and strengths.
We foster curiosity, persistence, creativity and cooperation so children develop the skills and confidence to navigate the world with resilience and joy. Play is at the heart of our approach, and we honour the right of every child to explore, relax and take part in a diverse range of cultural and educational experiences.
Families and Culture
As an inclusive and culturally rich community, we celebrate diversity and equity, ensuring all children and families feel respected and valued.
Families are a child's first and most important teachers. We build strong partnerships that support each child's growth in a way that is responsive to their cultural and individual needs, and our educators are committed to continuous learning and developing their own cultural competence.
Community and Advocacy
Beyond our immediate community, we seek meaningful connections with the wider world through cultural celebrations, community events and local collaborations that reflect respect, kindness and advocacy.
We aspire to empower children to become compassionate, socially responsible individuals who understand their own rights and advocate for the rights of others.
A Lifelong Love of Learning
We envision a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, with a strong sense of self, and looks forward to their journey with excitement and confidence.
Our goal is to provide a foundation that inspires lifelong learning, fosters a love of discovery and prepares children to contribute positively to the world around them.Our Program
Ages birth to school age | Open 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday | 28 places | Rated Meeting the National Quality Standard | Start Strong funding eligible | CCS approved
Early Years Learning Framework
The framework behind everything that we do
The Framework conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five learning outcomes:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators
The Framework provides broad direction for early childhood educators in early childhood settings to facilitate children’s learning.
The Framework is designed to inspire conversations, improve communication and provide a common language for young children’s learning among children themselves, their families, the broader community, early childhood educators and other professionals.
School Readiness
A holistic approach
At Fern Gully, we take a holistic approach to preparing children for primary school. In our Echidna Preschool Room, children take part in a daily transition-to-school program that builds foundation writing, pre-numeracy, cutting and pasting, and sequencing, matching and classifying skills.
A successful first year of school is the foundation for:
- Children's successful learning
- A strong school and family relationship
Starting school is exciting, but it can also bring some nerves. Our educators support each child's social, emotional and self-help skills, and document their learning throughout the year in an individual portfolio, with families encouraged to take part in this ongoing process.
Confident Learners
High-quality early education
At Fern Gully, we believe children progress well when they, their families and educators hold high expectations for their learning.
Children develop an understanding of themselves and their world through active, hands-on investigation. A supportive, active learning environment encourages children's engagement in learning.
Active involvement in learning builds children's understanding of concepts, and the creative thinking and inquiry skills that are essential for lifelong learning.
Healthy Habits
Fresh meals, every day
Early childhood is the ideal time for children to develop and practise healthy eating and physical activity habits. This includes learning fundamental movement skills that help children take part in, and enjoy, physical activity throughout their lives.
Establishing healthy habits from an early age gives children the best chance of leading a healthy life. Learning about nutrition, personal hygiene, physical fitness, emotions and relationships is integral to wellbeing and self-confidence, and physical wellbeing supports children's ability to concentrate, cooperate and learn.
At Fern Gully, fresh, nutritious meals are catered daily by Kids Gourmet Food (KGF), and children take part in Munch and Move experiences as part of our daily routine.
Our natural outdoor play spaces, surrounded by bushland, give children many opportunities to explore and build their gross motor skills.
Creative Learning and Play
Expression through creativity
At Fern Gully, children are encouraged to express themselves creatively through a wide variety of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Fine and gross motor skills are developed through manipulative play, block play, sensory play, dramatic play, drawing, and physical activities such as running and skipping.
Mathematics and science concepts, along with an appreciation of the natural world, are explored through block play, building, cooking, water play, sensory play, gardening and collecting natural materials such as leaves and rocks.
Language development is supported through educators modelling language, story time, games, poems and dramatic play.
Social, emotional and independence skills are strengthened through role-play, group games and self-help tasks, while music and movement support children's physical, social and creative development.
Road safety, hygiene, dental care and nutrition are all built into our program.
