Philosophy

Being, Belonging, Becoming

Isabel Henderson Kindergarten is an inclusive, nature based community kindergarten that provides a language-enriched play-based program to support the holistic development of every child. We value diversity, equity and sustainable environmental practices as well as encouraging children to be active participants in their own learning.
We believe that play is crucial for children’s ongoing learning and development. Play enables children to explore, discover, experience, communicate, observe, reflect, imagine, create, collaborate, cooperate and problem-solve as they learn about their world, each other and themselves. Children are encouraged to exercise agency, initiate play ideas, focus their attention and achieve intrinsic satisfaction through play.

Our program is underpinned by the principles of the Early Years Learning Frameworks and we acknowledge and support children to become critically aware, active global citizens. The curriculum emerges from children’s interests within the context of our language-enriched play-based program, and we encourage scientific and inquiry-based learning with particular focus for nature. Children’s learning is extended through a combination of child initiated and adult guided experiences.

We provide a range of open-ended, unstructured, natural play materials that support exploration and holistic learning. Emphasis is placed on the process of learning and creativity rather than the end product. Our natural environment is fundamental to our approach and we believe that children benefit from experiencing seasonal change and unstructured physical play in nature. We acknowledge that traditional owners of this land, Wurundjeri, through nature creating awareness of our interconnectivity with the land and waterways fostering a positive regard for culture on country and a sense of responsibility towards other living things.

We endeavour to create a family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere at Isabel Henderson Kindergarten where all children and families feel safe and welcomed developing a strong sense of belonging. Multiple pathways exist for families to become meaningful partners in our kindergarten community and together we understand our duty of care to provide a safe, secure environment for all children to feel safe and free from harm.

We value good health and well being and promote the ‘Kids Go for Your Life’ and ‘Sun Smart’ programs.

We value parents’ contributions to our programs through communication and the Committee and in any way they feel comfortable.

Broad Goals

CHILDREN:

That positive self esteem and sense of identity is developed through an environment which encourages and develops confidence, resilience, independence, creativity and curiosity, communication skills and the expression of feelings in socially acceptable and appropriate ways
That diversity be respected and celebrated

PROGRAM:

That programs reflect the outcomes of the National Early Years Learning Framework.
That programs are carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of children.
That planning is based on observations of individual children
That experiences are child–centered, based on the child’s needs and interests.
That programs recognize the value of play in the learning process.
That the program offers children a wide range of opportunities in the creative arts.
That children are encouraged to explore, experiment and solve problems creatively with appropriate techniques and skills modelled.
That unstructured play materials such as clay, paint, water, mud, sand, blocks and a wide variety of creative and recycled materials are provided.
That the creative process is more important than the end product.
That children feel they are valued members of a group.

STAFF:

That the adults are encouraging and supporting, directly teaching, positively guiding and facilitating in play and social interactions.
That effective communication be developed within the kindergarten community and beyond.
That staff are respectful and caring of each other, the children and the kindergarten community.

ENVIRONMENT:

That the environment reflects the child’s needs for space, time, choice, challenges, materials and increased independence.
That the indoor and outdoor environment are equally important and that the outdoor environment is accessed in all weather.
That a respect for the environment be fostered and encouraged through recycling, using natural materials and collected objects.

PARENTS:

Parents’ views are supported and valued and, where possible, taken into consideration.
Parents are encouraged to contribute to the enhancement of the program, the Committee, rosters, the fundraising event and the Accreditation process.