Philosophy

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.