Pre-School Vision & Philosophy

Forrest Early Years Centre offers a distinctive learning environment with a large focus on the outdoors and nature pedagogy in a small rural intimate setting. In collaboration with Forrest Primary School we endeavour to engage all children, teachers, support staff and families in working together as a learning community. We are dedicated to caring and supporting active participation, positive expectations and outcomes for all.

Each child is recognised as unique, with individual distinctions and needs and abilities.

We acknowledge and celebrate the variety of cultures and beliefs and endeavour to ensure that no stakeholder is discriminated against based on gender, age, race, religion, socio-economic status, ability, or culture.

Honesty is valued in all conversations and every staff member, child and parent has the right to voice their opinion and individual beliefs in an appropriate and courteous manner. All children are supported to develop their emotional intelligence in a safe and supportive environment through positive interactions with both their peers and educators.

Program planning is guided by the principles and practice, and the learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Frameworks, My Time, Our Place Frameworks for school aged children and the National Quality Standards.

We endeavour to be advocates for the children’s rights as set out by the United Nations – Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

Educators focus on child-initiated activities both indoors and out and intentional teaching ideas that foster children’s learning and give them the opportunities to build upon their existing skills.

Educators shall fulfil all duty of care requirements to ensure the health, nutrition, safety, and wellbeing of all children in care. We encourage play that promotes age appropriate risk taking for all children.

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We are committed to providing safe work practices following centre policies and procedures while endorsing a Child Safe organisation and environment including cyber safety and promote continuous improvement in the provision of quality and care.