Our Philosophy
Play is essential to every child's learning and development. It enables children to make decisions, learn, take risks, and have fun. At our childcare centre, our experienced team plan play-based learning activities in line with national standards. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is designed to engage your child's interests and allow them to experience each day in a new way, supporting their learning in the lead-up to primary school.
The philosophy of the Cygnet Community Children’s Centre is centred around creating a safe and nurturing environment that provides children with ample opportunities to explore, learn and grow.
We believe in fostering curiosity and imagination through open ended activities and nature play. We encourage social development and the establishment of trust building relationships, with transparent boundaries to ensure that children feel safe and secure. We recognise the individuality of each child and their unique connection with the natural world and caregivers.
Families and communities are seen as primary caregivers, and their input is valued and respected. We acknowledge and celebrate the first nations people and the diversity of cultures within the community, emphasising cultural competence and sensitivity. At the Cygnet Community Children’s Centre, we see ourselves as part of a larger community and foster strong connections with families and community.
Our Educators are provided with professional development opportunities to enhance their ability to support children’s development and play, while our management is approachable and flexible, ensuring a supportive environment.
Our foundation is built on trust, relationships, safety, security, respect, community, and children’s voice.
We believe that positive engagement is key to children’s learning and growth, and we value the input of children, incorporating their voices into our programming and curriculum structure.
Our philosophy aligns with the theories of Howard Gardner and Reggio, emphasising the co-construction of knowledge through shared thinking, conversations, and interactions among children, supporting and encouraging them to be their best selves. We recognise and believe in the competence and capability of children as learners in their own right. We also ensure our staff remain up to date with contemporary practices. We also align with Jill Vialet’s theory of Playworks to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
At the Cygnet Community Children’s Centre, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment that encourages children to explore, learn and grow to their fullest potential.
Our philosophy has been inspired by:
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Code of Ethics (ECA), National Quality Framework (NQF), 100 Languages – Loris Malaguzzi and the principles of the Reggio Emilia Educational Approach, Lev Vygotsky, Claire Warden
Play works - Jill Vialet, Bronfenbrenner and Howard Gardner
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
The national curriculum framework for early childhood, the EYLF, establishes a view that characterises children's lives through belonging, being, and becoming.
Belonging
Forming a sense of belonging occurs as babies are born, with their family being their first teachers. Other significant relationships are then established as part of their extended family, friendship groups, early learning centre, and wider community.
Being
Being represents the importance of valuing the joys, challenges, and complexities of childhood in the present moment, rather than viewing the early years simply as preparation for the future.
Becoming
Becoming acknowledges the significant changes that occur in children's identities, knowledge, understandings, capacities, skills, and relationships in the early years as they work towards becoming active participants in society.
The EYLF places children's learning at the heart and encompasses three interconnected elements of principles, practices, and outcomes to guide pedagogy and curriculum decision-making. The five learning outcomes acknowledge variations in learning styles, development, and context, as well as the complex, integrated nature of learning as children progress towards the outcomes in their own meaningful ways.
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
With the guidance, support, and care of our experienced educators, our approach to early childhood education and care will provide children with a holistic experience abundant in diverse opportunities for meaningful play and learning.
Child Protection
At our centre, we’re dedicated to ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the children in our care. We're committed to creating learning environments where all children are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
As a Child Safe Organisation, we embed comprehensive child protection measures that apply to all team members, including leaders, volunteers and others who may represent our centre in any capacity.
