Our Philosophy
We understand that children come to our Centre with their own perceptions and understandings of the world around them. We accept and value diversity and aim to create an environment where all children can feel a sense of belonging, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and we aim to support the village through our Community-Building Initiatives.
With Respect, We Learn and Grow Together
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are one of the oldest living cultures on earth. Padbury Education and Child Care Centre sits on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. Padbury Education and Child Care respectfully acknowledges First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners of lands across Australia and the Whadjuk Noongar People as custodians of the Boodja on which our early learning community comes together to work, play, learn and grow. We acknowledge and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, cultures and hopes of all traditional owners across the state. We honour First Nations Peoples’ enduring connections to Boodja (lands), Wardan (seas), Kayep (waters) and the community as we develop our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, traditions and living cultures through this learning journey together.
We believe that childhood is a magical time and should be celebrated. We recognise early childhood as a vital period in children’s learning and development, and we believe children learn best through play. Rich learning experiences and intentional teaching provide the cornerstone of our approach.
Our work is guided by attachment theory and the Pikler approach. We believe that children who are emotionally satisfied and have strong attachments develop trust in the world and become secure individuals who are more able to engage with the world around them. We view children as capable, competent co-contributors and acknowledge them as active participants in their own learning.
We wholeheartedly support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We commit to working in accordance with the Charter's articles and recognise the inherent dignity and equal rights of all children.
Children
Childhood is a magical time and will be respected. We believe that children:
- Are entitled to develop a strong sense of belonging and to feel safe and secure in their environment.
- Are unique, and each child is individually supported to reach their potential in an inclusive environment.
- Have a voice and are supported to feel confident expressing an opinion in matters that affect them.
- Learn through play when engaged in an interest-based curriculum, which allows for spontaneous and intentional teaching.
- Develop holistically and thrive when they have the opportunity to develop nurturing relationships.
- Discover and grow when they are in an environment that builds connections with nature.
- Have the right to have their physical and mental well-being supported and protected.
Educators
We believe in positive and effective work relations and that educators:
- Are bound to work within the core principles of the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics and will actively promote principles of fairness, equity and social justice.
- Recognise and acknowledge the vital role of families and communities in raising children.
- Are valued partners in teaching, and bring a diverse background of knowledge and areas of expertise.
- Are encouraged and supported in the pursuit of ongoing professional development.
- Excel when they are encouraged to reflect critically on their practice, philosophy and ethics.
- Are supported in their wellbeing and wellness and encouraged to engage with wellbeing programs
Families
We aim to develop and build upon mutually respectful partnerships and believe that families:
- Are the most influential people in a child’s life and are welcome within our centre, curriculum planning and governance.
- Open, respectful communication about the centre, and its practices supports family engagement and their sense of belonging.
- Are supported when we learn about, respect and respond sensitively to the uniqueness and diversity of each family and support their wellbeing.
- Have the right to equity, privacy and confidentiality.
Communities
We all belong to a wider community which benefits and grows when we:
- Learn together within an inclusive community.
- Promote the value of children’s contribution as citizens.
- Collaborate with people, services and agencies to develop learning contexts that support children and families.
- Are advocates for the rights of childhood and local and global issues.
- Foster and promote smooth transitions for children between home and the centre, other specialist services and school.
- Work collectively towards the resolution of environmental questions, issues and problems.
- Work together to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation.
We are also committed to our Community-Building Initiatives, which include maintaining our Community Library and facilitating regular Donation Drives.
Explore Our Early Learning Centre
Come and visit - we’d love to show you around! You’ll get to explore our play-based early learning facilities and meet our friendly team of educators.