Orange Grove Public School Preschool - Philosophy
At Orange Grove Public School Preschool (OGPS PS), an integral part of Orange Grove Public School (OGPS), we endeavour to implement a child-centred program that is centred around play based learning and reflects the fundamental principles outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework, “Belonging, Being and Becoming”.
We strive for children, families, educators and the local community to feel a sense of Belonging within our preschool setting and as part of the school as a whole. We are committed to building respectful, reciprocal and genuine relationships and partnerships with families based on our belief that families are children's first and most influential teachers. In addition, we value the partnerships we continue to build with preschools in our community of schools network and local services, these assist us and provide resources to our families. We work with all children, families and the community to ensure ongoing, open and honest communication and offer opportunities for shared decision making. The valuable knowledge and skills from these partnerships are used to enhance our preschool program.
Our preschool recognises, respects and promotes the importance of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and all of the cultures, languages and values which families bring to our centre. We honour the histories, child rearing practices and lifestyle choices of families, ensuring all feel welcome and included.
At OGPS PS we recognise the significance of the here and now in children's lives. Our program is flexible, balanced and geared to minimise interruption so that everyday experiences allow children to enjoy Being. Children are given opportunities to get to know themselves, build and maintain relationships with others and make meaning of the world around them. We recognise the individuality and uniqueness of each child and our experiences at OGPS PS reflect this. Our social and emotional learning programs support and promote the development of strong social skills, whilst the initiatives we engage through various programs enhance children's physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
While the children are actively engaging in meaningful learning experiences at OGPS PS, the children are Becoming more capable, competent and confident learners. Their time at preschool offers extensive opportunities and challenges for children to explore, learn and develop relationships. We believe that preschool should be an enjoyable and fun place for children to be. We see children as active participants in their own learning and aim to provide environments and experiences that facilitate and support this. Through observations of children’s needs and interests and by using their thoughts and ideas, we are able to provide a rich and nurturing program, which stimulates imagination and creativity, develops physical skills and creates a positive environment, where social and communication skills flourish. Current interests, strengths and abilities are celebrated, challenged and built upon. We provide resources, which support children to form connections, to explore, create, construct and solve problems.
Children feel their highest potential when they, their families and educators hold high expectations. We believe that all children are capable and resourceful when provided with a child-directed, play-based learning environment, which celebrates their discoveries, creativity and problem-solving skills. Children are able to develop confidence and positive self-esteem when they know their contributions are valued.
At OGPS PS we engage in ongoing learning and reflective practices. Ongoing observation, documentation and reflection, provide information to assist staff in developing programs for individuals and the whole group. Educators continually seek ways to build their professional knowledge. We strive to implement contemporary beliefs alongside research based early childhood pedagogy. Educators aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children.
By effectively utilising space and resources, we support the development of children who can make choices, think independently, explore ideas, appreciate beauty, respect diversity, ask questions and feel nurtured and safe. The rich natural environment, which surrounds our whole school community, is an asset, providing us with an integral learning element of the children’s lives, with opportunities to develop a positive respectful attitude towards our sustainable future.
Our statement of philosophy is seen as a living document, continually evolving in the light of new research, the ideas of team members along with input from children and their families.