Our Approach to Early Learning

At Gowrie NSW, we focus on nurturing children’s growth through personalised, play-based programs that empower them to explore, discover, and engage with the world around them.

Our Approach to Early Learning

Our approach is built on strong, respectful relationships with families and educators, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and confident in their learning journey. Drawing on global research and best practices, we design learning programs that engage and inspire every child. Our focus is on laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning, ensuring every child’s journey is meaningful, enriching, and fun. We celebrate each child as a unique individual, capable of exploring, discovering, and learning at their own pace.

Program Foundations

Our curriculum is guided by four core foundations: Respectful Relationships, Intentional Play-Based Teaching, Empowerment, and Practitioner Inquiry. These foundations shape every aspect of our practice. From the moment your child enters our care, we empower them to be leaders in their own learning, and we prioritise forming strong relationships with families, ensuring you feel supported and involved in your child’s development every step of the way.

A Child-Centred Approach

At Gowrie NSW, we believe children are capable, competent, and active participants in their learning. We create an environment where children’s voices are heard, and they are empowered to make choices about their learning. Our goal is to foster a sense of trust, where each child’s potential is nurtured, and they feel confident and capable every step of the way.

Primary Educator Relationships

Our Primary Educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child and their family. This consistent bond allows children to feel secure and supported in their learning. Educators take the time to understand each child’s needs and interests, providing personalised and attuned experiences that promote independence and confidence. Strong partnerships with families are key to creating a nurturing environment where children feel a sense of belonging and emotional security.Our approach is built on strong, respectful relationships with families and educators, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and confident in their learning journey.

Gowrie NSW Program Foundations

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Empowerment

Empowerment is central to our program. We recognise the strengths, talents, and unique qualities of every child. At Gowrie NSW, we embrace and celebrate the diversity of families and communities, respecting the differences that make us stronger.

Our educators empower children to actively engage with their local community. Through excursions, community events, and actively seeking children’s opinions, we provide opportunities for children to explore, problem solve, and express themselves.

Respectful Relationships

At the heart of our approach is a strong focus on respectful relationships and secure attachments. These relationships support the wellbeing, identity, and confidence of every child as a learner. Through primary educator relationships, each child and family has a dedicated, trusted educator who understands and supports their individual needs. This connection ensures children feel safe to express their emotions, ideas, and feelings, fostering a sense of belonging and security.

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Intentional Play-Based Teaching

Play is at the core of childhood learning. Our educators have a deep understanding of children’s play and exploration, viewing it as the foundation for holistic, connected learning.

They plan with intention, using observations of children’s play to guide interactions. Our educators join in children’s play as co-players, seizing teachable moments, engaging in shared conversations, and scaffolding learning to deepen understanding.

We approach play-based teaching with a sense of wonder, recognising it as the powerful tool it is for building curiosity, problem-solving, and social skills.

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Practitioner Inquiry

Educators continually question, and reflect on their own practice, look at current research and include evidence-based practice in their curriculum decision making.

They are change agents for impactful early childhood education. As change agents, our educators advocate for children and the early childhood profession. They engage in ongoing professional development, share knowledge with peers, and are constantly exploring innovative ways to enhance learning experiences.

This commitment to inquiry creates a dynamic, responsive learning environment where each child is supported to thrive in their own unique way.

Learn More about our Program Foundations

Learning in the Early Years

We understand that children’s needs evolve as they grow. That’s why our Early Education and Preschool programs are thoughtfully designed to support each stage of your child’s development. Discover how we nurture and guide your child through every step of their early years.