About us
Epping’s caring and stimulating Pre-school
Who we are
Gum Tree Cottage Pre-School is a privately owned and operated pre-school, licensed and supervised by the NSW Department of Education and Communities under the National Quality Framework (NQF). Our Pre-school was established in November 1993 and provides care for 36 children daily, aged 3 to 6 years.
We are registered with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) to participate in the National Quality Standards (NQS). The NQS sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care services and gives pre-schools and families a better understanding of a quality service. This also enable families to make informed decisions about pre-schools that provide education and care to their child.
The NQS is a key aspect of the National Quality Framework and was informed by research about best practice and the way in which high-quality education and care contributes to positive outcomes for children. It comprises quality areas, standards and elements.
During the month of March 2016, we have completed the National Quality Standards Rating & Assessment process and we have been rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standards.
We are very proud of our achievements and are dedicated to continuously improving and providing the highest possible care for your children.
Our Staff
Our educators have knowledge, training and experience in early childhood education and care. The educators work as a team and are committed to making your child's day happy, safe and educationally stimulating.
At Gum Tree Cottage Pre-school, we are all qualified educators with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching or the Associate Diploma or Diploma in Social Science of Child Studies. We have a wealth of experience in taking good care of children and continue to increase our knowledge of Child Studies by attending in-services throughout the year.
All educators hold a current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training and Child Protection training certificate, and work as a team, sharing responsibilities, decision making, planning and implementing programs.
Call us today on(02) 9873 2615
to arrange a private tour around our caring Pre-school!(it can be arranged any weekday morning preferably around 10 or 11 am)
Settling in
This is as individual as your child. It may take a few weeks for your child to settle in, or your child may have periods of distress even after attending the pre-school for a while – this is natural. Parents are welcome to stay at the pre-school as long as they want to.
Sometimes it may be better to leave your child but return early – it depends on your child. Please consult the educators if you are worried or unsure. Never leave your child without saying goodbye and please ring us throughout the day if you are worried.
Birthdays
Birthdays are a time of celebration and are very important events in a child’s life which is why we like to make them as enjoyable as possible. You are welcome to send a cake or cupcakes along on your child’s birthday, so that they can celebrate amongst friends. If you wish for their cake to include candles, please provide a separate cupcake to prevent the spread of germs when the child blows those out. We ask that the cake or cupcakes are left with us in the morning. You are welcome to join the party at 2.30pm for Koalas of up to 20 children, or 2.50pm for Wombats of up to 16 children. Please do not send lolly bags as this is against our Nutrition Policy.
Rest time
Children wishing to go to sleep are given the opportunity to do so, and we welcome them to bring along their favourite soft toy at this time. Educators play a range of music and create a quiet, relaxing atmosphere for rest time. Rest time is needed to help children relax and unwind from their busy morning schedule. It enables them to have a more positive afternoon and be a happier child at home with you at the end of the day. Children who are not asleep are able to do a quiet activity such as reading, drawing or playing with relaxation toys.
Sickness
Gum Tree Cottage Pre-school cannot provide care for sick children, especially those with contagious illnesses, so we ask for you to please keep your sick children at home. Parents must inform educators if their child requires medication whilst in our care. You will need to fill in and sign a medication form with an educator who will assess all details. Medication must be clearly labelled and in its original packaging. It will be stored safely and correctly by educators and must never be left in the child’s bag.