Epping’s Pre-school where children play, grow and learn together

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 between 3, up 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.

We have embraced the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and its principles in Belonging, Being and Becoming. This framework allows us to contribute to children’s worlds by using their interests, ideas, cultures, communities, and family adventures when planning learning experiences. These family adventures are a great addition to the program which children respond to positively, and extend their knowledge on a particular topic. Children feel very satisfied when sharing their adventures with their fellow peers.

Also when programming, our Pre-school's teachers and educators have developed a strong focus on individualised learning where children are observed on an individual basis. We then use these observations to plan experiences for a child based on their interests, abilities and their parent’s goals and feedback. These observations can be seen documented in your child’s Wombat or Koala learning areas, as well as in their developmental journals.

In accordance with our Pre-school’s philosophy, we have designed our program to offer a vibrant, flexible setting with spaces that are responsive to each child’s interest and abilities. We provide a developmentally appropriate environment in which each child can progress from one developmental stage to the next at their own pace. By working in partnerships and collaborating with families where everybody is valued, we believe we can provide a holistic approach to children’s learning and lives.

For the children in the Koala group that are preparing to attend school the following year, we have an extensive and thorough School Readiness Program. Our School Readiness Program begins in September and continues for the rest of the year, replacing rest time. This program includes:

• Pre-literacy skills
• Pre-numeracy skills
• Preparation for a smooth transition to school
• Introducing the concept of school to children
• Social and emotional preparation
• Developing communication skills
• General knowledge of the world
• Stimulating children’s interests in learning
• Developing an awareness of limits and rules and understanding why we have them
• Setting a foundation for school life
• Promoting independence, self-help skills and confidence
• Phonological awareness
• Developing a positive sense of self
• Developing receptive and expressive skills.

We challenge the children and support these skills throughout the year, however this program focuses more intensely on the children’s skills and abilities as the time draws nearer to them attending big school.

At Gum Tree Cottage Pre-School, all children participate in regular developmental programs as well as being offered opportunities to develop early literacy and numeracy skills. Our Pre-school provides a light, spacious, friendly environment, well equipped with toys and apparatus for indoor and outdoor experiences.

During the day, an educational program is provided, giving children the opportunity to make progress in various areas of development.

Your child’s day will typically include:

• A time where he or she is given free choice of activities. Please note that some experiences will be set up with specific goals in mind for each child to extend their development in particular areas, and to encourage their interests and enjoyment within the program.
• Small group times where children engage in specially prepared experiences.
• Expression sessions, including music, drama and dance.
• Meal times, sleep and rest time.
• Especially dedicated School Readiness Program for Koalas throughout September to December.