LEARNING & LIFE AT WARATAH’S

At Waratah Early Learning Centre, we believe children are capable, curious learners who develop through meaningful relationships, play and exploration.

Our educators recognise each child as an individual, supporting their interests, strengths and learning styles while creating opportunities to develop confidence, independence and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

Our educational program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework — Belonging, Being & Becoming and built around play-based learning.

Children are given extended periods of uninterrupted play, allowing them to investigate, experiment, create, solve problems and learn alongside others.

Literacy and numeracy are incorporated naturally into everyday experiences, together with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

Our educators support and extend children’s ideas, encouraging them to ask questions, explore possibilities and develop their own understanding.

YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING JOURNEY

Children’s experiences and progress are documented and shared with families through the OWNA app, including observations, photographs and learning updates.

Families also receive developmental summaries throughout the year, providing a broader picture of their child’s progress, strengths and learning.

Regular communication gives families the opportunity to contribute, ask questions and remain connected with their child’s experiences at Waratahs.

WORKING ALONGSIDE FAMILIES

Families are valued partners in children’s learning at Waratah.

We encourage regular communication between families and educators and welcome parent and carer involvement in children’s learning goals and experiences.

Where additional support may be beneficial, Waratah can also work with families and relevant early childhood and community services to support individual needs.

CHILD SAFETY FIRST

Our service is committed to meeting the updated child safety reforms and upholding the NSW Child Safe Standards. Child safety is embedded in our leadership, policies, procedures and everyday practice, ensuring that children’s safety, wellbeing and rights remain our highest priority.

We maintain safe recruitment and ongoing employment practices, including completing all required Working With Children Checks, background checks, reference checks and staff screening before educators and staff commence work with children.

Our team undertakes regular child protection training, follows clear reporting and complaint-handling procedures, and continually reviews our practices to strengthen child-safe environments.

THE STUDIO

The Studio is our versatile, multi-purpose space, available for individual classes to use throughout the day. Designed to support both small- and large-group experiences, it provides a welcoming setting for music and movement, focused small-group learning, storytime and other engaging activities.

The Studio also allows us to host special in-house experiences, including visiting educational shows, community visits and live musical performances. This space gives the children exciting opportunities to learn, explore and be inspired beyond their everyday classroom environment.

BEYOND THE FENCE LEARNING

We believe meaningful learning happens both within and beyond the classroom. Our excursions provide children with opportunities to connect with the wider community, explore real-world environments and extend their learning in ways that complement our program.

These experiences may include ongoing visits to the Botanical Gardens, trips to the Return and Earn recycling depot, local community walks and other educational outings that build on children’s current learning. Through these experiences, children develop confidence, environmental awareness, social connection and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Learning & Life at Waratah’s