Our Program and Approach
At KU Koala, our educational program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and our knowledge of early childhood theory and practice. We recognise the importance of play-based learning and intentional teaching, and place great importance on relationships to ensure an optimal learning environment for young children.
We recognise the need for natural and constructed environments, both indoor and outdoor, and the importance of open-ended spaces that provide children with opportunities for interaction, spontaneity, risk taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature.
Through close connections and interactions with children and careful observations of their learning and development, we gain in-depth knowledge about the strengths, needs and interests of each child. This knowledge forms the basis of our curriculum and learning environment.
At KU Koala, our program offers children the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences and activities. We aim for all children to develop secure reciprocal relationships with their educators and peers. We want the children to grow up to be confident people who respect diversity and make a valued contribution to society. Partnerships with families and strong attachments with children are the foundation of our program. Educators have been trained in the ‘Circle of Security’, a specific program based on attachment theory and have a thorough understanding of the importance of supporting children to feel secure within the environment.
We greatly value the strong relationships between our staff, children and families, and we look forward to the opportunity of including your family in the life of our centre.
Our Specialisation
In addition to the high quality well-rounded programs we offer, all KU centres are also encouraged to develop an area of specialisation.
At KU Koala, we specialise in providing an aesthetically beautiful learning environment, both inside and outside, that invites curiosity, initiative, awe and wonder. We see the environment as being the third teacher, placing equal importance on the indoor and outdoor environment, which sets us aside from many other local services. Our inviting, resourceful environment facilitates a wonderful zest for learning and respect for nature.
We incorporate this into our program through all activities, using a variety of attractive resources to create inviting environments for the children.
We feel that the children benefit from this specialisation, because an asethically, well planned environment will provide a rich, multi-sensory, natural learning experience so children feel eager to explore and learn. It also promotes the use of recycled materials to develop the children’s respect for the environment and develop and promote sustainability practices.
Our Quality
Our centre has been independently assessed by the Department of Education NSW under the National Quality Standards, and are proud to be rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard.
However what matters most is what our families think...
“We love the way the exceptional educators nurture and support every child. It is obvious how much effort and care they invest in the children and it is so satisfying seeing the immense pride our daughter has of her achievements everyday.” – KU Koala parent
“Our children have been treated with expert education at the hands of the amazing KU Koala team and we are truly blessed that our children have been given such a vibrant, enjoyable and rich start of their educational journey.” – KU Koala parent
Our Environment
Each KU centre is unique. The best outcomes for children are created within relationships and interactions between children and staff, and children and their families, not within four walls. We work hard to create beautiful, interesting, homelike learning environments for children – whatever our setting.
We have a beautiful garden environment with an arrangement of stunning mature trees that change with the seasons and provide natural shade during summer. The garden provides open spaces and more secluded areas for quiet play, that encourages opportunities for interaction, spontaneity, risk taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature.
Our playground is designed to allow children to explore nature and discover the natural environment. We want children to be able to dig in the mud, climb trees, discover and learn about insects and enjoy connecting with nature. The many activities we offer enable children to immerse themselves in the natural elements of their surroundings and feel inspired to create, imagine and play.
Our Awards
In 2019, Kirrily Brassil from KU Koala was awarded the 'Making the KU Difference for Children' Award, recognising her exceptional ability to connect with children and dedication to making a difference in children's lives.
In 2018, Tanya Green from KU Koala received the 'Making the Difference Award' by the Early Childhood Australia Riverina Branch, which recognises the significant difference she has made in children’s lives.
The team at KU Koala Preschool was awarded the 'Making the KU Difference by Representing KU' Award in 2015. This award recognised the team's work in representing KU in the wider early education sector.
The Annual KU Difference Awards were introduced a number of years ago, as a way of acknowledging KU staff who have made a significant contribution to KU. These annual awards are open to all KU staff, at any level (either individual staff or a team), who have worked above and beyond their normal duties.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
KU was proud to launch its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2016. At KU Koala, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2018 and we are proud to launch it now. Please view it here.
