Our Program and Approach
At KU Playford Park, we are proud of our reputation within the local community of providing rich, inclusive education and care that concentrates on individual children in a family-focussed and supportive way.
Our centre is a welcoming and nurturing space where each child is immersed in a rich tapestry of educationally interactive experiences based on their individual needs – an inclusive space where all children are supported to be their own, unique selves, growing and developing a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Our highly trained staff provide individual programs for each child in an inclusive setting guided by the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our program offers children the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences and activities, each specifically designed to promote children’s confidence as capable, active participants in their own learning. Children are presented with a range of activities including gardening, arts and crafts, music and movement, physical play, construction, sand and water play, science, early numeracy activities such as counting and measurement, early language and literacy activities such as drawing and writing and the use of information and communication technology for accessing information and investigating ideas.
We work closely with families to ensure the development and interests of each child can be encouraged and guided both at home and at preschool, and greatly value the strong relationships between our educators, children and families.
We Focus On
In addition to the high quality well-rounded programs we offer, all KU centres are also encouraged to develop an area of focus.
At KU Playford Park we focus on relationships and attachment.
We incorporate this into our program through the utilisation of the Circle of Security model, to guide and support children and their families to feel they have a secure base from which to develop and grow. We also use the Marte Meo method, in which staff have been trained to use video analysis of interactions to help guide and support children in their interactions with their peers, as well as educators.
We feel that the children benefit from this focus because children learn best in an environment where they are supported by adults who are consistently available for the children to feel safe and secure in their play and exploration. Children know they can return to the secure base of their educators as they require, and venture out when they are feeling confident. Our educators focus on supporting children to build upon their strengths, supporting their interactions with peers through the utilisation of the Marte Meo method.
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...
“Words cannot express how important it is for us that our daughter loves child care so much. It gives us peace of mind that our little girl is in an environment where she is welcomed and loved, and that KU is like our extended family.” - KU Playford Park parent
“My children loved their time at Playford Park and I loved the fact the educators were so approachable and easy going. Parents who have moved away from the area have to bring their children back here, as the children refuse to go anywhere else. The best long day care facility my children have been to!” - KU Playford Park 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.
Our purpose-built centre is located within the grounds of Playford Park in Padstow, adjacent to Padstow TAFE. The TAFE grounds include a duck pond, which children take great delight in walking past each day, often stopping to have a chat and feed the birds. Being located within the park gives us a great vantage point for bird spotting, as well as watching sporting events take place from time to time.
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 2021, KU Playford Park Director Jody Daly was awarded a 'Making the KU Difference through Reconciliation' Award. The Making the 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 Playford Park, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2018 and we are proud to launch it now. Please view it here.
