Our Program and Approach
At KU Windale, our program focuses on engaging children in learning that is meaningful and intentional. We believe that play is central to children’s learning and development, and forms the basis for all early childhood programs.
Relationships are at the core of our program and practice with children. The relationships our educators have with children and families are strong, respectful and meaningful. We believe that learning occurs best when children have a supportive and enriching environment, where they are recognised as powerful and competent learners.
At KU Windale, we are proud of our strong community connections, particularly with the local Aboriginal community and families. Our centre is a welcoming and nurturing space where each child is immersed in a rich tapestry of educationally interactive experiences – a space where children are supported to be their own, unique selves, growing and developing a sense of belonging and empowerment. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces that inspire children to engage in learning together. Over the years, we have worked with families and other professionals to embed an Aboriginal perspective into our curriculum, as well as other cultures that are represented at our centre.
We aim to establish immediate rapport and a sense of belonging in our community, as families arrive through the front door. We also work closely with family support agencies to ensure that the families and their children have the best start they can.
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 Windale, our specialisation is inclusion. This covers a broad range of areas, with a focus on supporting our indigenous children, as well as children with additional needs.
We incorporate this into our program by embedding an Aboriginal perspective into all areas of our program, as well as making strong connections with local Aboriginal services. We celebrate and acknowledge our Aboriginal history and connections to the land with a daily acknowledgement from the children and educators. Our literacy program includes an aboriginal perspective, with stories and children learning about the different Aboriginal symbols and what they represent.
We have a strong focus on supporting children’s sensory needs by immersing them in different experiences. We have a number of hammocks and swinging ropes that support high activity levels and sensory processing difficulties. Our team are focussed on developing communication skills through using key word sign, visual communication and working with other professionals on supporting the ongoing development of language.
We feel that the children benefit from our specialisation, because it enriches their understanding of the community and its heritage, as well as developing and enhancing their literary skills.
Our Quality
Our centre has been independently assessed by the NSW Department of Education 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...
“KU Windale Preschool provides a place of learning and friendship. The staff are so caring and take the time to understand each child’s unique needs. My son cannot wait to go each week and he has really grown since attending the preschool.” – KU Windale parent
“My daughters have loved using KU Windale as a place where they have learned to grow and explore and make many new friends.” – KU Windale 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.
KU Windale Preschool has been operating since 1977 and has strong foundations in the community. There is a large open space both indoors and outdoors that is natural and inviting.
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, Emma Pritchard from KU Windale was awarded the 'Making the KU Difference through Reconciliation' Award, which recognised her strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the community and her unwavering commitment to reconciliation – consistently working to ensure that all children, families and educators at the preschool understand the value and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
KU was proud to launch its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2016. At KU Windale, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2018 and we are proud to launch it now. Please view it here.
