Norwood Community Crèche has been caring for and educating young children for over 40 years. During this time hundreds of children and their families have been a part of the Crèche community, which continues to enrich the sense of belonging Norwood Community Crèche has today.

 

Our Crèche is a well-known and much-loved part of the Norwood community and we share a rich history and connection within Norwood and the surrounding communities.

 

We have a large support network not only from past and present families, but also from local and interstate businesses and institutions.

 

Norwood Community Crèche has a close relationship with the Uniting Communities, we are honored to have their support and foremost their friendship. 

 

Norwood Community Crèche is strongly influenced by Loris Malaguzzi’s Reggio Emilia Philosophy with a focus on nature, engagement with the community and child-initiated activities.

 

Additionally, we also incorporate other leading theories into our programing and planning, such as Piaget’s child-centered learning, Vygotsky’s scaffolded learning and Montessori’s hands-on learning.

 

At Norwood Community Crèche, Early Childhood Education and Care Centre -

 

• We strive to provide a warm and holistic atmosphere, where each child is celebrated and valued.

• Our commitment to families is reflected in all that we do, we provide the children in our care with a happy and safe environment that recognises their individual needs, skills and interests.

• We view families as children’s first and most influential teachers and work collaboratively with families to provide best outcomes for children.

• We encourage our families and educators to have meaningful conversations as these foster inclusion for everyone and we can focus on the learning experiences around their interest, strengths, and abilities to further develop development stages and learning.

• Each child has individual documentation of their learning journey and a portfolio available to the parents.

• Our learning program has a nurturing and child-focused approach which centres around the notion that the relationships educators form with children and their families has a significant effect on the children’s engagement in their individual learning.

• Educators use the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards in partnership with families to develop learning programs.

• We value the learning that occurs outdoors as well as indoors and advocate spending time in nature for growth and well-being encouraging appreciation and respect for the environment.

• We believe that children learn best in environments that promote exploration and discovery, with the assistance of educators who encourage, support and scaffold learning.

• We provide environments that give the children time and space to explore and create, and that support the inclusion of all children. Educators encourage risky play and challenging play to promote healthy growth and development.

• We respect the land on which we learn and grow, and embrace the rich cultural diversity of our community.

• We value developing the strengths of our educators and working as a team to achieve a common goal of providing care and education for children.

• All cultural backgrounds are respected and valued within our community.

• Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives are acknowledged and embedded in our curriculum creating a sense of belonging, equality, inclusion, and diversity.

• Our team of educators are committed to maintaining their professional development whilst collaborating, reflecting, learning together, sharing professional knowledge and valuing each other’s individual strengths.

• Our management committee, educators and team are committed to continuous improvement, best practice and quality outcomes whilst critically reflecting on our practices.