Unique Features at Wallsend Community Preschool
At Wallsend Community Preschool, our UNIQUE philosophy guides everything we do. It’s truly at the heart of our community. We warmly invite you and your family to join us and experience the difference.
For over 60 years, we’ve been a valued part of the Wallsend and wider community, earning an excellent reputation for quality early childhood education. We are proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with families and other professionals.
Research-Driven Excellence
We are committed to providing the best possible learning experiences for our children. This commitment is demonstrated through:
- The FEEL Study: As one of just 90 centres in NSW, we participated in the University of Wollongong’s “Fostering Effective Early Learning” (FEEL) study. This research investigated how professional development can positively impact educators’ practices and improve outcomes for children across key developmental areas.
- Be You: We are dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our children, families, and educators. Through the Be You initiative (led by Beyond Blue, Early Childhood Australia, and Headspace), we use a promotion, prevention, and early intervention framework.
- Ngroo Sector Development Program: We participated in the Ngroo program, using the two-way Walking Together Model to respectfully engage with our local Aboriginal community. This involved cultural education training, an audit of our practices, and a 12-month action plan designed to build meaningful relationships and increase enrolments.
Community Engagement & Wellbeing
We believe in fostering strong connections within our community. Our educators and children actively participate in various community initiatives.
We maintain a welcoming Street Library! Feel free to Take a Book, Give a Book, or Share a Book!
Collaborative Leadership
Our Director, Kylie, is part of a cluster of preschool directors from across the region. This initiative, initially driven by Professor Deborah Brennan’s recommendations and now independently sustained for over six years, fosters collaboration and continuous improvement through an Educational Leaders group that meets termly.
Inspiring Environments – Inside & Out
Our preschool offers enriching learning environments both indoors and outdoors:
Outdoor Exploration: Our lush outdoor space features areas for running, quiet nooks for exploring, vibrant gardens where we grow our own produce, and open-ended materials to spark curiosity and investigation. We have mature trees, abundant gardens, and opportunities to learn about the natural environment through our water tank, worm farm, veggie gardens, composting, and reticulating stream.
Integrated Indoor-Outdoor Program: Our program seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor learning experiences. Educators dedicate time to listen to children’s ideas, support their play, extend their thinking, and create engaging opportunities for exploration, problem-solving, imagination, creation, and experimentation. Our “All-Weather” policy ensures children can enjoy the outdoors year-round with gum boots and raincoats (provided!).
Healthy Habits & Nutrition
We are committed to nurturing healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime:
- We provide fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables for afternoon tea.
- Through our vegetable garden experiences and partnerships with families, we aim to introduce children to a variety of healthy foods in a positive and engaging way.
Highly Qualified Educators
Our dedicated team is comprised of:
- Two Early Childhood Teachers (exceeding the minimum requirement of one University-qualified educator).
- Nearly 75% of our staff hold Diploma qualifications (exceeding the required minimum of 50%).
- Research consistently shows that children in high-quality programs with experienced, qualified educators achieve better outcomes in cognitive, social, and behavioural development. Our low staff turnover reflects our commitment to providing a stable and supportive environment for both children and educators.
Child Safety & Inclusion
We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every child:
- We are committed to being a Child Safe Organisation, adhering to the 10 National Principles for Child Safe organisations.
- We actively promote wellbeing and prevent harm through various strategies and actions.
- We proudly participate in The Welcome Here Project, creating a visibly welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTIQ+ communities.
Mindfulness & Wellbeing
We offer mindfulness and yoga sessions throughout the year:
- Mind Heart Soul delivers three 30-minute sessions each week during Terms 1, 2, 3, and 4 – at no cost to families.