Our Educational Philosophy
At Sherbourne Preschool, our philosophy is the heart of everything we do. It guides our decisions, shapes our environment, and influences every interaction. We believe in creating a space where children can flourish as confident, capable learners within a supportive community.
📚 Guided by Excellence
Our philosophy aligns with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework – Belonging, Being and Becoming – ensuring the highest standards of early childhood education.
Our philosophy aligns with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework – Belonging, Being and Becoming – ensuring the highest standards of early childhood education.
Core Beliefs
🌟 Every Child is Unique and Capable
We see children as:
- Competent learners with their own ideas and theories
- Active contributors to their learning journey
- Creative thinkers who approach challenges with curiosity
- Natural researchers exploring their world
💝 Learning Through Relationships
Strong relationships are the foundation of learning. We nurture:
- Child-to-child connections through collaborative play
- Child-to-educator bonds built on trust and respect
- Family partnerships that support holistic development
- Community connections that broaden perspectives
🎨 Play as Powerful Learning
Play is not just fun – it’s how children make sense of their world. Through play, children:
- Develop social skills and emotional intelligence
- Build physical capabilities and confidence
- Explore mathematical and scientific concepts
- Express creativity through arts and imagination
- Practice language and communication
Our Commitments
To Children
We Promise To:
- Honor each child's voice and choices
- Celebrate individual learning styles and paces
- Create safe spaces for risk-taking and mistakes
- Foster independence while providing support
- Encourage wonder, curiosity, and joy in learning
To Families
We Partner With Families By:
- Maintaining open, honest communication
- Respecting family values and cultures
- Involving families in program decisions
- Sharing children's learning journeys
- Building a supportive parent community
To Our Team
We Support Our Educators Through:
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative planning and reflection
- Recognition of individual strengths
- A positive, respectful workplace culture
- Resources for innovative teaching
To Our Environment
We Create Spaces That:
- Feel welcoming and home-like
- Inspire exploration and discovery
- Connect children with nature
- Promote sustainability practices
- Adapt to children's changing interests
How Our Philosophy Looks in Practice
🏃 A Typical Day Reflects Our Values
Morning Welcome
- Children greeted individually, acknowledging their importance
- Families share information, strengthening partnerships
- Environment prepared based on children’s current interests
Learning Experiences
- Child-led investigations alongside educator-planned activities
- Small group work respecting different learning styles
- Outdoor exploration connecting with nature
- Creative expression through multiple mediums
Community Building
- Group times fostering belonging and identity
- Collaborative projects building teamwork
- Conflict resolution teaching social skills
- Celebrations honoring achievements
📊 Assessment & Documentation
We make learning visible through:
- Learning stories capturing significant moments
- Portfolios showcasing individual growth
- Wall displays celebrating group achievements
- Digital platforms sharing daily experiences
- Regular conversations with families
Living Our Philosophy Daily
🎯 Inclusive Practices
- Adapting experiences for all abilities
- Celebrating cultural diversity
- Supporting multiple languages
- Ensuring equitable access
🌱 Sustainability Focus
- Recycling and composting programs
- Garden-to-table experiences
- Energy conservation practices
- Nature-based learning
🤝 Community Connections
- Local excursions and visitors
- Intergenerational programs
- Cultural celebrations
- Service learning projects
Continuous Reflection & Growth
Our philosophy is not static – it evolves through:
- Regular team meetings for reflection and planning
- Family feedback shaping our practices
- Professional learning bringing new insights
- Children’s voices guiding our direction
- Community needs informing our priorities
See Our Philosophy in Action
The best way to understand our philosophy is to experience it.
We invite you to visit and see how these beliefs come to life.
Questions About Our Approach?
We love discussing our philosophy and how it shapes your child's experience.