our philosophy

The Oban Preschool philosophy is based on our commitment to and recognition of the importance of the families in our community.  Through collaboration with families we strive to consistently provide a rich play-based program which is responsive to individual children’s interests, while encompassing the principles of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and Belonging, Being and Becoming - the National Early Years Learning Framework.  

We believe that while children are unique individuals, they are all competent and capable learners.  To this end Oban Preschool will support children to reach their full potential by encouraging curiosity, investigation and discovery while participating in a program which underpins children’s developing resilience and autonomy.  We recognise that children have different needs and abilities and therefore provide an environment which is safe, inclusive and respectful of those needs.  

While the foundation of our program is play-based, we believe that all teaching opportunities should be utilised to best support children’s ongoing learning and development in both the indoor and outdoor environments.  

We believe that it is vital our children gain an understanding of the importance of our natural environment and how we can best protect our world using practices which incorporate sustainability through interaction with our pets, vegetable garden and recycling.

We value the importance of developing foundation physical skills.  These skills are vital to long term health and wellbeing.  To achieve this, our outdoor program will include regular climbing, practice of correct technique for ball handling and gross motor skills such as jumping, hopping and skipping. 

Our preschool community is one built on inclusive practice and welcomes people of diverse and ethnic backgrounds.  We value all families’ input and participation within the preschool program.  We recognise the importance of family in children’s early learning and will strive to maintain open communication with families to achieve an optimum outcome for each child.

Additionally, we are aware of the importance of the broader community and where Oban Preschool fits within that community.  We will consistently nurture and develop relationships with other professional bodies to provide the best outcomes for the children in our care and our kindergarten community.

As professionals, our staff will use professional development to further improve the service provided and use reflective practice to maintain a quality, consistent program which is mindful of the needs of the children and their families.