Sherwood Community Kindergarten Philosophy
At Sherwood Community Kindergarten, our philosophy is a living,
evolving document. We reflect on and adapt our beliefs and practices to meet
the diverse needs of children, families, staff, and the wider community. Our
approach is guided by best practices in Early Childhood Education, current
research, and national and state frameworks, including the National
Quality Standard (NQS), Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines
(QKLG), Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the 8 Aboriginal
Ways of Learning.
Respect for Country and First Nations Peoples
We respectfully acknowledge the Yuggera and Turrbal
peoples as the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn, play,
and grow. We value and embed respect for First Nations knowledge, culture, and
history in our program. We are actively forging connections with local
First Nations educators and community leaders, with the intention of including
language, music, stories, and cultural practices in meaningful ways in our
curriculum.
Child Safety and Rights
At Sherwood, child safety is central to everything we do. We
actively implement child-safe practices, including safe environments,
vigilant supervision, risk assessment, and responsive policies that protect
children’s physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. We uphold
the rights of the child as outlined in the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child, ensuring that every child has the right to be heard, to
feel safe, to participate, and to have their unique needs and identity respected.
Inclusive and Respectful Community
We embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our
program is fully inclusive, welcoming families and staff from all cultural,
linguistic, economic, and ability backgrounds, as well as varied gender
identities. We respect families as the child’s first educators,
recognizing that children’s learning is shaped by their experiences at home and
in their community. Every member of our kindergarten community—children, staff,
and families—is treated with respect, equity, and fairness.
Nature, Play, and Wellbeing
We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and
valued, and when they have opportunities to engage with nature and the
environment. We implement a strong nature-based pedagogy, where children
explore, observe, and interact with the natural world through play, outdoor
learning, and community excursions. Our program is all-weather,
encouraging children to experience and connect with nature in all seasons. Through bike
riding, outdoor exploration, and visits to Hives Park, children develop confidence,
resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of belonging in their local community.
We know that children are competent, capable learners, and our play- based
curriculum allows them to observe, hypothesise, experiment, and construct their
own understanding of the world at their own pace. We
combine child-initiated and teacher-facilitated experiences, fostering
independence, self-identity, and collaborative learning.
Learning, Collaboration, and Professional Growth
Our teaching team values reflective practice, professional
growth, and collaboration, recognising the diverse skills, knowledge, and
experiences each staff member brings. We are committed to fostering a positive,
supportive, and respectful work environment, where innovative ideas, teamwork,
and continuous learning are encouraged.
Sustainability and Community Connections
We believe in caring for our community, Country, and
environment. Sustainability is embedded in our daily practices, encouraging
children to develop respect and responsibility for their surroundings. We build
strong, positive relationships with local services, community groups, and
cultural events, providing children with rich, meaningful opportunities to
engage with the wider community.