About Us

At Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten (AMK), we believe in providing children with an environment that is stimulating, nurturing, safe and supportive. We believe children develop a sense of belonging within the kindergarten through forming strong relationships based on trust and respect. We believe children learn through play, which supports children to become active participants in their own learning, promoting skills of confidence, independence, and social wellbeing. Children are involved in a dynamic program that is tailored to their interests and individual strengths. We believe that kindergarten helps build the resilience and life skills that each child requires to develop the foundation for life-long learning. The children value the opportunities to explore the environment, have fun, and learn new skills, whilst making friends and new discoveries. AMK believes that all children have the right to participate in the program and we understand that all children come to AMK with different complexities, different levels of development and many different learning styles. All staff at AMK provide an environment that is inclusive and safe for all and respect and embrace every child. Our pedagogical practices are informed by The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We are advocates for children and honouring these rights is reflected in our practice. Children are considered to be our youngest citizens and we value and respect their voices and perspectives on matters that affect them.

The educational program for children at AMK is based on the principles of VEYLDF and EYLF of ‘belonging’, ‘being’ and ‘becoming’. We believe in providing a program which promotes and encourages children to enquire, explore, experiment, discover and be active participants in their own learning. We plan and provide play and learning experiences that include child-directed, adult-led and guided learning opportunities, with a balance of time exploring the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Building a foundation of strong relationships between children and educators is paramount, as we believe children learn in the context of these relationships. We plan a program that provides a variety of opportunities for meaningful interactions between children and educators, and between peers. We use inquiry based learning which promotes the use of natural materials alongside commercial products and promotes children’s agency and values the voice of the child. Throughout the program at AMK we believe in the importance in embedding and modelling sustainable practices and developing positive attitudes in young children towards looking after the environment. We strive to offer experiences to children that are free from bias. We are working with and towards an Anti-Bias approach in our practice and pedagogy. Anti-bias is the way to inclusion. It’s about equity and fairness to all regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability and family structure. Slow Pedagogy is new to our philosophy and we are currently taking a deep dive into the research behind this idea of prioritising children’s play and being truly present with children. To nurture a sense of belonging, curiosity and well-being, where learning is seen as a journey, not a race.

The educators at AMK are dedicated and passionate professionals who believe in offering a high-quality early childhood education program for children and families where we participate in planning, implementing and evaluating the programs. We believe that play experiences in early childhood should be treasured, valued and promoted. Educators are committed to developing collaborative partnerships with families through open communication and respecting diversity and inclusive family practices. The educators believe in working together as a collaborative team and building a community of learning through regular engagement in ongoing professional development and reflective practice for quality improvement. The staff at AMK are committed to ensuring that we provide an environment where respect is the foundation of all our relationships and are committed to the child safe standards and focus on providing an environment where children feel safe and secure.

Celebrating and acknowledging with the children and families about their different cultures, including the Acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners of the Land through embedding cultural awareness in AMK’s practice and program. We believe in fostering a kindergarten community which encourages family participation, where families are encouraged to share their social and cultural values and practices through the kindergarten program. AMK has a long history of family involvement in the kindergarten, with collaborative partnerships between children, families and educators based on respect, trust and mutual support working together for positive outcomes for children. Partnerships with the local community, including the local Primary Schools, businesses and other professional agencies, help to connect children and families to the wider community and assist with smooth transitions. AMK values the positive relationship it has with Ballarat YMCA Early Years Management.