Our Approach to Teaching

”Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water.”
Loris Malaguzzi, quoted in ‘The Hundred Languages of Children

The Guardian Curriculum

The Guardian Preschool and Kindergarten Program has been lovingly and carefully crafted to purposely deliver on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) for childcare. Our practices and program connect directly to the foundation stages of the Australian School Curriculum, from which students will be taught when they enter the formal schooling system.

The Guardian Curriculum is our very own inspirational guide for excellence, drawing from world-leading research to ensure the highest quality of teaching and practice.

We don’t just do this preparation work in the final year before formal schooling starts. In fact, we’re homing in on these innate skills from the very moment your child joins us; from as young as six weeks of age!

We want to spark a child’s natural curiosity, inspire them to ask questions and show them that knowledge can be gained in all sorts of wonderful ways. Through play, we encourage children to:

• Build their knowledge
• Develop confidence
• Refine practical life skills
• Explore
• Experiment
• Discover
• Solve problems through play.

“Children are inspiring and creative individuals who can find wonder in the simplest of everyday items and activities. Their imaginations are powerful, and their young brains are built to help them explore the world through experience.”
Kathryn Waugh, Head of Quality and Curriculum, Guardian

Learning through Play, Listening and Observation

Children are always watching, listening and absorbing information. Daily experiences are how they learn about the world around them – how to communicate, problem-solve and work with others.

The importance of play is central to the Guardian early learning philosophy as it works with the strengths of children to develop their social, physical, emotional and cognitive development in a positive way.

By listening to and observing children of all ages, we encourage their natural ability to wonder and inquire. In the schools of Reggio Emilia, it’s referred to as the ‘hundred languages of children’.

We focus on the child, creating rich learning experiences, in unique learning environments, through genuine relationships. Key to this is a partnership with families so that our Teachers and teams can inspire a love of learning in all children, in the Centre and at home.

Day-to-day, all of these factors combine to give children a level of control over the direction of their learning. Our Teachers and teams guide them through a range of experiences that include touching, moving, listening and observing while encouraging relationships with other children and with open-ended resources.