Our Philosophy

Through our daily practice we demonstrate responsiveness to children. We position each child’s perspective as a valid and meaningful way to drive decision making in all that we do. We value what matters to the child and listen with intent. We show awareness of children’s voices by wrapping curriculum around the ideas, thinking and perspectives of children.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey with a vision where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, cultures and contributions are actively recognised and respected. As the future generations of Australia are within our service, we are committed to supporting and role modelling respect and connection with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. We do this through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which is regularly monitored, actioned, and updated.

Through our daily rituals and practices we are committed to playing our part in protecting the planet and caring for the environment. Our Green Teams are made up of children, families and our teaching teams, who consistently implement the initiatives within our Sustainability Action Plan (SAP).

We are in an honoured position to support children’s growth and development. We nurture each child and their family and aim to make a difference in their lives. We pride ourselves on providing a secure environment and a sense of community. Everyone who enters our centre feels valued, safe and respected.

Our teaching teams have their own individual personal philosophy centred around their values and beliefs and best outcomes for children, while also adhering to the Sanctuary Philosophy, National Quality Framework, Early Years Learning Framework, My Time Our Place and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.

We set the foundations for learning and create opportunities to build self-worth and confidence within a safe and secure environment. Our teaching teams demonstrate integrity, proficiency and awareness of their practice through daily rituals and the use of authentic resources. Rituals celebrate all the important aspects of routines and the principles of attachment, while leaving behind the need to rush, tick checklists, or become distracted from the purpose of our interactions with children. Our classrooms provide children with opportunities to be gentle, demonstrate trust and allow us to show children they are worthy.

Our outdoor classrooms are simply an extension of our indoor environments. Within all learning spaces, our Educators purposefully elevate children’s voices to drive our program. They are responsive to children and support them to be courageous by taking risks. Risk taking fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity and supports the acquisition of life skills and resilience. Our outdoor classrooms provide opportunities for children to engage in extended periods of uninterrupted play, where they can be fully immersed in an experience and be in flow within the natural environment. Our children inspire our Educators through the magic they bring.

We advocate for the rights of all children and believe that respect is the key to all relationships. By appreciating each child’s cultural context and by showing every child they are included and valued, we are able to be true to our beliefs. Our primary focus is always the best interest of all children. We understand the complex needs of children and embrace the honour we have to support both them and their family during times of challenge and celebration. We model and teach values, life skills and mutual respect. Every child, educator, family member, and visitor are welcomed and supported.

Through a commitment of mutual respect, our teaching teams are supported to pursue fulfilling lives of their own, both inside and outside of early childhood. We are cognisant professionals, and our role is far more than just providing care. We value every Educators’ opinion and work collaboratively to ensure that they feel respected, valued, and heard. Our Educators’ wellbeing is a fundamental component and something that aligns with our values of collaboration, connection and respect. Another key component is our commitment to the ongoing personal and professional development of our teams.

Critical reflection is part of our everyday practice. We believe that through true authentic reflection and collaboration comes the greatest personal and professional growth. Our Educational Leaders support our teaching teams to dig deep into their ‘Purpose’. We value the role of the Educational Leader and see them as the facilitator of conversations for change. We are a high-quality service and achieve this through ongoing feedback and collaboration with our teaching teams, children, families and communities. We embrace feedback as a mechanism for continual growth and continuous improvement.