ENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL OOSH 

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

 

Mission Statement

Enfield Public School OOSH (EPS OOSH) is dedicated to creating a nurturing and welcoming space for children, where they feel valued and at ease. At EPS OOSH, we firmly adhere to the belief that children gain knowledge and skills through play and their interactions with their peers. Our central focus is on the notion that displaying respect towards children promotes positive behaviour and nurtures robust connections between the children and our dedicated educators. We serve as a second home for our children, and our philosophy, jointly crafted with educators and families, mirrors and upholds our fundamental beliefs and values.

 

Multiculturalism

Our program affords children the opportunity to explore various cultural events and gain knowledge about a multitude of countries. We acknowledge our commitment to fostering awareness and understanding of the intricate histories and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who maintain a unique and enduring relationship with the lands and territories now identified as Australia.

 

Realationships

EPS OOSH embraces an inclusive open-door policy, extending a warm welcome to all families and actively encouraging them to engage with us. We invite families to share information and insights regarding their children's enrollment at our centre. 

Our dedicated team places a strong emphasis on respecting and assisting parents, guaranteeing their availability during sessions to facilitate effective communication and provide guidance. Our dedication to valuing and understanding each family's beliefs enhances the child-friendly environment and promotes collaborative efforts for consistent care. 

 

We actively pursue the development of positive relationships with the local community through diverse approaches. Our efforts include fostering robust connections with neighbouring schools. We are resolute in our commitment to establishing strong bonds with both the families using our services and the broader community. We offer a variety of community pamphlets within our service that children and families can access to stay informed about local community events and resources.

 

Learning Framework

At EPS OOSH, we are guided by the 'My Time Our Place' framework as we design programs that foster holistic development in children, encompassing social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and moral dimensions. Our program is carefully tailored to incorporate the interests, ideas, and input of the children, ensuring they feel both supported and integral to our service.

 

To further explore children's interests, we provide a diverse range of programs aimed at expanding their skills. Our program emphasises play-based learning, where children take the lead in shaping the program through their evolving interests and abilities, driving their learning experiences through their chosen forms of play.

 

We regard children as capable and active participants in their own learning journey. We provide support for them to explore, research, and investigate the world around them, nurturing their curiosity and instilling a positive attitude towards lifelong learning. To ensure our practices meet ACEQA's standards, we adhere to the National Quality Framework.

 

Our commitment extends to educating children about healthy eating habits, and we follow the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Dietary Guidelines for Young People in Australia as our guiding principles. Our unwavering dedication lies in offering a menu that is both appealing and nourishing, while being inclusive of all dietary requirements, and fostering a culture of healthy eating.

 

Inclusive Environment

We provide an environment that carefully balances support and challenges, which in turn encourages interactions that facilitate the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills through enjoyable play-based learning. 

 

Our aim is to give children the opportunity to further their development in a joyful and secure setting. We are dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere. Our service values inclusion and have an active Strategic Inclusion Plan working with the NSW KU Inclusion Agency.

 

Our environment is thoughtfully designed to adapt to the children's interests, ideas, play, and developmental capabilities. We strive to create an extension of each child's home, a place where they experience safety, security, and comfort. 

 

Our settings promote multi-age play and experiences, fostering peer interactions and collaboration. Both our indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to connect children to the natural world, cultivating a sense of responsibility towards a sustainable environmental future. Our service is Sun Smart, we follow Sun Smart Australia’s recommendations and policies in regards to Sun Safety.

 

Our environment is filled with possibilities that empower children to construct new experiences, make fresh discoveries, and acquire valuable skills.

 

Professional Development & Leadership

Enfield Public School OOSH maintains rigorous standards for all members of our team. We expect our Educators to exemplify integrity, compassion, respect, and a commitment to delivering high-quality services. Our dedication to continuous improvement in practice is unwavering. Our team actively embraces critical self-reflection and are encouraged to challenge themselves and their peers professionally.

 

Our entire staff undergo yearly training in HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting, ensuring that they possess the essential skills and knowledge required to administer effective First Aid and CPR in any given scenario. Regular training in Child Protection (CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and younge people at risk) is provided to all staff, guaranteeing up-to-date knowledge and the ongoing development of our team, which is essential for the efficient operation of a high-quality service. Our service conducts weekly team meetings and daily briefings as part of our continuous commitment to keeping everyone well-informed and connected.

We firmly uphold the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We passionately advocate for every child's right to play, ensuring they have the time, space, and freedom to engage in play, take risks, and navigate the challenges of everyday life.

 

Our team are fully committed to encouraging and supporting all children to participate wholeheartedly in our program. We demonstrate respect for children by collaborating with them to provide meaningful play and learning opportunities that enhance their well-being and development. We firmly believe that by sharing our practices with the community and inspiring innovation in others, we are championing a brighter future for all children.