Our Philosophy and Rating
As an integrated early learning community, we are in a unique position to celebrate and explore a diverse range of cultures including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with our children, families, team members and the wider community. Our vision for reconciliation is to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and respectfully embed these into our daily practices in rich and meaningful ways.
To support our educators with respectfully embed aboriginal perspectives into the learning program, we utilise the below commitments to inform our practice:
Guidance and Knowledge from Elders:
We commit to partner with local representatives of the Traditional Custodians of the Land for cultural heritage advice and authentic implementation. We will actively reflect on our current level of cultural competence and through these partnerships we seek to extend our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Care for Country
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land, country, sea and water and we will foster opportunities to grow our understanding and participation in caring for country.
Presence in Learning Environment
We are committed to welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into our service to work alongside our educators and children in the learning environment. Having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence in the learning environment is vital when teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Critical Reflection
We are committed to reflecting on the progress made in the growth of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions in our early learning community. We will track our progress, continually revisit our commitments, and celebrate our achievements, while generating new ideas to develop and sustain our vision for reconciliation into the future.
‘As we grow, so will our vision and journey for reconciliation.’
BWFCC Inclusion and Diversity
At BWFCC, we promote and practice inclusion and celebrate diversity.
- We advocate for the rights and voice of each child irrespective of ability, age, gender, race, language, culture or economic status and value and respect all members of the Bubup community.
- We actively promote the participation of Aboriginal and Torre Straight Islander children, families and staff in our educational programs.
- We foster the agency and capabilities of each child by promoting a strength-based approach to learning and development.
- We involve children in decision making that impacts their wellbeing and participation in our educational programs.
- We engage with key workers that support us with strategies, resources, staffing and other important knowledge that look towards promoting and fostering inclusive practices.
- We work collaboratively with our leadership and management teams to offer support, ideas, suggestions, additional educators and strategies.
- We are a gender equitable service. We have the same standards and expectations for all children, irrespective of gender.
- We continually critically reflect on our practices, ask others for guidance and work as a team to support each child’s participation in our educational programs.
- We create, regularly update and follow individual support care plans that indicate strategies, ideas and planning around how to achieve the best support and care for individual children.
- We connect with the community to support vulnerable children and families to access quality early childhood care and education.
Our Rating
In our assessment and rating visit in 2024 we achieved a rating of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standards’.
