Preschool & Playgroup
Preschool
At Mount Burr preschool we believe that all children are unique individuals with their own interests and learning styles. Play based learning is central to our practice with emphasis on child initiated play and choice. We continually work towards building children’s sense of independence and resourcefulness. We guide and support children to make their own decisions and choices by creating an active indoor and outdoor learning environment to encourage and facilitate children’s sense of agency and well-being. We recognise that learning in all areas – cognitive, linguistic, creative, physical, emotional and social – is of equal importance and leads to a life-long love of learning. We have a strong focus on reflective practice where we share our observations of children’s learning dispositions to plan learning experiences and build on these discussions. We focus on the process of learning and carefully observe what is happening in order to extend and broaden children’s understandings. We cultivate a culture of respect and trust with children, staff, parents and other caregivers, valuing feedback and responsive communication with all families. Our decision making is always based on what is best for the children in our care. We value all children as capable and confident learners promoting children’s voice and sense of agency. We focus on building children’s awareness of the world’s diversity and the values of thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion and a sense of fairness. We recognise that community has a key role to play in our centre and connect with our local community wherever possible, building an understanding for children of the place in which they belong. We form strong links and connections to support children and families to make positive transitions between different learning environments such as playgroup, early learning programs and school.
The Preschool is fully integrated within the Primary School, with children making full use of all school facilities and joining in school activities. Learning Together operates a playgroup every other Wednesday morning from 9am – 10:30am during the school term. An early learning Transition to Preschool program operates each Thursday. Session times for preschool are 9:00am – 3:20pm each Wednesday and Thursday. The Preschool also operates 9:00am – 3:20pm on alternate Tuesdays.
A Preschool is also located on campus and caters for pre-school aged children.
Preschool Documents
Supported Play
At Mount Burr Primary and Preschool we believe that strong transition programs help our children to feel comfortable and to build a sense of belonging. Connection to our preschool and school, staff, children and other members of our learning community are important in building strong relationships and help our children to become life-long learners.
The 3 Year Old Program at MBPS is:
- For children who are aged 3 and intending to attend our preschool for the 4 year old program.
- Children can start the program either term 1 or term 3 the year before they begin 4 year old preschool.
- A full day program (with 4 weeks half days to begin the program), with the understanding that for some children this can be overwhelming and they may need to build to this.
Playgroup
Playgroup runs alongside pre-school 1 morning a fortnight (even school weeks) as an opportunity for families to familiarise children with the pre-school space and begin to build connections with teachers, educators and other children.
Playgroup is held in the pre-school building from 9-10am as part of the Learning Together program and caters for children birth to 4.