Our Program and Approach
At KU Henson Street, we provide a play-based learning program that is interconnected with our service philosophy, curriculum statement and is derived from children’s interests, voices and ideas.
We acknowledge and respect that all children are individuals, as we foster their sense of curiosity, exploration and wonder. We aim to support children in becoming confident and involved learners, who are able to develop the skills and dispositions necessary to succeed in preschool and their transition to school.
At KU Henson, we are proud of our long lasting relationship and reputation within the local community of providing quality education and care which emphasises individual children in a family-focussed and supportive way.
Our centre is a welcoming and nurturing space where each child is immersed in a rich tapestry of educationally interactive experiences – a space where children are supported to be their own, unique selves, growing and developing a sense of belonging, agency and empowerment.
Our program offers children the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of learning opportunities, each specifically designed to promote children’s confidence as capable, active participants in their own learning. Children are presented with a range of provisions including gardening, visual arts, music and movement, physical play, block building, sand and water play and science experiments. Early numeracy and literacy is embedded throughout the day and can be seen through singing songs, reading, creating and acting out stories, counting and sorting objects, measuring and problem solving, as well as predictable routines.
Being a small preschool, we pride ourselves on building relationships and rapport with families quickly, hence fostering an open and welcoming environment. We greatly value the strong relationships between our staff, children and families, and we look forward to the opportunity of including your family in the life of our centre.
Our Special Interest
In addition to the high quality well-rounded programs we offer, all KU centres are also encouraged to develop an area of interest.
At KU Henson Street we focus on building strong relationships with children and families by building trusting, respectful and secure connections.
We incorporate this into our program by providing small group experiences, using the child’s voice in the program, intentional teaching and quality interactions. Our Educators also use the principals and practices of The Circle of Security. We provide a fun, safe and stimulating learning environment, reflecting trust, warmth, security and comfort for every child.
We feel that the children benefit from this focus because building secure foundations allows children to feel a sense of belonging and security. When children feel safe and supported they are more confident and ready to explore and learn.
Our Quality
Our centre has been independently assessed by the NSW Department of Education under the National Quality Standards, and are proud to be rated as Meeting the National Quality Standard.
However what matters most is what our families think...
“Our children always love going to preschool. The loving atmosphere, dedicated, caring and knowledgeable staff, the small environment and the fun and engaging program have been a wonderful experience for them and an ideal preparation for school. As parents, we have also felt very supported.” - KU Henson Street Parent
“Our sensitive, inquisitive girl has blossomed at KU Henson Street. The centre has a lovely, cosy atmosphere and Natalie and the staff are always warm, caring and knowledgeable. We couldn't be happier with the centre.” - KU Henson Street Parent
Our Environment
Each KU centre is unique. The best outcomes for children are created within relationships and interactions between children and staff, and children and their families, not within four walls. We work hard to create beautiful, interesting, homelike learning environments for children – whatever our setting.
Our playground is designed to maximise the use of the natural environment and allow children to play and explore as they would in their own backyard. We offer stimulating activities that arouse children’s curiosity and encourage them to choose from a variety of planned experiences, expanding their learning potential. Our playground includes natural elements such as sand, water, leaves and twigs, and we also offer gross motor experiences such as climbing, jumping and physical play. We foster the holistic development of each child so they feel inspired to create, imagine and play.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
KU was proud to launch its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2016. At KU Henson Street, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2018. Please view it here.
