Our Program and Approach
At our centre childhood is celebrated. When children play and explore, their imagination and curiosity is sparked – they are learning through play, and are inspired to continue learning more through specialised experiences based upon their interests and motivations.
Our play-based program intentionally provides opportunities and activities based upon the Early Years Learning Framework, for your child to discover and pursue their own interests and strengths.
At KU Ultimo, we are proud of our reputation within the local community of providing rich education and care that concentrates on 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 and empowerment.
Our program offers children the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences and activities, each specifically designed to promote children’s confidence as capable, active participants in their own learning. Children are presented with a range of activities including gardening, arts and crafts, music and movement, physical play, block building, sand and water play, science experiments, early numeracy activities such as counting and measurement, and early literacy activities such as reading, drawing and writing.
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 Specialisation
In addition to the high quality well-rounded programs we offer, all KU centres are also encouraged to develop an area of our specialisation.
At KU Ultimo, our specialisation is Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) Approach, which is an inspired teaching practice for children aged 0-3 years.
We incorporate this into our program through the set-up of learning environments inspired by the RIE Approach and strongly focus on the importance of building secure relationships with the children, families and educators. Our work is inspired by the natural integrity of infants and the formative power of relationships in their lives. When allowed to unfold in their own way and in their own time, children discover, manifest and inspire the best in themselves and in others.
We feel that the children benefit from this specialisation, because they are honoured as equal members in relationships and, therefore, develop confidence and feel respected and valued for who they are. They learn to relate to others in a healthy way and make positive connections and relationships with others and the world. The children are empowered to lead their own learning and are supported to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to creating a culture of people who are authentic, resourceful and respectful.
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 Exceeding the National Quality Standard.
However what matters most is what our families think...
“My daughter has thrived at KU Ultimo. The care is warm and consistent. There is a lovely community among the children and whilst divided by room, they all know each other and treat each other with respect. Each child is well supported in their own individual needs.” – KU Ultimo parent
“The KU Ultimo learning philosophy our daughter has received over the last three and a half years has reaffirmed that we chose the best possible experience for her to commence her growth and development.” – KU Ultimo 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.
KU Ultimo is located close to the CBD and is situated in a heritage building that has been converted from an old church. We have beautiful high ceilings that allow natural light to flow through the baroque glass windows.
Our playground is designed to allow children to explore nature and discover the natural environment. We want children to be able to dig in the mud, climb trees, discover and learn about insects and enjoy connecting with nature. The many activities we offer enable children to immerse themselves in the natural elements of their surroundings and 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 Ultimo, we began our journey to develop our centre’s RAP in 2017. Please view it here.
