Our Curriculum & Program

Supporting children to learn, explore and grow through play.

Our Approach to Learning

At Bindook Cottage, our program supports the development of the whole child. Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.

We provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported to explore their interests, develop friendships and build confidence. Through engaging experiences and meaningful interactions with educators, children are encouraged to investigate, imagine, create and problem solve.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Our program is guided by the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which supports children’s learning from birth to five years.

The framework helps educators create meaningful experiences that support children’s wellbeing, confidence and development while encouraging curiosity and a love of learning.

Through play-based experiences and caring relationships with educators, children are supported to develop skills that help them grow, learn and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Supporting Children’s Learning

Children participate in a variety of experiences throughout the day that support their learning, development and wellbeing.

Our program supports children across both the Mulligrubs (1–3 years) and Bunyips (3–5 years) rooms, with experiences thoughtfully adapted to suit each stage of development and each child’s individual interests.

Our educators observe children’s interests and development to plan meaningful learning experiences. Through intentional teaching, educators extend children’s thinking, support their curiosity and encourage exploration

Children participate in a range of experiences throughout the day that support their development, including:

  • creative arts
  • early literacy and language
  • problem solving and exploration
  • outdoor play and physical development
  • social and emotional learning

At Bindook Cottage, we offer a range of enrichment experiences that are thoughtfully embedded within our program to extend children’s learning, interests and wellbeing.

Through these experiences, children have opportunities to explore language, creativity, movement and mindfulness in engaging ways. These include Italian language experiences, art activities, early phonics and literacy activities, yoga and mindfulness, and music and movement.

 

At Bindook Cottage, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child feels supported, valued and able to participate in our program.

We work closely with families and, where appropriate, external professionals to ensure children with additional needs are supported in ways that respect their strengths, interests and individual development.

Our educators adapt experiences, environments and routines to help each child feel confident and included. We believe that strong partnerships with families play an important role in supporting children’s learning and wellbeing. We maintain an open-door policy and welcome ongoing communication with families to ensure we are working together to support each child’s growth and development.

At Bindook Cottage, we support children to develop the confidence, independence and skills needed for a successful transition to school.

The foundations for school readiness begin when children start in the Bunyip room, where educators gradually introduce experiences that support independence, communication, problem solving and participation in group learning.

In the year before children transition to primary school, we offer a School Readiness Program that further supports these skills through engaging, play-based experiences.

Children may participate in experiences such as:

  • exploring letter sounds and early phonics through games and storytelling
  • recognising and writing their name
  • engaging in counting, sorting and early numeracy activities
  • participating in group discussions and learning experiences
  • developing problem-solving skills through puzzles and challenges

Educators also support children to develop important self-help skills such as managing their belongings, opening lunchboxes, dressing independently and following routines.

These experiences help children build confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning as they prepare for the transition to school.

Supporting Every Child

Our goal is to support each child to become a confident, capable learner who feels a strong sense of belonging within our learning community.

By providing engaging experiences, caring relationships and a supportive environment, we encourage children to develop curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

Join the Bindook Cottage Family

We would love to welcome you to Bindook Cottage and show you our learning spaces in person. Visiting the centre is the best way to experience our warm and nurturing environment.

Book a Tour Today