Gladstone Park Education Review Office Report 2009
The Education Review Office last reviewed Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre in 2009. The full report is available from the ERO's website. The report's summary letter is included below.
17 November 2009
To the Parents and Community of Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre.
Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre was established in 1997 by the Parnell Community Trust. Centre managers and teachers have a good relationship with the licensee, who is the general manager of the Trust. Since the previous ERO report in 2006, staff have supported the Trust in its annual review, and have collaborated with centre managers in ongoing review of the centre and its provision for care and learning. Good communication between Trust representatives and centre personnel, and an evident commitment to providing a positive, happy atmosphere, result in an environment in which children feel safe and have a sense of belonging.
Children are happy, well settled and engaged in the centre. They work well alongside each other and are comfortable to join in the centre’s programme. They enjoy investigating and exploring learning through different play activities. Children trust their teachers and enjoy talking about their experiences and interests with them.
Parents are positive about the centre. They report that their children are happy, settled and are learning well. Parents appreciate the helpful, caring staff and the communication and support they receive. A significant feature for them is the flexibility that enables the younger and older children to play and learn together during the day. A homely environment is created by the centrality of the kitchen, the nutritious meals that are provided for children, and the welcoming, friendly staff.
Teachers work well together as a team, and respond to children’s needs. A new head teacher, appointed in May 2009, has collaborated with staff to implement changes to improve the centre’s practices. She acknowledges and values the team for being caring, supportive and friendly. Teachers are knowledgeable about children and engage with them in conversations and build on their experiences to develop their vocabularies and thinking skills.
ERO and the teachers agree that the key development for the centre is for teachers to continue to develop programme planning to support children’s emerging interests.