We strive to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that nurtures your child’s development. Our approach combines play-based learning, inquiry, and intentional teaching to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

By blending these techniques, we enhance your child’s growth and curiosity, ensuring a strong foundation for their future. Our curriculum and daily practices are thoughtfully aligned with the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework, fostering meaningful and impactful learning opportunities.

The Berry Patch Preschool and Long Day Care Centres are staffed by professional Early Childhood Educators who wear their uniform with pride. Educator’s qualifications range from University trained to Diploma and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Staff to children ratios and numbers of qualified staff are higher than required. This way we can provide hands-on support and make sure that your child’s learning and care is optimal whilst at our centre.

Each of our centres is guided by experienced Educational Leaders who have been part of our team for many years. These leaders are either university-qualified or hold diplomas and are actively pursuing higher qualifications.

In their role, they collaborate closely with educators to inspire, motivate, and support their teaching practices. By challenging and extending methods, they help refine approaches to achieve shared goals for children’s learning and development, ensuring the highest standards of education and care.

To prepare your child for school, our curriculum is tailored to each group’s learning level. We’ve developed an extensive program with eleven core areas that align with the outcomes of the EYLF, focusing on principles and practices to foster growth and development. These programmes are explored throughout the week and include:

• Berry Healthy: Children explore the human body and learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including cooking nutritious snacks.
• Berry Responsible: We promote independence in daily routines and provide children with lifelong skills, fostering a strong work ethic and teamwork.
• Berry Scientific: With a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we create engaging science experiences to inspire curiosity and exploration.
• Berry Musical: Music is incorporated into play and daily routines, positively impacting children’s development.
• Berry Wellbeing: Our holistic approach emphasises mental and emotional wellbeing, encouraging moments for relaxation, reflection, and emotional awareness.
• Berry Magical: Dramatic play invites children into a world of wonder and imagination, allowing them to engage in character-based activities.
• Berry Environmental: We nurture a sense of environmental responsibility, offering learning experiences that teach children to care for the planet.
• Berry Cultured: Through exploring and engaging with diverse cultures, we encourage respect and appreciation for diversity.
• Berry Ready: Focused on numeracy and literacy, we equip children with the skills needed for a smooth transition to Primary School.
• Berry Creative: Our arts programme utilises various materials like paint, clay, and natural elements to inspire creativity.
• Berry Active: Physical activities help develop fundamental movement skills and foster an appreciation for an active lifestyle.

We teach these areas through a variety of methods, including play-based experiences, group discussions, and small group activities, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

At The Berry Patch Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, we prioritise healthy meals for children. Our trained cooks prepare fresh meals daily, following the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Munch and Move Guidelines. Menus are designed to be nutritious, diverse, and culturally inclusive, covering all food groups. We provide breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, with a separate dining area for children to enjoy their meals. Menus for the current and upcoming weeks are displayed in the foyer.