Aims & Philosophy
AIMS OF OUR SERVICE
Galloping Gumnut aims to provide an environment that will help your child grow and develop in all areas. Our Service embraces the National Quality Framework and uses the National Quality Standards and uses the curriculum documents, ‘The Early Years Learning Framework’ and ‘My Time Our Place’ to inform our program and practices.
Specifically we aim to stimulate and extend your child to:
• Discover he/she’s a person of worth who can achieve and grow in many different ways
• Realise what he/she does affects others
• Express feelings in constructive ways
• Assume responsibility for his/her own behaviour
• Express ideas through art/music/language/science
• Develop foundations in literacy and numeracy
• Build their own confidence and self-esteem through positive interaction with other children and adults
If you want your child to:
• Develop creativeness
• Make decisions independently
• Develop physical co-ordination
• Extend social skills and behaviours
• Be self confident
• Enjoy learning
• Develop through positive PLAY experiences
… then our Early Childhood Program is just right for your child! The key to successful learning experiences is to focus on your child’s interests, and to use those interests to engage your child in actively exploring and learning about their environment and their world.
You, the PARENT, are the child’s first and most important teacher. Your home is your child’s first and continual environment. You decide your family’s routine – when you get up, eat, play, do chores, etc. The way you speak with your child makes a tremendous difference in how they think, how they feel about themselves, and the kind of people they will become.
We aim to be able to work co-operatively with you and your family when we visit your area. We see our service as a vehicle to helping your child develop in an extended environment to their home.
Another extension of our service is community networking. Many places that we visit are very remote and families do not have the opportunity to see each other very often. Our sessions allow people in the community to gather, build friendships, and network to help build community morale, ownership and a sense of belonging. Galloping Gumnut works closely with other community organizations such as schools, councils, hospitals, playgroups, sporting groups and other general services to ensure that a variety of needs are being met in the community.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and respectfully recognise the Wiradjuri people as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we provide our Education and Care Services. We honour their enduring connection to Country and commit to fostering learning environments grounded in respect, inclusion, and belonging.
Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging
We embrace the diversity of cultures, identities, and ways of being and recognise the strengths and narratives that diversity brings to the learning environment. We are committed to creating inclusive and respectful environments where every child, family, and educator is valued to promote a community built on mutual respect and a strong sense of belonging.
Access, Equity, and Community Commitment
Our history reflects a commitment to meeting communities where early childhood education was needed most. Today, we uphold this commitment by welcoming all communities into our Service and ensuring that every family—regardless of location or circumstance—has access to high-quality and responsive education and care. We adapt our practices with professionalism and flexibility as community needs evolve.
Children’s Rights, Agency, and Wellbeing
We believe every child is unique, holds inherent rights, and deserves the freedom to express themselves as active participants in their learning. Children’s agency, safety, and wellbeing are upheld through ethical practice, child-safe principles, and a strong rights-based approach in line with “paramount consideration” (ACECQA 2026). Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS), we create environments where children are respected, empowered, and supported to grow with confidence and autonomy.
Learning, Play, and the Natural World
Our practice is grounded in relationships, sustainability, and a shared responsibility to develop confident, capable learners. Educators are committed to fostering child-led, inclusive, and environmentally responsible learning environments. We provide rich, play-based experiences that promote curiosity, exploration, and meaningful engagement with the natural world.
Partnerships with Families and Community
We value strong, authentic and professional relationships with families and the wider community. Educators draw on their understanding of children’s home lives to build respectful, trusting partnerships. In alignment with EYLF principles and NQS Quality Area 6 (Collaborative partnerships with families and communities), we honour the expertise, culture, values, and beliefs of families and ensure they are active partners in decision-making about their child’s learning and wellbeing. We recognise that the development of professional connections with other organisations enhances children’s learning and wellbeing.
Professional Growth and Collaboration
As a learning organisation, we grow alongside the children, families, and communities we serve. We collaborate with external services and professional organisations to strengthen our knowledge and practice. Educators are supported through meaningful professional development that builds confidence, capability, and a shared commitment to provide an environment in which “children feel safe, secure and supported” (EYLF Outcome 1).
Educator Wellbeing
We recognise educator wellbeing as essential to high-quality practice. Our Service is committed to fostering a supportive, respectful, and balanced work environment where educators feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive.
Paramount consideration: a statutory duty to ensure that the safety, rights and best interests of children underpin every level of decisionmaking
in all areas of operating a service.
