UnitingCare Jack and Jill recognised for exceptional practice

 

UnitingCare Jack and Jill Preschool from Grafton NSW has been awarded the Excellent rating, the highest rating a service can achieve under the National Quality Framework (NQF) for Early Childhood Education and Care.

 

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) Board Chair Rachel Hunter congratulated the service on its exceptional programs, practices and partnerships that helped earn the award. 

 

“UnitingCare Jack and Jill believes that all children have a voice and deserve to be heard in their preschool and community,” Ms Hunter said. “This is reflected in the preschool’s exceptional programs and practice.”  

 

UnitingCare Jack and Jill recently collaborated with the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) on the re-design of the Grafton Bridge. 

 

The collaboration on the design of Grafton’s new bridge stemmed from the children’s interest in bridges and block play.  

 

Project managers from the RMS bridge team discussed the design of the new bridge with the children and listened to their ideas. Educators then supported the children to put in submissions to the project through children’s drawings and statements. 

 

The children’s active contributions promoted ownership and agency, and helped develop drawing, thinking and language skills. 

 

Educators also involved the children in the renovation of the preschool’s outdoor play space. Children’s opinions were heard, considered and used in planning and transforming the inspiring and natural play area. 

 

UnitingCare Jack and Jill has offered support and modelled best practice to surrounding services. The preschool’s leadership inspires others to make changes to increase children’s opportunities for decision making.  

 

“I commend UnitingCare Jack and Jill on its exceptional practice, inspiring learning environments and approach to children’s rights within the wider sector,” Ms Hunter said.  

 

Services that receive an overall rating of ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standard’ can apply for the Excellent rating. 

 

More information is available on the ACECQA website.