Program

The aim of our program is to support the children ‘s natural curiosity, eagerness to learn and their love of communication with others.

Hippo’s Friends’ learning environment is designed to provoke curiosity and to constantly challenge a child’s thinking.

 

Through inquiry and play, we engage children in learning from the very beginning of their education to develop:

• a positive self-concept

• an increasing understanding and knowledge of the world

• emotional security

• the freedom to have fun through exploration and social interactions

• social awareness

• friendship skills that instill trust, the ability to share, to cooperate and to develop positive relationships

• language and communication skills (literacy)

• intellectual skills, reasoning skills, problem-solving skills and the understanding of basic concepts

• physical health through body awareness, sensory perception, and fine and gross motor skills

• creativity through self-expression, language, music, drama and inquiry

 

We use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), The  Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS, UK) as well as the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Program (PYP) Curriculum Framework to guide our approach to teaching and learning.

We educate children who are able to develop life-long skills that they can take and use both inside and outside the classroom. We support children’s efforts to construct meaning from the world around them.

 

Our Philosophy

We believe every child is unique and has the right to feel safe, respected and valued. Children’s wellbeing, security and sense of belonging are the foundation for confident learning and positive development.

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We provide an engaging, play-based program that is guided by children’s interests, ideas and voices. Through meaningful experiences, children are supported to develop confidence, curiosity, independence and resilience.

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Our educators are passionate and reflective, supporting children through intentional teaching, strong relationships and high yet realistic expectations. We celebrate effort, progress and achievement for every child.

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Children’s safety and well-being are central to all aspects of our service. We are committed to maintaining a child-safe culture and supporting children to develop respectful, responsible and age-appropriate use of digital technologies, in partnership with families to promote eSafety.

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We value inclusion, diversity and respectful relationships. Children are supported to learn empathy, cooperation and respect for the ideas and perspectives of others through shared experiences and collaborative play.

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Our environment is safe, welcoming and creative, encouraging exploration, expression and extended learning.

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We value strong partnerships with families and recognise the importance of working together to support each child’s learning and development.

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We respect and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives and are committed to embedding cultural safety and respect for Country within our learning community.

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Our philosophy is regularly reviewed in partnership with educators, children and families to remain responsive to our community and current best practice.

Reviewed 2025

 

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is guided by both the Early Years Framework (EYLF) and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the EYFS ( UK).

We aim to develop life-long skills that children can take and use both inside and outside the classroom, and support children’s efforts to construct meaning from the world around them. Learning experiences include carefully planned teaching in the areas of language and literature, music and movement, art and craft, dramatic play, science and Maths and sensory-motor activities.

Our investigations are supported by specialist programmes.

Our daily Fundamental Movements Programme works to improve children’s fine and gross motor movements.

It provides a sequential, developmental set of activities promoting skills that are transferable to other learning areas.

 

The Visual Arts are also entwined with other learning experiences.

Child-initiated interest allows them to not only make observational art responses but also to connect subject matter they are investigating, enabling cognitive and emotional involvement.

French classes are offered to our children each day. The teaching and learning of French focus on the communication skills of speaking and listening. Specialist Music sessions offer music, movement and drama from across the globe.

We provide children with a chance to explore musical activities, developing a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch.

 

Facilities

Harnessing a child's natural curiosity and energy, our educational childcare program encourages each child to explore and discover their world. Through the power of play and inquiry, children discover the letters, numbers, words and counting that form the foundations of literacy and numeracy.

The Centre's facilities include:

• Outdoor play areas with soft fall areas and a large variety of natural elements

• Open play areas offering quiet spaces

• Sandpits

• Age appropriate climbing and play equipment

• Large natural grass areas

 

The carefully selected equipment allows children to run, play, dance and explore their world and potential.

 

Food

A healthy and nutritious menu has been designed for growing, active children and is supplied by the service. Food is included in the daily cost.