“Curiosity is the forerunner of discovery”
Albert Einstein
School Readiness
Our School Readiness Program provides rich, holistic learning experiences that support children to feel confident, capable, and prepared for the transition to primary school. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our program intentionally supports the development of the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively - recognising that every child’s pathway to school readiness is unique.
Learning experiences are thoughtfully planned in response to children’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs, ensuring children build the skills, dispositions, and confidence required for a successful transition to school. Our program supports continuity of learning by fostering independence, curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.
Key focus areas include:
Social and Emotional Development
Supporting children to build confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and positive peer relationships through collaborative play, problem-solving, and guided social experiences.Early Literacy and Language
Daily book reading, Show and Tell, storytelling, and engagement with the Macquarie University Pre-Literacy Program to strengthen early reading, writing, listening, and communication skills in meaningful, play-based ways.Early Numeracy and STEM
Hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that introduce counting, patterns, measurement, problem-solving, and critical thinking, encouraging children to explore mathematical and scientific concepts with confidence.Independence and Self-Care Skills
Supporting children to manage belongings, make choices, dress independently, and follow school-like routines, fostering autonomy, responsibility, and self-confidence.Physical Health and Wellbeing
A strong focus on physical development through soccer play, yoga, outdoor movement, and active learning experiences that support coordination, strength, wellbeing, and self-regulation.Creative and Expressive Learning
Opportunities for music, movement, and creative expression that support focus, imagination, confidence, and emotional expression, recognising creativity as central to learning and wellbeing.Community and School Connections
Experiences that support a sense of belonging beyond the centre, including visits to the local nursing home through our Intergenerational Program and connections with Our Lady Queen of Peace, helping children develop familiarity and confidence within broader community and school environments.We work in genuine partnership with families to support each child’s individual goals and transition to school. This includes regular communication, one-on-one meetings with parents, and a Parent Information Night held at the beginning of the year to discuss school readiness, expectations, and ways families can support learning at home.
Our School Readiness Program nurtures confident, curious, and capable learners, equipping children with the skills, dispositions, and confidence to take their next steps into school - and beyond - with a strong sense of belonging and self-belief.
Reggio Emilia Approach
At Little and Loved, our practice is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views children as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. We honour each child’s unique learning journey by providing opportunities for exploration, creativity, and discovery, recognising that children learn best when they are deeply engaged, listened to, and respected as individuals.
Child-Led Exploration is at the heart of our approach. Children’s interests, questions, and ideas guide our curriculum, with educators intentionally supporting inquiry, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences. Through careful observation and responsive teaching, we extend children’s thinking and encourage them to explore concepts in meaningful and authentic ways.
Learning in Community is fostered through strong, respectful relationships between children, educators, and families. We value collaboration and shared decision-making, recognising families as children’s first teachers and partners in learning. Together, we create a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, where learning is enriched through connection, communication, and mutual respect.
Our learning environments are intentionally designed as the third teacher. Spaces are thoughtfully curated to invite exploration, creativity, and interaction, using natural materials, open-ended resources, and flexible layouts that respond to children’s evolving interests. These environments encourage children to express ideas, take risks, and engage deeply with their learning.
Reflective practice and documentation are central to our approach. Educators observe, document, and reflect on children’s learning to make it visible and meaningful. This process supports children to recognise their own growth, strengthens their sense of identity and confidence, and informs intentional planning to ensure learning experiences remain responsive, inclusive, and purposeful.
Early Learning Framework
Our approach at Little and Loved is grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and guided by a strong commitment to play-based, child-centred learning. We intentionally design experiences that respond to each child’s strengths, interests, culture, and stage of development, recognising that learning is most meaningful when children feel safe, valued, and deeply connected to their environment and the people within it.
Belonging is fostered through warm, responsive relationships with children and families, where trust, respect, and open communication are prioritised from the very beginning.
Being is honoured by allowing children the time and space to explore, play, and learn at their own pace, supporting autonomy, agency, and a strong sense of identity.
Becoming is supported through thoughtful, holistic learning experiences that nurture confidence, resilience, and the skills children need to transition to school and life beyond the early years.
Our educators engage in ongoing observation, reflection, and intentional planning to ensure learning experiences are meaningful and responsive to each child. We work in genuine partnership with families, valuing your insights and perspectives as central to your child’s learning journey. Through regular communication, collaboration, and one-on-one conversations, we ensure every child receives the support they need to feel confident, capable, and empowered to thrive.