Excellent Rating Notification for Belrose Community & Children's Centre

Date Excellent Rating first awarded between: 12 November 2020 – 11 November 2023 
Date Excellent Rating Awarded for the second time: 14 May 2024 
Date Excellent Rating Valid until: 13 May 2029 

Belrose Community & Children’s Centre (BCCC) has been awarded the Excellent rating by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), the highest rating a service can achieve under the National Quality Framework. This is the second time BCCC has been awarded the Excellent rating.  

The Northern Beaches-based service was recognised for its:  

• commitment to children that respects, reflects and celebrates culture and diversity, including place of origin 
• inclusive partnerships with children and families  
• practice and environments that enhance children’s learning and growth. 

Examples of exceptional practice at the service include: 

• The service responds to the needs and circumstances of its children and families through meaningful engagement with community organisations, including emergency services. Following a traumatic event experienced by an enrolled family, the service was responsive in collaborating with community organisations to meaningfully support the child and family in navigating and processing the trauma. These collaborations included practices and programs that enhanced positives outcomes for the child and their family, while also providing opportunities for all children’s learning and growth.  
• Recognising the need to support social justice for all children and families through promoting an anti-bias pedagogical approach, BCCC initiated a journey towards understanding and addressing bias within the service. This included exploring its use of pronouns within a funded social and emotional learning curriculum that aims to foster children's emotional intelligence and empathy. Reflective provocations prompted educators to question the use of pronouns for plush toys and determine if emotions are more commonly associated or accepted with different genders. Consequently, the service chose to eliminate gendered pronouns from the program to liberate children from traditional gender stereotypes, expand their emotional understanding and support children’s free expression of all emotions. Further investigations resulted in a demonstrated awareness of gender-specific stereotypes in certain activities observed in the wider community. Involving children in these discussions served as platforms for them to express their viewpoints and engage in critical thinking, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. 
• In relation to pronouns and gender stereotypes, the service critically reflected on one family's feedback expressing their son’s interest in drama and dancing. BCCC undertook a review of its drama and literacy program to ensure opportunities for enrichment, inclusion and community engagement were explored. This initiative led to a partnership with a local theatre company. Theatre artists conducted drama lessons linked to current productions, exploring various theatrical elements with the children, and excursions were arranged with children and families to the theatre to observe the performances.  Notably, discussions on gender stereotypes related to ballet emerged with children affirming that boys can pursue ballet, reflecting a shift in biases nurtured by the service's anti-bias initiatives. 
• BCCC established the Meeting of the Minds Committee (MMC) to empower children to actively participate in shaping the service. Children voice their ideas and preferences through drawings and discussions. The committee convenes regularly, with children leading discussions and influencing decisions on service operations and programs. For instance, children emphasised their love for outdoor play, particularly inspired by events like the Women’s World Cup soccer. Recognising this enthusiasm and its alignment with anti-bias practices, BCCC introduced a sports team program focused on fundamental ball skills, culminating in a successful soccer gala day with professional coaching. Families have expressed appreciation for their children's involvement, noting the importance of their voices being heard. Regular reflections ensure ongoing alignment with children's preferences, with families kept informed through documentation, fostering community engagement and connection. 
• As a leader in the sector, BCCC has shown a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity, empathy, and understanding among its children and families. Initiatives like the anti-bias approach and the MMC have actively tackled bias and stereotypes, creating an inclusive and empowering culture. This is an example of how it has positively impacted the social and emotional wellbeing of children and families within the service and its broader community. By empowering children and engaging families, BCCC has established a learning environment that values agency, democracy, and community, setting a high standard for wider early childhood education and care.