Bertram Hawker Kindergarten recognised for Excellence

Bertram Hawker Kindergarten in South Australia has been awarded the Excellent rating, the highest rating under the National Quality Framework for early education and care.  

Less than 50 services nationally have received the top rating from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), placing Bertram Hawker Kindergarten in quite a select group.

ACECQA CEO Karen Curtis said children’s learning and development at Bertram Hawker Kindergarten was enhanced by educators’ commitment to seeking ways to improve outcomes for the children attending the service.

With recent research showing that children are often more engaged in learning when outside, the service worked with families and children to plan and build a revamped outdoor area. The new space provides greater opportunities for children to assess and take appropriate risks, build resilience, learn from nature and connect with the world around them.  

Children at the service work together to resolve conflict through meaningful discussion. The ‘restorative practices’ approach empowers children to work together to build and maintain respectful, responsive relationships and support their peers to do the same. The service adapted and implemented ‘restorative practices’ and shared the outcome of its experience with 40 kindergartens in its educational region. The service also runs workshops with families to support them to continue this practice at home. 

Bertram Hawker Kindergarten takes an active leadership role in the community and wider education and care sector. The service demonstrates a commitment to supporting staff by encouraging educators to lead research inquiries, reflect on practice and share observations and research outcomes with neighbouring services. 

“Congratulations to Bertram Hawker Kindergarten on their outstanding achievement and the commitment they have shown to their children and community, as well as continually improving practice at the service,” Ms Curtis 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. 

Related: ACECQA recently established Starting Blocks, a great source of information for parents and families to learn about early childhood education and care, helping them make the best choices for their child.

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