St Kilda Road Early Childhood Learning Centre exceeds national standards
In its 25th year, the Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC) at Wesley College’s St Kilda Road Campus has again been awarded the highest rating of ‘Exceeding’ national standards by the ACECQA.
Earlier this year our ECLC, affectionately called ‘The Hutch’ was assessed by the Department of Education and Training. As a result of this routine Assessment and Rating visit, we are immensely proud to announce that the Hutch received an ‘exceeding’ result in all seven quality areas, reflecting the depth and quality of the program at Wesley College’s St Kilda Road Campus.
All early childhood education and care facilities undertake the assessment and rating process every three years with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) using the National Quality Standards. This is facilitated by the submission of the Centre’s Quality Improvement Plan, online interviews with the Head of Junior School and ECLC Coordinator and an onsite assessment of each classroom within ECLC.
What makes our ECLC stand out?
At Wesley, our principles, practices and outcomes develop our young learners into confident, resilient and creative individuals who have no limits placed upon their potential. Our ECLC curriculum activities adapt to meet the changing needs and interests of our learners.
With a strong emphasis on play-based learning, our youngest learners start their journey in an environment that creates wonder, invites exploration and self-discovery. With a continued commitment to high quality care and education, our Early Childhood teachers and co-educators work together to provide an outstanding educational experience every day.
Relationships with families are a strong driver at our ECLC. ‘Our ECLC team value the importance of those relationships, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging when they come to our centre,’ Dianna McKellar, our ECLC Coordinator says.
Current parents say that ‘the ECLC has been great for both our girls. It has allowed them to explore their interests and exposed them to new experiences. The attentive nature of the staff reassures us that our children are in an environment that is wholesome and conducive to learning.’
One of the key improvement areas which formed part of our ‘exceeding’ rating was our significant refurbishment and renovation of the ECLC. We have developed an outdoor play area that moves away from playgrounds which emphasise manufactured play equipment to a space in which a wide range of active exploration activities can occur. Active outdoor play is an important part of a child’s day, so planning outdoor spaces and memorable outdoor activities are essential components of developmentally appropriate care.
As an ECLC in the centre of the city, we’re fortunate to be able to provide plenty of protected, safe outdoor space for our ECLC children including shaded and covered areas and for different types of play. With custom-built structures aimed at creating a unique and multipurpose outdoor environment, our playground helps our students build strength and coordination, foster positive behaviour and enhance their cognitive and social development.
Every day is a chance to learn
It’s about children exploring their world
Our young learners learning and playing at the new playground
Starting a journey in an environment that creates wonder, invites exploration and self-discovery
‘We aim to inspire children with a love of learning, promote independence, build knowledge and provide children with purposeful connections to the world around them. Our ‘exceeding’ rating in all seven standards demonstrates the imbedded culture and pedagogy that has been instilled in our centre over time. I am extremely proud to be part of a team that provides the highest standards in early childhood education and care.’ Dianna says.
We sincerely thank our ECLC staff for the high standard of care and learning that they are well-known for and congratulate them on this fantastic recognition of their commitment towards exceptional early childhood learning.
Find out more
Established more than 150 years ago, Wesley College has enriched the lives of thousands of students through its outstanding liberal, broad-based curriculum. Early childhood learning is offered at Wesley’s three metropolitan campuses, Elsternwick, Glen Waverley and St Kilda Road.
