Smithfield Public School Preschool Philosophy

We acknowledge the Darug people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and play. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and honour their continuing connection to land, culture and community.

At Smithfield Public School Preschool, our philosophy reflects the shared values, beliefs and voices of our children, families, educators and wider community. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and play-based environment where all children feel a strong sense of belonging. We value and promote respect, kindness, gratitude and cooperation, supporting children to become confident, capable and creative individuals.

The rights and best interests of every child are central to our practice. We are dedicated to maintaining a child-safe environment where children’s safety, health and wellbeing are prioritised, and where every child feels secure, valued and respected.

Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Framework. We recognise children as active and capable learners who bring their own knowledge, culture and experiences. Educators engage in ongoing observation, assessment and reflection to inform intentional teaching, ensuring learning experiences are responsive to children’s interests, strengths and developmental needs.

We promote equity, inclusion and respect for diversity, valuing the cultural identities of all children and families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are meaningfully embedded within our program to foster respect, understanding and connection to Country.

We acknowledge families as children’s first teachers and build strong partnerships through open communication and collaboration. These partnerships support continuity of learning and strengthen each child’s sense of identity and belonging.

Play is central to learning. Through play, children explore, imagine, problem solve and build relationships. We support children’s agency by valuing their voices, offering choice and encouraging active participation in their learning.

Positive, respectful and responsive relationships underpin all that we do. We support children’s social and emotional development, fostering confidence, independence and resilience.

Our indoor and outdoor environments are engaging, flexible and accessible, supporting a range of learning styles and developmental stages. We promote sustainable practices and encourage children to develop respect and responsibility for the environment.

We are committed to continuous improvement through reflective practice and ongoing professional learning. Our philosophy is a living document, regularly reviewed in collaboration with educators, children and families to ensure it continues to reflect our commitment to high-quality practice and positive outcomes for all children.

Revised April 2026

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