At Guildford Primary school, we believe that all students in early childhood are provided with age-appropriate learning experiences that develop oral language skills, vocabulary acquisition and social competencies. A balanced pedagogical approach in which explicit instruction is supported by intentional, purposeful play experiences provides optimal opportunities for young learners to practise and apply new understandings.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) document provides the structure for quality teaching practices in early childhood. The EYLF states that purposeful play is proven to be a context for learning that enables children to make connections between prior experiences and new learning and enhances dispositions such as curiosity and creativity. Intentional play provides opportunities to discover, create and imagine and when students play with other children, they create social groups and test out new ideas and challenges.

Early childhood educators at Guildford PS draw on a rich repertoire of pedagogical practices to promote children’s learning by creating physical and social environments that have a positive impact on children’s learning. Guided by the National Quality Standards, environments are planned and implemented to support learning through play and intentional teaching. Learning environments are welcomed spaces that reflect and respond to the interests and needs of the children. Children bring family and community ways of being, belonging and becoming to the educational setting and these connections are reflected in the environment to support a holistic connection for young students to feel secure, confident and included.