Alberton Preschool gets 'Excellent' rating again

Children and teacher look for creatures among large rocks

Alberton Preschool gets 'Excellent' rating again

01 October 2020

Congratulations to Alberton Preschool in Queenstown! It received an Excellent rating for the second time from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) in August.

The preschool is part of the ‘The Nest’. Here kindergarten and reception children learn together through play and long-term inquiry projects.

The Nest is committed to improvement and has worked with the University of South Australia on research into culturally responsive teaching. Educators from Alberton Preschool also share their knowledge with others through professional development sessions.

Marilyn Hayward, Coordinator, Early Years at Albert Primary School explained some of what sets the preschool apart.

“We are inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia. We also gain inspiration from the Nature Play theories, and Aboriginal Ways of Knowing.

“We see children as competent and capable. We carefully co-construct our indoor and outdoor environment [in a way] that is engaging and acts as another ‘educator’.”

She said it was “affirming” to receive the rating again.

“[It’s] nice to get recognition for the hard work and commitment we have continued to show over many years.”

So what spurs them on to continue achieving more?

“Passion and belief that young people are competent and capable citizens from birth and deserve the best learning opportunities” said Marilyn.

The Excellent rating is the highest an education and care service can achieve under the National Quality Framework. 

Services that receive an Exceeding rating in all seven areas of the National Quality Standard can apply for the overall Excellent rating.

Alberton Preschool is one of eight services in SA to achieve this prestigious rating.

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