Our mission

Our mission is to provide all preschool children with the skills, knowledge and attitudes essential for school and for later life. We do this within a safe, positive environment and by using a program which reflects best practice current educational thinking and the needs and interests of the children.

We strive for inclusive, quality education and support, and we work in partnership with teachers, the children, their families and the local community. We believe that all children are individuals who bring to the preschool their own interests, skill levels, learning styles and life experiences.

We believe that an inclusive, play-based program should reflect our respect for each child’s unique nature. We believe that all families have the right to feel welcomed into a supportive environment where all input is valued and respected.

We believe that as staff we all bring different experiences, interests and strengths to the preschool.  We recognise the importance of working together as a supportive team, valuing and respecting the input of all concerned.
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​St Ives Preschool strives to provide a service that assists all children and their families to have equal access to a high quality early childhood experience.
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We believe that it is important to provide an environment that is well maintained, safe, secure and stimulating.  An effective environment should have a balance of quiet and active areas; different surfaces and textures and invite exploration, discovery and wonder.

Our staff

The most important factor in quality early childhood education is the people caring for our children, and St Ives Preschool has educators who are passionate about their role in our children’s lives. Many have had a long association with the preschool and it is their dedication which is the essence of the preschool.
Each room is led by a university trained Early Childhood teacher who works closely together with very experienced and qualified Child Care Educators. Our dedicated staff are continually involved in professional development to ensure that our program reflects current best practice and meets the diverse needs of the children in our care.

Our place

Our preschool is based in a quiet cul-de-sac next to a reserve and surrounded by green leafy trees. This location provides a relaxing and natural environment for our children to learn and grow. As you enter our preschool, you and your child are welcomed by a canopy of trees providing a sheltered and natural environment for outdoor play and learning. Children can swing, slide, play in the sand pit, feed the fish, jump on the trampoline, sit under a tree and cross the bridge within this natural wonderland. The environment becomes a part of our teaching and is an invaluable resource for showing our children the importance of nature and how they belong within it.

Testimonials

"We loved the dedicated, nurturing staff and the engaging natural setting which encouraged lots of play, exploration & discovery. The program caters for all needs, embraces all cultures and develops young minds & emotions beautifully.
Our daughter has such happy memories of her preschool days, a real sense of belonging and some special friendships formed.
Thank you all!"
Troy and Margo Daly

"We came from overseas and St Ives Preschool Kindergarten was wonderful for us. They gave the best support for a non-English speaker child (and his mum). They are loving and caring in a way that we couldn't imagine. After few months my son started to speak a few words in English and he just loves this place. St Ives Preschool Kindergarten was the best for us!"
Atara Shachar
"All of our four children were fortunate enough to attend St Ives Preschool Kindergarten, over a period of seven years, from 2003 until 2014. Not only is the preschool extremely warm, caring and nurturing to both the children and parents, the staff are also friendly, welcoming, extremely dedicated and very experienced in early childhood education. The preschool provided our children with an amazing variety of learning experiences, in a very positive and encouraging environment, and really helped prepare them for the transition to school. The preschool easily lives up to its Mission Statement each day. We, and our children, absolutely loved our years at the preschool and treasure the memories we have from our time there. We truly believe our children were blessed to have spent their early learning years at St Ives Preschool Kindergarten."
Robert and Catherine Ramsbottom
"From our first overseas telephone enquiry, through the duration of our son’s attendance at St Ives Preschool, we have been very impressed by the happy and caring learning environment created by the teachers and staff. The preschool, which is situated in a lovely leafy setting in a quiet residential street, feels embedded in the local community. The dedicated teachers recognise the individual needs of each child and place an emphasis on good social and emotional development.  The curriculum, which encourages curiosity and a love of learning, is excellent preparation for primary school.  We feel very strongly that we couldn’t have found a better preschool for our son!"
Eddie and Rachel Urwin