Bunyip Preschool had an early visit from the Easter Bunny on Tuesday afternoon as parents, students and friends attended the school to watch the easter hat parade and to celebrate the Preschool’s magnificent achievement.
Harden’s very own Bunyip Preschool has exceeded expectations, when it was recently appraised by the New South Wales Education Office. The school will be celebrating 50 years since it began operating later in the year, however, it is currently celebrating an excellent score in the state wide program. The facility received 7 ratings of ‘Exceeding National Quality Standards’ across the 7 criteria. Penny Lucas said very few preschools achieve this score. Bunyip has exceeded National Quality Standards in Educational program and practice, Children’s health and safety, Physical environment, Staffing arrangements, Relationships with children, Collaborative partnerships with families and communities and Leadership and service management.
The assessment and rating is undertaken every 4 years and was completed last month. Penny said “They scrutinise everything from baby change mattresses to equipment. We don’t get much warning, they just tell you they are coming.” Bunyip needed to get ‘exceeding’ for 5 out of 7 criteria to receive an ‘exceeding’ rating. They did far better with 7 out of 7 which is testament to their attention to detail. Penny said Sarah James is Acting Director after stepping into the role in January, whilst Heather Gammon went on maternity leave. Shauny Murray stepped up in to the Acting Assistant Director role, vacated by Sarah whilst Erica Glover is the Education Leader. Penny said “All of the staff had a massive part to play along with Heather, who has steered Bunyip during this time.” She said “When the assessor left she made a comment that the relationships between staff were incredible and that you couldn’t tell the trained staff from those at diploma or certificate level. There was no difference between them and it was something you couldn’t teach people.” Bunyip has recently undertaken a make over of the outside areas with different natural materials in place for children to experience. Penny said she has two children at Bunyip and has had two graduate. “As a parent to leave our kids in the care of someone else is a bit tricky, but to know they are being looked after at such a quality standard is great. To know they are being cared for to the utmost standard is a great feeling. The parent body are just so happy with what the staff do.” Penny highlighted that the staff do the job for love. She said “The conditions of pay and hours are not as good as they could be across the industry. The people who do it, love it.” As an educator herself, Penny is very happy with Bunyip’s performance. A lot of effort has gone into attaining the results they now have with Bunyip improving on their past scores to receive a perfect score. She made special mention of past staff and committees for the result. The preschool 3/4 year old room is at capacity, 3 days a week and the baby room is at capacity with a waiting list. Bunyip is a not for profit organisation and the community has called on volunteers to join a committee to help steer the celebrations. It’s obvious to all, that Bunyip is a first class facility and an integral part of the development of local children over the last 50 years. Congratulations to everyone involved.
