Glen Education Rowen St

Creating Safe, Connected and Belonging Kindergarten Communities

By The Glen Rowen Street Educational Team

At Glen Rowen St Kindergarten we pride ourselves in providing an environment built on partnerships, connections, and in fostering relationships where families and children feel, seen, heard and valued.  When families feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to engage with services and seek support when needed. 

We begin our year with a slow, calm start to the kindergarten journey.  This time is spent having extensive conversations with families and getting to know the children in our care.  Through this time, we can ascertain the families wishes and the children’s needs.

The families are asked to provide details of authorised people to collect their child and any medical needs the child may have.  Ensuring we have this information reassures families that their child is safe during their time with us.  We also use this time to provide families with the kindergarten regulations in relation to arrival and departure safety.  This includes but is not limited to, not sharing the door code, closing the gate upon entry, being mindful when leaving that only their child is walking out the door.  Throughout the year we continue this conversation and work extensively to build collaborative relationships with the families of the children in our centre.  These partnerships encourage open communication, respect for family values, and collaborative problem-solving, which all contribute to keeping children safe. 

Our kindergarten sessions are run by qualified staff who attend regular training to ensure they have up to date knowledge in all areas of early childhood.  We ensue we always comply with the industry standard ratios and above standard supervision requirements.  The children and families can expect the same staff and routine on each day they attend.  Consistent caregivers allow children to feel safe, reduce anxiety, and establish stable, trusting relationships. 

Within our wider community in Boroondara we are fortunate to have connections with many community services including early intervention services, schools and other kindergartens.  A strong community network creates multiple layers of protection for children.  Educators, families, and professionals all become part of a safety net who work together to ensure assistance is available where required. 

Community involvement strengthens early childhood settings by creating strong partnerships with families, improving access to support services, and building a network of adults who are committed to children’s wellbeing.  This collaborative approach deepens the protective environment around each child and reinforces that keeping children safe is a shared community responsibility.