At Valla, we use evidence-based approaches to early learning – including the Circle of Security and Secure Beginnings theories. These approaches are founded on the idea that for children to grow and learn, they must feel safe and supported by their parents, caregivers and educators.

At preschool we do this by responding to children’s genuine relationship needs as they change throughout the day. That means we welcome children who come to us for comfort, we delight in their discoveries as they explore, and we offer a safe haven when they are experiencing difficult emotions.

In this way, the children gain confidence and resilience because they know their needs will always be met by someone safe who is bigger, stronger, wiser and kind. These are called positive attachments.

From secure beginnings, children feel safe and ready to launch into play.

Our programs are based on the concept of play-based learning. Research has shown that children learn so much as they play.

Your child’s ideas, interests and abilities will help shape the program, and it’s based on these foundations that play experiences will be developed.

The program aims to support your child’s individual learning style, as well as providing an enriching environment where your child can build friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and freely express themselves.

We are open Monday to Friday during NSW School terms. Our preschool hours are 8am to 3.20pm.

We also offer extended hours until 4.20pm every day except Wednesday.

Yes. Although we have a relaxed routine that allows for spontaneous teaching moments, there is a structure to each day.

When children arrive they unpack their belongings and join their educators and PlaySpace to welcome and settle.

They’ll then launch into outdoor exploration and are encouraged to initiate ideas for play.

Next is morning tea, and the children will decide when they would like to eat.

We then move into smaller class groups and share in our morning song and Acknowledgement of Country. We’ll sing songs, play games and have a group discussion.

After that, children are invited to select learning proposals to continue with, and they’ll join in on these for as long as they want to.

Once this is finished, the children will help clean up and we’ll break for lunch. The children are encouraged to wash their hands, manage their lunch independently, and chat with others.

After lunch, children can head outside to play or enjoy some quiet relaxation time inside. They are encouraged to choose the projects they continue with. Sometimes a project will last for a few hours, days or weeks. Our educators will respond to the children’s ideas, inviting learning opportunities along the way.

By 3pm, children will return to their Playspace, pack up their belongings and say their goodbyes. Those joining our Walagirr extended hours program will stay on.

Connecting our children to Gumbaynggirr culture is a guiding value at Valla Preschool.

We start each day with an Acknowledgement of Country and embed Gumbaynggirr culture and language into the children’s learning. Our dear friend Gawa (Uncle) BKE joins us weekly for cultural immersion through art and storytelling - as our Artist in Residence. Currently we also have weekly culture and language classes with Gawa (Uncle) Jarwin.

We also connect with Gumbaynggir Elders and community members to share their knowledge about Country. Families are encouraged to help us with our Reconciliation Journey as part of our Reconciliation Working Group.

All of our children are three to six years old. They are not grouped by age, which means they get a chance to learn from older children and guide younger children.

We employ more educators, and with higher qualifications, than is required by the Department of Education. This means each group of up to 13 children will have at least two educators, though often they also have the input of an educational leader and inclusion support teacher.

We cook on special occasions but you’ll need to bring morning tea, lunch and a water bottle daily for your child.

At Valla, we practice healthy eating and can recommend some yummy and nutritious food ideas for you to pack for your child.

Foods that are high in fat or sugar and low in nutrients – like lollies, chips and cordial – are best saved for home.

We take children wherever they are at with their toileting and work closely with families and children to support them on their journey.

Often, they will learn quickly by copying their peers, including their preschool mates. Please talk to our teaching staff (link) if you have more questions about this.

We are an allergy aware environment and families are requested to refrain from bringing any items containing nuts to preschool. All staff are trained to respond to allergic reactions, and hold a First Aid Qualification, including Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Training.

Preschool is a safe space where children learn through taking managed risks, like climbing, balancing and running. This helps them understand boundaries and what they are capable of. Our educators support this by assessing the level of risk and a child’s stage of learning, but from time to time a child might end up with a bruise or scrape.

All staff hold a First Aid Qualification, including Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Training. If your child gets sick or injured suddenly, we’ll perform first aid, and if needed, ask you to come and pick them up.

In an emergency, we’ll call an ambulance and get in touch with you. If we can’t reach you, we’ll go to hospital with your child and stay until you get there.

Yes, we do. You can join our waitlist by getting in touch or submitting our online waitlist form and sending through your child’s Immunisation record. Once you’ve submitted your request, we’ll get in touch if a place becomes available, according to our Priority of Access guidelines.

You can read more about preschool fees and our enrolment process over here.