McKellar Cottage

McKellar Cottage is a family-owned childcare centre situated in the tranquil surroundings of McKellar. Our devoted team of educators delivers a dynamic, hands-on learning programme that is shaped by your child's experiences and celebrates their diversity, strengths, needs, interests, and stage of development. The centre takes pride in its bright, spacious play areas and modern, custom-built facilities, which provide children with a rich learning environment filled with opportunities. The children engage with both man-made and natural resources and equipment in these open spaces. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to you and your family to join ours at McKellar Cottage.

Our Philosophy

At McKellar Cottage, we believe in fostering a nurturing, home-like setting where children can feel secure and cared for while exploring their world. We value the significance of relationships and attachments that children develop, and our dedicated educators work hard to build strong, positive connections with each child and their family.

We are committed to upholding the highest standards of early childhood education and care. We aim to empower each child with the skills, knowledge, and disposition to become lifelong learners. Our programme reflects the National Quality Framework, providing a balance of play-based and intentional teaching experiences. We promote each child's holistic development, addressing their social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language needs.

Parent & Carer Relationships

We understand the importance of partnerships with families in ensuring the best possible outcomes for children. We strive to build open, respectful, and collaborative relationships with parents, recognizing them as their child's first and most influential teacher. We invite families to participate in our programme, share ideas, and contribute to their child's learning journey.

Community Relationships

We strive to establish strong links with our local community, recognising the value of collaborative relationships in enhancing children's learning experiences. We commit to providing opportunities for children to engage with their community, promoting a sense of belonging and identity.

Our Educators

Our team of qualified and experienced educators is dedicated to providing the highest quality of early childhood education and care. They are passionate about nurturing and supporting each child's development, fostering a love for learning, and empowering children to reach their full potential. We continuously invest in our educators' professional growth, ensuring they are up-to-date with best practices, current research, and industry trends.

Daily Environment

Our indoor and outdoor learning environments reflect the diversity of our community. We provide stimulating, age-appropriate, and accessible resources that support children's learning and development. Our play spaces are designed to engage children in open-ended, self-directed, and imaginative play experiences, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Rooms

Our centre offers a range of rooms to cater for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Each room provides a warm, inviting, and developmentally appropriate environment tailored to the needs and interests of the children in that age group.

Curriculum

Our programme offers a balance of play-based and intentional teaching experiences that cater to children's individual interests, strengths, and needs. We use the Early Years Learning Framework to guide our curriculum, ensuring that learning is planned, intentional, and meaningful. We promote children's agency in their learning, fostering a sense of autonomy, independence, and confidence.

Sun & Air Quality

At McKellar Cottage, we are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of every child in our care. Our centre follows the SunSmart policy, promoting the safe enjoyment of outdoor play and learning in various weather conditions. We regularly monitor the air quality index and take necessary precautions to protect children from smoke and pollutants, ensuring that our indoor environment is safe, clean, and conducive to learning.