N-Side Curriculum
Our curriculum reflects the knowledge and philosophy of our members of staff and educators; the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulation and National Quality Framework; the interests, needs and abilities of the children as observed by the educators; as well as the interests of the families. N-SIDE operates its program under the National Early Years Learning Framework (ELYF):
The Early Years Learning Framework describes childhood as a time of Being, Belonging, and Becoming.
- Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to play, try new things and have fun.
- Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
- Becoming is about learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.
The Framework identifies appropriate Early Childhood Pedagogy through 5 Learning Outcomes. At N-SIDE, the 5 Learning Outcomes guide our decisions that we make about our planning for the children’s learning and development:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators
The 5 Learning Outcomes are designed to capture the integrated and complex learning and development of all children across the early childhood age group range. At N-SIDE we encourage families to be involved in planning, implementing and evaluating our program. We employ qualified educators who are experienced in the developmental needs of children 0-5 years. Educators will plan activities and routines around the needs of each child, as well as keeping records on your child’s development. The educational program is based on the children’s active involvement in a variety of planned and spontaneous play-based activities and experiences. The program is devised from the individual and group needs and interests of children, as well as family input and participation.
At N-SIDE we have developed four programs that supplement, support, and inform our curriculum:
- N-SIDE Learning
- N-SIDE Play
- N-SIDE Culture
- N-SIDE Discovery
Each one of these programs integrates with and is interdependent with the others. We believe this will provide your child with an optimum early childhood education to unlock the potential of each and every child. For more information please see our programs below.
N-Side Programs
N-SIDE Learning
Our early childhood philosophy is based on the notion of the “emergent curriculum” & the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Our “N-SIDE Learning” program has been designed to develop strong literacy skills by teaching children about sound, expression, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking; as well adaptive numeracy skills by teaching children about numbers, mathematics, logic, & logical thinking. We focus especially on the development of lateral thinking & problem solving – both of which appropriate literacy & numeracy skills.
As part of our involvement with the University of Wollongong’s “Early Start” Program we have developed an learning environment that embraces leading edge technology such as Smart Boards to bridge the gap between the latest academic early childhood research and best practise.
N-SIDE Play
We believe that physical well-being & play are fundamental to a child’s ability to develop, learn and grow. “N-SIDE Play” program harnesses the power of play in the development of gross and fine motor skills, as well developing independence & positive attitudes towards health and physical wellbeing. Much of these experiences are fostered by our educators through sport, movement, and imaginative play – after all healthy living should be fun! Our two purpose-built playgrounds provides ample opportunities for playful learning.
Especially important at N-SIDE is providing opportunities for children to gain awareness of healthy eating habits. We have adapted the NSW Health Initiative “Munch & Move” which helps children discover the importance of healthy eating & the embracing of regular physical activity. This program establishes sound eating & lifestyle habits that will stay with your child for their future lives.
N-SIDE Culture
A child’s education is ever searching & ever reaching. Children are almost limitless in their ability to absorb and analyse their surrounding environment. Our “N-SIDE Culture” program is a supporting curriculum that seeks to motivate and engage children in the development of positive attitudes towards learning.
We take an all-embracing attitude towards early childhood learning & as such whilst we pursue excellence in literacy & numeracy, we have developed programs that plant the seeds for music, art, awareness of different cultures, and drama.
By actively encouraging your child to explore their artistic and creative talents we not only unlock their potential but also enhance their communication, self-esteem, & confidence.
N-SIDE Discovery
Our discovery program seeks to immerse children in the natural world. N-SIDE Discovery provides opportunities for children to not only learn about the beauty of nature but also to the notion of sustainability and how their individual contribution can impact and shape the natural world. Our qualified educators facilitate their learning and interactions whilst also gently introducing them to the scientific method. For instance, children at N-SIDE engage in sensory play, interest-based exploration, walk through sensory-gardens, explore natural & animal life-cycles, actively participate in recycling, & learn about eco-sustainability.
This year we will create a “N-SIDE Vege-Discovery” Program that will involve a custom made vegetable garden. Here children will be able to grow their own vegetables, and be introduced into a hands-on program of natural discovery and sustainability.
Our early childhood philosophy is based on the notion of the "emergent curriculum" & the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Our "N-SIDE Learning" program has been designed to develop strong literacy skills by teaching children about sound, expression, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking; as well adaptive numeracy skills by teaching children about numbers, mathematics, logic, & logical thinking. We focus especially on the development of lateral thinking & problem solving - both of which appropriate literacy & numeracy skills. As part of our involvement with the University of Wollongong's "Early Start" Program we have developed an learning environment that embraces leading edge technology such as Smart Boards to bridge the gap between the latest academic early childhood research and best practise.
We believe that physical well-being & play are fundamental to a child’s ability to develop, learn and grow. "N-SIDE Play" program harnesses the power of play in the development of gross and fine motor skills, as well developing independence & positive attitudes towards health and physical wellbeing. Much of these experiences are fostered by our educators through sport, movement, and imaginative play - after all healthy living should be fun! Our two purpose-built playgrounds provides ample opportunities for playful learning. Especially important at N-SIDE is providing opportunities for children to gain awareness of healthy eating habits. We have adapted the NSW Health Initiative "Munch & Move" which helps children discover the importance of healthy eating & the embracing of regular physical activity. This program establishes sound eating & lifestyle habits that will stay with your child for their future lives.
A child's education is ever searching & ever reaching. Children are almost limitless in their ability to absorb and analyse their surrounding environment. Our "N-SIDE Culture" program is a supporting curriculum that seeks to motivate and engage children in the development of positive attitudes towards learning. We take an all-embracing attitude towards early childhood learning & as such whilst we pursue excellence in literacy & numeracy, we have developed programs that plant the seeds for music, art, awareness of different cultures, and drama. By actively encouraging your child to explore their artistic and creative talents we not only unlock their potential but also enhance their communication, self-esteem, & confidence.
Our discovery program seeks to immerse children in the natural world. N-SIDE Discovery provides opportunities for children to not only learn about the beauty of nature but also to the notion of sustainability and how their individual contribution can impact and shape the natural world. Our qualified educators facilitate their learning and interactions whilst also gently introducing them to the scientific method. For instance, children at N-SIDE engage in sensory play, interest-based exploration, walk through sensory-gardens, explore natural & animal life-cycles, actively participate in recycling, & learn about eco-sustainability. Our children participate in a "N-SIDE Vege-Discovery" Program that will involve a custom made vegetable garden. Here children will be able to grow their own vegetables, and be introduced into a hands-on program of natural discovery and sustainability.