Where Every Child’s Curiosity Leads the Way

At Drummond Park Pre-School our program is child centred, meaning it grows from the interests, strengths and abilities of the children. Educators carefully observe how children play, explore and interact, and then plan experiences that build on their curiosity and extend their learning.

Intentional Teaching for Meaningful, Lifelong Learning

Our program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework Version 2.0, Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. This framework supports children to develop a strong sense of identity, wellbeing, confidence and connection to their world.

Educators use intentional teaching strategies such as asking thoughtful questions, encouraging shared thinking and supporting children to solve problems together. This helps children develop confidence, creativity and important thinking skills. Because the program responds to the children’s interests, it is always evolving and remains meaningful and engaging.

Exceeding Standards in Early Childhood Education

We are proud that Drummond Park Pre-School has been awarded an Exceeding rating under the National Quality Standard. Services are assessed across seven important areas:

  • Educational program and practice
  • Children’s health and safety
  • Physical environment
  • Staffing arrangements
  • Relationships with children
  • Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
  • Governance and leadership

This rating reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality, supportive and enriching preschool experience for all children and families.

Additions to our Program

At Drummond Park Pre-School we offer a range of additional experiences that help children build an understanding of the world around them and their place within a diverse community. Through these opportunities, children connect with people, places and experiences beyond the preschool environment, enriching their learning in meaningful ways.

Due to the small size of our preschool, we are fortunate to offer an excursion each term. These outings are thoughtfully linked to the children’s learning and current programme projects. Past excursions have included visits to the Aboriginal Keeping Place, exhibitions at NERAM, local places within our community and travelling educational programs such as Science on the Move.

Connected to Our Community, Growing Together

We also value building connections within our local community. The children regularly visit Autumn Lodge, an aged care facility, where they share books, sing songs and spend time interacting with residents. These visits provide beautiful opportunities for children to develop empathy, confidence and relationships across generations.

Our partnership with the Armidale Regional Library is another much-loved experience. Children borrow books for the term and enjoy a special story time session with the children’s librarian, helping to foster a love of reading and storytelling.

As children prepare for the transition to school, those heading off to kindergarten the following year participate in a special excursion and celebratory morning tea to acknowledge this exciting milestone.

Inspiring Creativity Through Music and the Arts

Music is also an important part of our program. Children participate in the Mini Minstrels music program two days a week, delivered by a qualified music teacher from NECOM, where they explore rhythm, movement and musical expression.

Creative arts are a strong feature of the Drummond Park program. Educators work alongside children to explore a wide range of artistic techniques including painting, clay work, felting, sculpting and paper making. The preschool is well known in the Armidale community for its unique and high-quality creative projects. Some of the children’s artworks have even been recognised by the local arts community, including large collaborative pieces such as a life-sized wire dinosaur sculpture, felted banners and detailed clay creations.

These experiences are an important part of our program and help support children’s curiosity, creativity and sense of belonging within the wider community.