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Our Philosophy

We believe every child is special and unique

We Believe...

Belonging is more than our name. When children feel they truly belong, they are free to play, laugh, learn and grow. Our family-owned, purpose-built service is a second home for the children and families of Hornsby, where every child is known and cared for. 

We view every child as unique, capable and resourceful. Each child is an active participant in their learning, bringing their own strengths, interests, language and culture. We respect children’s agency and support them to make choices, take appropriate risks and have a say in decisions that affect them.

Children learn best through play, relationships and meaningful connection with their world. Guided by Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework, our educators combine child-led learning with responsive, intentional teaching. Our reflective planning cycle draws on observation, conversation and family knowledge to create inclusive environments that nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Children’s safety, rights and wellbeing come first. Healthy food, rest and fresh air are part of every child’s day. We are committed to a child-safe culture across our physical, emotional and online environments, where children’s dignity and privacy are protected, and their concerns are listened to and taken seriously. Harm, abuse, neglect, racism and discrimination are never tolerated.

Families are at the heart of our service. As children’s first and most influential teachers, families bring knowledge, culture and aspirations that we respect and rely on. Open communication and shared decision-making ensure each child’s care, routines and transitions reflect their family context.

Our educators are caring, responsive and professional. We value their knowledge, cultural backgrounds and judgement, and we recognise that educator wellbeing is essential to a stable and thriving service. Supportive leadership, learning and critical reflection strengthen our practice.

We foster an equitable and inclusive community where every person feels seen, heard and valued. We celebrate diversity, challenge bias and remove barriers to participation, supporting children to build friendships and respect for themselves and others.

We recognise the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire. We are committed to reconciliation and to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and ways of knowing, being and doing in our everyday practice. Through sustainable practices and meaningful experiences outdoors, we support children to develop wonder, respect and responsibility for Country and the natural world.

What Parents Are Saying

“The educators at Belonging Hornsby have given my child excellent care. I feel assured that she is well looked after. She is provided with plenty of fun and educational learning experiences. Every morning she is welcomed with a bright smile and warm hug.

All the educators have been friendly and warm. I’m always provided with a verbal update about my child’s interests and day, which to me shows the educators genuinely care and are engaged and present with my child.

Our family has had a really positive experience with Belonging ELC.”

Zoe

“My daughter has been attending Asquith Early Learning Centre since it opened in 2015.

It has been wonderful being able to drop her off each morning knowing her every need will be meet and she will come home happy, wanting to tell her family all the exciting things that happened in her day.

Sa and her team have done wonders setting up the centre from the beginning and I've been impressed by the commitment of the staff to providing a stimulating, educational, fun and safe environment for the children.

There have been lots of great initiatives from learning about families and different cultures to craft, cooking, sustainability and lots of outdoor play.”

Tamara

“I moved my children to Belonging Hornsby from another centre and it was the best decision. My boys are so happy and settled. The staff are caring and consistently going above and beyond for my family. The educators are the best, my boys love to come home and tell me what they are learning about and their living skills are consistently progressing. I can’t rate this centre highly enough.”

Laura

“Waratah Preschool always goes above and beyond with their caring, fun, clean, safe and nurturing environment. The staff are amazing and my daughter is always happy to go to preschool. They continue to provide a range of daily activities for the children to choose from, to cater for all their different needs and interests. They always run a range of different learning programs throughout the year, which always sparks the children's curiosity and excitement at the centre. The staff are always happy to take time out to tell me about my daughter's day, they're always friendly and welcoming.

I would highly recommend Waratah Preschool!!”

Elaine

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