KU Macquarie Fields recognised as Excellent, standing out with Marte Meo approach

KU Macquarie Fields Preschool, located in New South Wales, has been awarded the Excellent rating by ACECQA, the highest rating a service can achieve under the National Quality Framework. 

The service was recognised for its inclusive partnerships with children and families, collaborative partnerships with professional, community or research organisations, and practice and environments that enhance children’s learning and growth.

In particular the embedding of the Marte Meo approach in the service philosophy and practices was noted for its ability to enable educators and families to recognise and analyse children’s strengths and communication cues. 

The service shares videos to demonstrate children’s competence and engagement within the physical learning environment and as a tool to strengthen partnerships and relationships with families. Families recognise the importance of play-based learning and often adopt similar pedagogical strategies within their homes to improve their child’s outcomes. 

As part of the service’s commitment to inclusion, the physical learning environment is regularly adapted and modified to support the highly diverse and complex needs of its local community’s families and children. Regular critical reflection ensures the environment is a safe and calm space where children can practice self-regulation and social-emotional skills.

The service creates Individual Education Plans in consultation with each family to co-design a shared vision for the growth and development of each child. Learning trajectories are established and meetings with internal and external specialists and inclusion agencies are scheduled to support each child’s learning and wellbeing.

In response to a community-wide need, the service established a Healthy Eating program. The program shares information about nutrition, food safety, purchasing food and budgeting – and the importance of involving children in buying groceries and preparing meals. Family cooking lessons are incorporated into the program and handouts that highlight nutrition, recipes, and foodbank locations are provided.

Read more about the service’s achievements here.