A 50 year legacy of education and care – Schools of Early Learning

In 1974 the first Schools of Early Learning (SOEL) site opened its doors, and while many things have changed 50 years on, the underpinning value of viewing children as strong, capable, and resilient researchers has remained. 

SOEL was one of the first approved providers in Australia to introduce educational programmes and one of the first to adapt the teachings of Reggio Emilia into their existing programmes and practice, prioritising children’s holistic development, SOEL founder Bernadette Giambazi explained. 

Pioneering the creation of in-centre Atelier Studio Spaces for children, SOEL quickly saw the benefits of dedicated spaces which offered children the resources and skills they needed to promote their individual development and participate in collaborative projects. 

“As they discovered, experimented, and revisited these projects, children learned to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others and the world around them,” Ms Giambazi shared. 

Now with a seven service strong network SOEL centres have maintained this commitment to children’s growth and development, and to nurturing the unique needs of every child. 

This commitment is on display in the logo of the service, which is the creation of three year old Ruby. 

Over a number of months Ruby’s emergent interest in horses was not only noticed, but also nurtured by her educators. The development of Ruby’s drawings reflect her deeper understanding and knowledge base around horses, and the cultivation of her artistic ability. 

The four horses illustrate Ruby’s growing knowledge of a horse’s movement, bone structure and muscles. Through these images Ruby shows her emerging understanding and shares her learning with her peers – something which is a common experience for children attending SOEL services. 

The network remains family owned, and Ms Giambazi is proud of the tagline of the very first SOEL service, in Nedlands – a ‘centre with a difference’. 

In bringing the Nedlands service to life, she had a vision for a place where children could learn and thrive in an environment that nurtured their curiosity and creativity. Due to this, the centre provided an intentionally designed home-like atmosphere that promoted a safe and secure environment for its children. 

SOEL introduced an innovative child-led inquiry-based approach to learning, encouraging children to participate in thought-provoking and creative encounters through mediums such as fine art, song, dance, and games. These activities were all designed to enhance their perception skills, memory, and social and emotional well-being.

Sarah Giambazi, one of SOEL’s four Directors, noted that while sector standards and expectations have ‘evolved hugely’ since 1974, SOEL has often been ahead of the curve, and standing in a space where the rest of the sector was following suit. 

For Sarah, the presence of SOEL alumni “returning to the fold” with their own children is testament to the positive experience of children and families who use SOEL’s services, something which rests firmly on the shoulders of the “exceptional employees” across the network. 

There are long-term staff who have worked for SOEL from 5 to over 20 years, she explained, with one of Nedlands’ original staff members returning to the company after having children of her own. 

“It gives us immense pleasure to see many of our SOEL alumni return with families of their own and feel enormous gratitude and pride that we are now providing care and guidance to a second and third generation,” Sarah said. 

SOEL has services in Subiaco, West Leederville, North Fremantle, North Perth, Como, and a new service to the network, Attadale, which is due to open on 1 August 2024. Each centre, two of which are heritage-listed redevelopments, reflects its community’s unique character and spirit while upholding SOEL’s core values and philosophy. 

To learn more about SOEL please visit the website here.