ECEC Provider in Focus: Kinma Preschool

Kinma is a unique child-centred learning environment that offers innovative programs for children in their primary and preschool years.

Established in 1972, Kinma (an aboriginal word meaning ‘Awake’) is based on the philosophy of progressive education with democratic principles.

What is the history of Kinma Preschool? 

Kinma school grew from a public meeting held at a home in the New South Wales suburb of French’s Forest in October 1971. 

Parents attending were keen to have their children attend a progressive, child-centred school with a community environment. A school which respected and nurtured a child’s whole self, where each child could learn first-hand that they and all others had a unique and worthy contribution to make to society.

In 1972 the school began in Forestville Memorial hall, moving to rented premises in Belrose soon after, where three portable modules were built on site for the preschool.

The school continued to expand with community support throughout the 1970’s. In 1980 a fire forced the school into temporary accommodation, a tense period in the school’s history which resulted in a split in the parent body in 1982, with around half of the school population leaving to form a new school, Yanginanook. 

Kinma Preschool completed the new NQS assessment and ratings process with the Department of Education and Care Services Directorate in November 2013, and was assessed with an overall rating of Exceeding. 

What is the Kinma Preschool vision and approach to learning? 

In the preschool space the aim is to provide a space where children can transition smoothly from the home to the preschool environment in the most positive way possible. 

The preschool aims to offer an environment that is warm, friendly, happy and secure.

The teachers create high levels of friendly interaction and encourage parental participation, making the links between home and preschool strong, allowing parents to be involved in the continuing development of their child.

The teachers base their programmes upon recognised stages of child development while also carefully considering the individual needs of every child. This involves constant evaluation of each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical progress which is recorded in each child’s personal profile.

The preschool is also involved with the primary school. The interaction between the older and younger children varies but may include joint music sessions, the older children’s reading to the preschoolers, participation in special theme days and general play.

A unique opportunity for the older preschoolers is special transition activities with the 5-year old group. These activities create a smooth transition from preschool to primary school for the children who wish to continue their education at Kinma.

Independence and responsibility are fostered within each child. Children are encouraged to take care of their own and school property. Children are also expected to respect their peers in a way that is self-disciplined. The teachers aim to develop independent, responsible people.

Are there any unique aspects to the Kinma Preschool offer?

Kinma Preschool operates under a progressive education model.

Progressive education;

• emphasises personal relationships in order to build healthy individuals who learn together in a community
• is inclusive and has a celebratory attitude towards the gifts learners bring
• what learners are able to do and know about themselves becomes central to the learning process; it is a learner-directed and/or managed approach
• teacher intervention may be minimal at certain times and in certain areas 
• teaching is usually in context, using concrete materials and the principles of holistic and conceptual learning, supporting any specific learning the child needs or desires, rather than behavioral approaches such as drills and repetitive rote learning for their own sake

For a detailed explanation of the 8 core values of progressive education, please read the article ‘Progressive Education: Why It’s Hard to Beat, But Also Hard to Find‘ by Alfie Kohn. See also Wikipedia: Progressive Education.

Learn more about Kinma Preschool here.