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What makes KU different? Conference reflections and award celebrations
Freya Lucas
Apr 15, 2025
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KU Children’s Services has the enviable distinction in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector of having been recognised as an Employer of Choice for nine years running by the Australian Business Awards, and is also certified as a Great Place to Work, highlighting the provider’s commitment to employee well-being and career development.
In 2016 they were the first ECEC provider to be given the Employer of Choice recognition, one which they have retained year on year, a testament to the efforts made to support over 2,000 employees working across 130 early education and care services supporting more than 11,000 children. Significantly, KU Children’s Services has been named as an Employer of Choice more often than any other early childhood provider in Australia.“KU is a proudly not-for-profit organisation, with a focus on making a difference in the lives of children and families, and valuing its staff as its greatest asset,” Chris Legg, CEO, KU Children’s Service said.
As an employer KU offers sector-leading pay rates and a range of benefits to its employees, including continuous learning, career development, and mentoring opportunities, including its annual conference, and recognition through the Making a Difference Awards which are presented to individuals and teams that make a difference to children, their families and their community.
Held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney on 15 March 2025, the KU Annual Conference brought together over 500 staff from four states and territories to network, reflect and develop through professional learning, through the lens of the 2025 conference theme ‘Kaleidoscope of Perspectives: Embracing the Diversity of Early Childhood Education.’
Delegates were given insights and perspectives from an expert lineup of pedagogical companions, including keynote speaker Dr Billy Garvey (Guiding Growing Minds), and workshop presenters Karen Hope, Clare Comedoy, Beth Macgregor, Kirsty Liljegren and Kelly Goodsir.
Current Directors also gave presentations, sharing stories about their own career paths, and sharing lessons, practices and experiences gathered along the way.During the conference and awards program more than 150 staff were recognised for their dedication to KU with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years 'Years of Service' awards, celebrating their long-standing contributions to KU Children's Services and the lives of young children and their families.
“Every member of our team plays a vital role in shaping the lives of young children and their families,” Chris Legg stated. “Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment make KU stronger every day. At our recent conference, we had the privilege of honouring those who have reached significant milestones in their journey with us. Their years of service are a testament to their deep care and resilience, and we are profoundly grateful for their contributions. Together, we create a brighter future for the children we serve."
As well as the Years of Service awards the 'Making a Difference' awards were presented to individuals and teams that make a difference to children, their families and their community. Thirteen recipients were acknowledged for their positive impact in 2024 by supporting children, families, communities, quality, sustainability, innovation and staff.
Part of the KU Difference is the high level of support provided to teachers and educators, and other service-based staff through the expertise of KU’s Central Office teams.
KU was the first provider in Australia to hire a dedicated Child Protection Manager in the early 2000’s to provide guidance to services on how best to protect and support children as part of the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that children’s voices are heard.
Through its leading high quality inclusive play-based learning programs, KU continues to provide opportunities for children to become the creators, thinkers, and doers of today and tomorrow, and stands proudly as Australia’s leading provider of early childhood education, with 100% its services rated as either Excellent, Exceeding or Meeting against the National Quality Standard.
Would you like to learn more about working with KU Children’s Services? Visit the careers page here, or head to the website to learn more.
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