Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning Named Western Australian State Winner for Excellence in Early STEM Education

Award-winning Menora early learning service recognised as a leader in inquiry-based early childhood education.

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning has received the highest recognition awarded to a Western Australian early learning service in the 2026 Little Scientists Australia Early STEM Education Awards, celebrating five years of sustained commitment to inquiry-based STEM education, educator excellence and children's curiosity.

After five years of embedding inquiry-based STEM learning into everyday practice, Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning has been recognised as the Western Australian State Winner of the Excellence in Early STEM Education Award at the Little Scientists Australia Early STEM Education Awards 2026.

The prestigious award recognises excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and celebrates early learning services and schools that inspire children through innovative, inquiry-based learning experiences.

This year's awards attracted more nominations than at any time since the awards commenced, making the recognition particularly significant.

An independent judging panel comprising Dr Jo Grimmond (Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Charles Sturt University), Wendy Gorman (Early Childhood Education Expert and Little Scientists Trainer) and Catherine Healy (Acting Assistant Director, STEM Team, Australian Government Department of Education) awarded Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning the highest score in Western Australia across six assessment criteria.

The judges recognised the Centre's sustained commitment to high-quality STEM education, innovative teaching practices and authentic inquiry-based learning experiences that place children's curiosity, creativity and problem-solving at the heart of the curriculum.

Managing Director Leonie Yates said the award reflects the passion, innovation and dedication of the Centre's educators.

"We are incredibly honoured to receive this award. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment our educators have to providing children with exceptional learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and a genuine love of discovery."

"This award recognises what we have always believed—that children are never too young to think like scientists, engineers and problem-solvers. When we nurture curiosity from the earliest years, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning."

"More importantly, this award recognises our educators. It acknowledges the countless hours they invest in professional learning, reflection and continually refining their practice to ensure children experience the highest quality education every day."

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning welcomes children and families from all cultures, faiths and backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and every child is supported to thrive.

Children engage in authentic STEM learning every day through scientific investigations, engineering design challenges, coding and technology experiences, nature-based exploration, sustainability projects and open-ended inquiry that encourages them to question, predict, test, reflect and solve real-world problems.

As part of the rigorous nomination process, the Centre submitted a comprehensive application demonstrating its STEM philosophy, educator practices and an in-depth inquiry project showcasing children's authentic scientific investigation, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. The submission highlighted how STEM is embedded throughout the curriculum and the meaningful learning outcomes achieved through sustained inquiry-based learning.

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning has been a certified Little Scientists House since 2021 and has successfully renewed its certification on three occasions.

The Centre has demonstrated a long-term commitment to educational excellence, with educators regularly participating in Little Scientists Australia's face-to-face professional learning workshops, online learning opportunities and professional forums. This ongoing investment in educator capability ensures the team remains at the forefront of contemporary STEM pedagogy and continues to deliver innovative, inquiry-based learning experiences for children.

The Centre's STEM program complements its broader commitment to educational excellence.

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning has achieved an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating in three National Quality Standard Quality Areas and is recognised for its innovative programs, including Bush Kinder, intergenerational learning and nature-inspired education. The Centre is also a finalist in the 2026 WA Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care Awards for Excellence in Nature-Inspired Learning, further recognising its commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences.

Little Scientists Australia will visit the Centre later this year to formally present the award during a special ceremony attended by children, educators, families and invited community representatives.

Local Members of Parliament, community leaders and media representatives will be invited to celebrate this outstanding achievement.

Members of the media are warmly invited to attend the presentation ceremony.

Further details regarding the date, time and location will be provided once confirmed.

Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning is an early learning service located in Menora, Western Australia, and is owned and operated by Perth Hebrew Congregation, a not-for-profit organisation.

The Centre welcomes families from all cultural and faith backgrounds and is recognised for its commitment to educational excellence, having achieved an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating in three Quality Areas, been named the 2026 Western Australian State Winner for Excellence in Early STEM Education, and been named a finalist in the 2026 WA Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care Awards for Excellence in Nature-Inspired Learning.

Through a play-based curriculum enriched by STEM, nature play, sustainability, Jewish values and strong community partnerships, the Centre empowers children to become confident, capable and compassionate lifelong learners while fostering the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills needed for the future.