Frequently Asked Questions
How old must my child be to start in the Early Learning Centre (ELC)?
We cater for children aged three years and over who are ready from a social and independent toilet training perspective to spend time at pre-school.
Why is early learning important?
Development occurs at its most rapid pace during early childhood. Research has shown that experiences in this period play a pivotal role in sculpting intellectual capacity, personality, and behaviour (ACECQA, 2014), so learning programs at this time can therefore have long-term impact.
What educational philosophies underpin your approach?
Our ELC is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, providing an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, valuing the child as strong, capable and resilient. It has been adopted because we believe that children are motivated by their interests to understand and know more. Our role as educators is to observe our students, listen to their questions and their experiences, find what interests them, and then provide them with opportunities to explore further. This child-led approach means projects are not pre-planned – they emerge based on the child’s interests and may be undertaken as individuals or groups of different sizes.
How does the Westminster ELC program differ from Child Care?
Our ELC provides an education in a dedicated preschool setting, catering for children aged between three and five years of age. Our program is based on the developmental needs, interests, and experience of each child and guided by a national framework, Early Years Learning Framework: Being Belonging Becoming. In addition to a play-based curriculum, ELC students are also involved in:
- Literacy and numeracy activities
- Explicit and intentional teaching
- Music, Physical Education and Library lessons
- The Arts
- Science and Technology
- Farm visits
- Chinese lessons (4-year-old program only)
Can I receive the Child Care Subsidy if my child attends the ELC?
Our ELC is an approved childcare provider which means that you may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It is your responsibility to register for the CCS, which can be done via Centrelink/MyGov. To find out more please visit Child Care Subsidy - Services Australia. It is imperative that all families with children attending the ELC provide their Customer Reference Number (CRN), Birth Dates, and Child CRN to receive the subsidy on fees.
What are your hours of operation?
The ELC operates from 07:30 to 18:00. Children may attend the program between these hours from Monday to Friday for 48 weeks of the year. The ELC closes for four weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.
What happens if my child is absent or cannot attend the ELC on their scheduled day?
The minimum booked attendance in the ELC is two days per week. Students are allowed 42 absent days per financial year while still receiving their Government Subsidy payments. Families exceeding the 42 absent days within any financial year will not receive their payments once the 42 days have been used. Any absences due to sickness, where a doctor's certificate is supplied, will not be counted in the 42 'allowable absence' days provided per annual year. If your child is away due to sickness and you visit a doctor, please ask for a certificate and provide it to one of the ELC staff so that a record of medically approved days of leave is maintained.
What does the Westminster ELC daily program look like?
The ELC program varies from day to day, guided by the following timetable:
07:30 to 09:00 - Before Preschool Program
Lesson 1 - Sport/Outside Play
Lesson 2 - Music/Inside Play
10:40 to 10:55 - Morning Tea
Lesson 3 - Literacy Group Time/Farm Visit
Lesson 4 - Inside Play and Social-Emotional Program with Centre Director
12:25 to 13:30 - Lunch and Rest Time
Lesson 5 - Inside/Outside Play
Lesson 6 - Numeracy Group Time
15:00 to 15:30 - Afternoon Tea
15:30 to 18:00 - After Preschool Program
Can I swap the days that my child attends the ELC?
Our ELC receives a high volume of enquiries and applications and, as such, our current ELC families are required to give 12 months’ notice to change bookings between the two-day, three-day and five-day programs.
Which facilities are available for the ELC students to use?
Students have access to a wide range of appropriate facilities, including the Haslam Library, the Forder Centre for Music, the Preparatory Gym and Oval for Physical Education and visits to our on-site Sturt Grove Farm.
What specialist lessons are provided to Westminster ELC students?
ELC students are provided with specialist experiences in the areas of Music, Physical Education, Library and Chinese (4-year-old program only). Our Music program is conducted by dedicated music teachers, and includes singing, creative movement, use of percussion instruments and listening for appreciation. Students also visit the Haslam Library each week to learn how it operates, gain an enjoyment of reading, and explore authors and illustrators. In Physical Education, children are encouraged to grow confidence and develop gross motor skills and co-ordination. The activities involved include balancing, jumping, throwing, catching, hitting, kicking, climbing, and obstacle circuits. Art education and Information Technologies also form an integral part of the ELC curriculum.
What is the educator to child ratio at the Westminster ELC?
Licensing requirements specify a ratio of one adult to 11 children. However, our ELC generally operates with one qualified staff member for every eight children. Other specialists, such as our Music, Library and PE teachers also support the learning program in various ways. This integration assists in making a smooth transition for students leaving the ELC and entering their first year of schooling.
Are the Westminster ELC staff qualified teachers?
We are very fortunate to employ eight fully qualified teachers in the ELC. Our educators have either a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education or a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. We believe our program strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and commitment of our staff. We support them with professional learning, resources and opportunities to create a unique and meaningful experience for the children.
Are students provided with meals at ELC?
Students attending the ELC are provided with a nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack all form a part of their daily routine. We cater to children’s dietary intolerances, allergies and cultural requests when required.
Where is the ELC located?
The ELC is located securely within the grounds of Westminster School at Alison Avenue, Marion. It is a part of the Junior Primary area of our School and parking is available to parents for ease of drop-off and pick-up.
Is there a uniform for students attending the ELC?
The ELC uniform is the same as the Westminster Preparatory School sports uniform – a combination of shorts, shirt, tracksuit, rugby jumper and sports jacket all designed for children to be active, warm, and comfortable. Students can continue to wear this uniform for sport once they start their schooling.
When should my child graduate from the ELC and start school?
We appreciate the importance of starting school when your child is ready. The first year of full-time school is called Reception. Children who turn five years of age before the end of June are able to start in Reception at the beginning of Term 1 in late January. Children who turn five years of age in the second half of the year are also catered for with our Transition class which runs for Terms 3 and 4. This is a class for children of this age to support their transition into the routines of full-time school before entering Reception the following year. Our ELC and Junior Primary staff are more than happy to work with parents to determine the most appropriate time for their child to start school in Transition or Reception.
Preparatory School
Our Preparatory School provides a holistic approach to education. Students learn teamwork, social awareness and respect for others alongside their curricular studies.