Robert Cochrane Kindergarten will offer an optional extended hours program, commencing in Term 3, 2023. The program will also be available in 2024.
The program will be held between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. In Term 3, 2023 the days of the program are currently to be confirmed. From Term 1, 2024 the program will run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It will provide children with an opportunity for outside play, indoor activities and relaxation.
The extended hours program is not subsidised by the Government but rather is funded by an additional fee. The number of extended hours sessions that a child can attend will depend on demand and availability which may vary each term.
The children who participate in the Extended Hours Program at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten will be provided with the opportunity to engage in a significant period of uninterrupted play during each session.
This commitment:
Recognises that children are active and involved learners who can lead the direction of their play
Allows each child to express their unique personality and learning preferences
Supports each child to establish and maintain relationships with their peers and educators-
Fosters the development of a range of learning dispositions, including curiosity, creativity and collaboration
Contributes to each child experiencing a feeling of wellbeing.
Embedded within this period of play will be:
Intentional teaching opportunities that will be aimed at the development of specific skills or dispositions, and supporting interests demonstrated by the children
An undertaking to promote sustainable practices, including the use of a wide range of loose parts, which are open-ended, reusable resources
A focus on outdoor play wherever possible, reflecting the benefits of the Nature Play philosophy.