Gum Nuts
Our Gum Nut Room is for children aged 3 to 4 (approximately). The room is regularly staffed with a lower child to educator ratio (1:8).
Our 3-year-old program is a play-based early learning program led by two qualified early childhood teachers and supported by experienced educators, offering a rich, nurturing and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from age 3 until they transition to the Gum Leaves room at around 4 years of age, with transitions typically occurring at the beginning of each SA school term.
In line with the Flying Start Program, children in the Gum Nut room will begin developing skills that encourage social connection, exploration and curiosity. There will be opportunities for child-led discovery, supporting children to become confident communicators and involved learners. We provide a safe and supportive environment that nurtures self-identity and emotional resilience, and we prioritise outdoor play to promote health, wellbeing and exploration. We value, acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as well as the diverse cultures represented within our community.
The interconnecting room with the Gum Leaves (4–5 years) allows Gum Nut children to interact with a wider range of peers and engage in ways that are developmentally appropriate for each individual. Both the Gum Nut and Gum Leaves rooms share a spacious, natural outdoor learning environment, eating area and vegetable garden.
Our outdoor space is expansive and offers opportunities for children to dig in the sandpit, enjoy water play, climb on various structures, ride bikes, or spend time tending to the veggie garden. Children can also choose between indoor and outdoor play, with creative and quiet experiences available at times that align with the room’s routine and meet the needs of all learners.
At this stage, you can expect your child to experience rapid emotional development, form genuine friendships, expand their language and communication skills, grow in physical competence, and take more risks in their play and learning. Educators are there every step of the way, offering guidance, support and encouragement as children become increasingly independent and capable.
Trained Educators deliver the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum; a child safety and respectful relationships curriculum providing age and developmentally appropriate activities for children and young people from birth to year 12. All children and young people, in developmentally appropriate ways, can:
- Understand they have the right to be safe
- Recognise abuse and unsafe situations
- Apply knowledge, skills and understanding to be safe
- Seek support for themselves or others
As children become developmentally ready, we provide opportunities and experiences that encourage and strengthen the skills needed for a successful transition to the Gum Leaves room and to the 4-year-old Preschool (Kindergarten) program.