Business Details
35 Years
experience
Play-Based Preschool in Tamworth, NSW
St Mary's Preschool has been nurturing young minds since 1991, continuing a legacy of educational excellence that began in 1939 as the original St Mary's Infants School. Our play-based learning environment fosters child development through natural exploration, cultural awareness, and community engagement. With a dedicated team of educators, we implement the Early Years Learning Framework to create individualized learning journeys documented through our OWNA Program. Our purpose-built facilities feature unique spaces like the Memorial Tree, Sandpit, Mud Kitchen, and Creek Bed, supporting holistic development through imaginative play and real-world experiences.We maintain strong partnerships with families and the Kamilaroi community, embedding Aboriginal perspectives through our Three Flags Initiative and Totem Pole installations. Our curriculum emphasizes risk assessment, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional growth, preparing children for successful transitions to formal schooling.
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Cultural Programs
Outdoor Learning
Child Care
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based learning with qualified early childhood educators
- Our curriculum embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
- Unique outdoor learning spaces include a creek bed and mud kitchen
- We maintain 8:1 child-to-educator ratios for personalized attention
- Documented learning journeys using the OWNA Program/App
Associations and certifications
- Sun Smart Approved Service
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Our play-based program integrates learning with natural exploration and imaginative play. Children develop essential skills through hands-on experiences in purpose-built environments. The curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on Belonging, Being and Becoming.
Cultural Programs
We embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through daily activities and special initiatives. Our Three Flags Initiative and Totem Pole installations promote cultural awareness. The 'We Are All Welcome Here' mural reflects our commitment to inclusivity and community diversity.
Outdoor Learning
Our natural play spaces include a creek bed, sandpit, mud kitchen, and fort. These environments encourage physical development, risk assessment, and environmental stewardship. Children explore mathematical concepts through water play and develop motor skills through adventurous play.
Child Care
We provide care for children aged 3-5 years with qualified educators maintaining 8:1 child-to-educator ratios. Our program includes mindfulness activities, school readiness preparation, and therapeutic interactions with our therapy dog Jessie.
Community Engagement
We foster strong family partnerships through orientation sessions, community events, and collaborative learning. Our amphitheatre hosts performances and our alfresco dining area facilitates family gatherings. Parents receive regular updates through our OWNA Program documentation.
People
Marilyn
Preschool Manager
Marilyn oversees daily operations and staff coordination at St Mary's Preschool. With extensive experience in early childhood education, she ensures quality program delivery while maintaining strong community partnerships and regulatory compliance.
Monica
Director
Monica directs curriculum development and educational practices at St Mary's Preschool. She implements the Early Years Learning Framework and oversees the OWNA Program documentation system, ensuring alignment with national standards and individual child development needs.
Wendy
Educator
Wendy delivers play-based learning experiences while focusing on children's social-emotional development. She facilitates mindfulness activities and supports individualized learning journeys through observation and documentation in the OWNA Program.
Hannah
Educator
Hannah creates engaging learning environments that promote physical development and creative expression. She facilitates outdoor learning experiences and maintains strong communication with families about their child's progress and development.
Kelly
Educational Leader
Kelly leads our therapeutic programs and manages the therapy dog initiative. She completed specialized training in animal-assisted therapy and integrates Jessie the Spoodle into social-emotional learning and self-regulation activities.
Questions
What are your preschool hours and operating schedule?
We operate Monday to Friday from 8:15am to 3:45pm, following NSW school terms with closures during holidays and public holidays.
How does your play-based learning approach work?
Our program integrates learning through natural play experiences in purpose-built environments, focusing on Belonging, Being and Becoming as outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework.
What cultural education programs do you offer?
We embed Aboriginal perspectives through our Three Flags Initiative, Totem Pole installations, and the 'We Are All Welcome Here' mural, promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity.
What immunization requirements do you have?
Parents must provide proof of immunization before commencement, in accordance with government recommendations and childcare regulations.
How do you prepare children for school transition?
We document learning journeys through the OWNA Program and provide Transition to School Statements, developing independence and resilience through real-world experiences.
What outdoor learning spaces do you have available?
Our natural play spaces include a creek bed, sandpit, mud kitchen, fort, and amphitheatre, supporting physical development and environmental exploration.