22 October 2014
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell has launched Early Childhood Management Services’ (ECMS) outdoor learning environment improvement initiative at Mossfiel Children’s Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
Yesterday, Ms Lovell was joined by the children from Mossfiel Children’s Centre – one of 16 ECMS early learning services chosen to undergo upgrades and improvements to outdoor learning environments this year.
Ms Lovell said giving children opportunities to play, learn and explore outdoors was critical to a quality early years education.
“Playing outside is one of the most powerful vehicles for learning with benefits that can last a life time,” she said.
“I am proud to support ECMS in their efforts to enhance the quality of its centres’ outdoor learning areas, and in doing so, promote children’s development in the vital years before school.”
The ECMS Board has pledged $417,000 to improve the outdoor learning environments across many of its kindergartens and child care centres.
“We are delighted by the opportunity to reinvest in our services in a tangible and meaningful way that will have a positive impact on children, families and educators,” says ECMS CEO, Bernie Nott.
The outdoor environment improvement initiative was chosen because of the relationship between stimulating outdoor learning spaces and educational outcomes for children.
“We are proud of the fact that 94 per cent of our services have been assessed as meeting or exceeding national standards, but we cannot stand still and must strive for excellence in the learning environments we provide for children, families and educators. "
It’s an exciting time for Mossfiel Children’s Centre, which has been an integral part of the Hoppers Crossing community for 20 years. Along with news of the funding from ECMS, earlier this year the centre received a rating of ‘exceeding’ the National Quality Standards set by the Government for early learning education and care services.
“What a year! Our team was thrilled to be recognised for its dedication to children’s learning with an ‘exceeding’ assessment and ratings result. To learn that we have received funding to contribute to improving our outdoor learning space is an exciting opportunity for our children!” says Mossfiel Centre Director, Belinda Timpano.
Mossfiel Children’s Centre will use the $10,000 it’s been allocated to enhance the children’s outdoor learning experience with engaging and sustainable new equipment and resources.
“The children love spending time in our indoor and outdoor program which provides opportunities for children to explore their creativity through play” says Belinda.
The centre’s calling for community and council support to further enrich the children’s learning journey by building a fantastic new music garden.