Curriculum / Learning Approach

Curriculum / Learning Approach

We follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Australia’s national curriculum for early childhood education. It’s the same framework used in registered childcare centres and preschools across the country, and it shapes everything we do at Fig Tree.

Following EYLF means your child’s learning is recognised by primary schools, builds strong foundations for later education, and focuses on genuine development rather than just keeping them busy. It also means our approach is grounded in current research about how young children actually learn best, through play, relationships, and meaningful experiences, not worksheets and screens.

What Your Child Learns 

Not worksheets. Not screens. Real development across five key areas, each one growing alongside the others at the pace that’s right for your child:

  • Social & Emotional — Building friendships, managing feelings, developing empathy
  • Confidence & Independence — Making choices, solving problems, trying new things
  • Communication & Language — Expressing ideas, listening, early literacy through stories and songs
  • Creativity & Imagination — Art, music, dramatic play, self expression
  • Early Literacy & Numeracy — Letters, sounds, numbers, patterns through play

These areas aren’t taught in isolation. A simple activity like reading a picture book together can build language, spark imagination, open conversations about feelings, and introduce early literacy all at once. That’s the strength of play based learning, several kinds of growth happening naturally inside one moment.

Ready for the next chapter

Our Senior Preschool programme (ages 4 to 5) prepares children for primary school in every sense that matters. Most parents focus on the academic side, recognising letters, counting, writing their name, and we cover all of that.

But the children who thrive in kindergarten are also the ones who can sit in a group, ask for help, and walk through the school gate feeling proud and ready. That’s what our programme builds:

  • Following routines and managing emotions in groups
  • Recognising letters and sounds, writing their name, counting to 20
  • Independence skills, toileting, packing bags, opening lunch boxes
  • Speaking in groups, asking for help, trying new things
  • Visits to local schools and gradual introduction of school routines

Frequently Asked Questions

We teach early literacy skills through play, songs, and stories. Children learn letter recognition, sounds, and begin writing their name. We don’t use formal worksheets as research shows play based learning is more effective for this age group. By the time they start school, children are confident with foundational literacy skills.

We have a no screen time policy during the day. Children learn best through hands on experiences, not passive screen watching. We focus on real play, outdoor exploration, and genuine social interactions.

Yes. Our Senior Preschool programme specifically prepares children for the transition to primary school. We focus on social readiness (the most important factor), academic foundations, and independence skills. Children leave us confident and excited about school, not anxious.

We use a balance of both. We follow the EYLF which gives us a structured framework, but we also observe children’s interests and extend their learning based on what they’re curious about. It’s intentional teaching that responds to each child, not a rigid one size fits all approach.