By Tracey Woodford – Educational Director
We used the 100 years of Excellence grant to purchase a classroom set of high-quality wet weather gear. It was our intention to remove any potential obstacles (including negative feelings) in children’s attendance of our outside session. After all, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes” says Alfred Wainwright.
Being able to supply each child with suitable wet weather gear (jacket and pants) has removed any barriers of them accessing the outside space in ways that they want to. The children (and teaching staff) are now free to explore on their knees under trees, fly down mud slides on their bottoms and remain protected from the elements the Melbourne winter so kindly shares with us. Each child has equal access to the rich learning available in the outdoors. Families are not burdened with the additional cost or washing of the equipment. Children are kept dry and warm.
Since introducing the wet weather gear, we have experienced less resistance from children and parents to attend our Explorers sessions, staff model suitable clothes with waterproof jackets and pants too.
Measuring how deep this puddle is without feet – it is 1 gumboot deep!
We are incredibly grateful for AGECS ongoing financial contributions to Early Childhood Education and Care, we have accessed a range of grants over the years and it has without a doubt improved the teaching skills of our team and the service experience for children and families attending our Kindergarten.