Grandi
It seems like only yesterday you were swaddling your new born… and now your child is on their way to ‘big school’. And while they’re learning their ABCs, your child is probably feeling excited as well as a bit nervous about starting school.
And if this is your child’s first experience of being away from family, you might also be feeling a mixture of pride, excitement and anxiety as your child becomes more independent.
We never underestimate how difficult it can be for parents to leave their children in our care. That’s why our team is committed to helping you and your child feel right at home at Bambini of Lilyfield.
We know that this is an exciting period of growth and development, so we want you to feel confident that your child receives the absolute best in school readiness education.
Getting ready for big school
As an award-winning early learning childcare centre, we are committed to providing your child with access to an academically excellent, developmentally responsive and socially equitable environment.
Grandi means ‘Big’ in Italian. This is our Prekindergarten room and children are usually between the ages of 4 and 6 years in this room; however, each year the range of ages may be different due to the ages of the cohort in that particular year.
Children in this room are in the years prior to going to big school. Depending on the age of the child and the individual decision of whether they commence big school at the age of 5 or 6 years, children may spend either one or two years in this room.
Our Grandi Room offers an environment where children develop natural leadership skills, social skills and lifelong dispositions of the love for learning.
The importance of school readiness
As the first day of primary school hits the horizon for your child, parents often consider what school readiness really means.
It’s easy to assume that school readiness just means being able to count to 10 or write their name. At Bambini we prepare children with far more than that.
School Readiness is where children take part in developing foundational life skills and academic success in literacy and numeracy in a fun learning environment, music and movement, stories, puppets and drama, learning about healthy lifestyles, yoga, mindfulness and taking part in learning projects with in-depth enquiry and research.
Leading by example
Children develop social skills and meaningful friendships and become advocates for fairness within their community.
Children have the opportunity to be leaders and positive role models, leading by example.
Rest, then ready to learn
Most children have a down time where they may have a short rest time or yoga/meditation after lunch, before they move on to quiet experiences. All meals, hats and sheets are provided.
While academic skills such as counting and letter recognition certainly have their place in your child’s early learning, we offer a more holistic approach that gives your child the best chance at succeeding and thriving at big school and beyond.
With a play-based approach to learning and applying the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our Bambini School Readiness Curriculum will equip your child to play independently and with other children, to cope with new environments and people, to communicate their personal needs and feelings and to participate in classroom tasks.
Strong partnership with families
Every child is unique and has different learning styles. Our team of highly qualified educators works in partnership with families to assess your child’s own strengths, interests and challenges. Together we establish unique goals for your child to ensure they are on the right path and ready for school.
We monitor your child’s progress according to the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards Developmental milestones checklist.
We also regularly communicate with families to discuss any goals that you are working on at home. We aim to incorporate home goals into the Bambini routine and provide professional advice and support for you until your child is ready for big school.
Our collaborative and holistic approach ensures your child is set up for success.
Our school readiness curriculum
At Bambini of Lilyfield, we are passionate about inspiring young minds. It is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
We provide an innovative and nurturing early learning environment that is academically excellent, developmentally responsive and socially equitable.
We are committed to inspiring young children to be resilient, adaptable and emotionally intelligent, articulate leaders.
Skills for big school and beyond
Your child’s interests, strengths, experiences and challenges set the foundation for their personalised early learning program. Our Bambini Curriculum teaches the core academic foundations and developmental skills that will help your child be ready for big school and beyond. Skills include: Cooperation and self-control; Following the rules of their home and preschool; Playing independently; Learning how to happily share their toys and negotiate with others; Displaying concern, affection and comfort for others; Adapting in social situations; Well developed language skills and vocabulary; and Developing new friendships.
At every stage, we foster your child’s learning. We are committed to building leaders of tomorrow.
Courageous, curious, ready
From the moment children start at Bambini of Lilyfield, we inspire them to be courageous and resilient, to navigate new experiences and friends and embrace challenges with confidence.
We see every moment of your child’s life as an opportunity to engage them to develop new skills. They need to become creative, articulate and independent citizens of tomorrow. When we say we’re passionate about inspiring young minds, we really mean it.
“The best education does not happen at a desk, but rather engaged in everyday living.”Vince Gowmon
Come and see it for yourself
Half an hour, no obligation, no waiting-list fee. You will meet the educators your child would actually spend their days with.
The other rooms
See the Grandi room for yourself
Pick a time that suits you. We will show you the room, the garden and the educators your child would spend their days with, and you can ask us anything.
- 284 Balmain Road, Lilyfield NSW 2040
- (02) 9810 7780
- Mon–Fri · 7:30am–6:30pm
“The educators provide fun, learning and cuddles in equal measure, and his development is thriving in this nurturing and trusted environment.” Michelle, Bambini parent