Hampstead Preschool

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:33): Last Thursday, I had the honour of opening the new facilities at Hampstead Preschool. The official opening was followed by a morning tea with families, students, teachers, supporters and care workers of the children there. We know that the relocation of the preschool will improve access for families and make it easier for staff to utilise indoor and outdoor play areas. It will also strengthen links with the primary school. There is already a buddy system set up and the children visit the school library.

We know that including play in learning is a vital way of connecting with children in this crucial period of their development and that the learning opportunities during a child's formative years are vital. Children and young people who are supported during this time are better equipped to lead fulfilling, productive and satisfying lives. Research shows that investment in the early years before children start school has the greatest return for human development. In turn, this improves outcomes and overall wellbeing for each child and young person and for society as a whole.

We recognise that South Australia has a proud history as a national leader in early childhood development. We recognise also the value and potential of every child and young person, the primary role of parents and carers in their child's development, the importance of the first five years of a child's development and the need for services and the broader community to work together to achieve the best outcomes.

The South Australian government has invested significantly in early childhood over many years through the engagement of Dr Fraser Mustard and Professor Carla Rinaldi, through the Thinker in Residence program, as well as significant investment in the development of Children's Centres for Early Childhood Development and Parenting, among other programs. The redevelopment of Hampstead Preschool will give the approximately 60 enrolled children access to modern facilities they need to explore and learn and give teachers more opportunity to engage these children and set them up for a future of discovery.

The staff at the preschool do a wonderful job, which is highlighted through the preschool having achieved an exceeding National Quality Standard rating from the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. This preschool delivers a service that goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard in six of the seven areas assessed, and this is in some part due to the multicultural nature of the preschool. The students benefit greatly from the preschool's inclusive philosophy where every child belongs and secure and respectful relationships are encouraged.

Children are encouraged to discover differences in culture, language and background and they are presented as learning opportunities. This not only gives children a rich environment in which to develop and learn but it also sets them up for becoming a productive member of their community. The children attending the Hampstead Preschool hail from many different backgrounds and places of birth, including India, Greece, Italy, Philippines, China, Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia, Poland, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Today, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Ms Melanie Ellison, director of the Hampstead Preschool, and her team. I would also like to congratulate the teachers, staff and parents on their hard work and wonderful, warm community spirit. The children at the preschool are a testament to the rich environment in which they develop and learn.

As a former teacher, I understand the value of building strong foundations at this young age to support lifelong learning. I can truly say that the teachers and staff at Hampstead Preschool and primary school, along with the parents and governing councils work hard to develop this, and that the children are benefiting from their dedication and contribution.