Nido Early School Essendon

Nido Early School is committed to quality care and learning delivered by an outstanding team of degree-qualified teachers and skilled educators. The team inspires and challenges each other, working together to collectively offer the very best in childcare.

The service hires only passionate and committed team members. It provides a comprehensive induction and onboarding program. All staff also have enhanced learning and development opportunities through the ECA Learning Hub, an online professional learning platform designed specifically for early childhood education and care professionals.

Nido Early School understands that no one knows a child like their family. The service actively engages with parents and family members to ensure children have the very best care. 

The team works with family members at enrolment and also regularly seeks updates on children’s schedules and current interests. This helps them to develop tailored programs that meet individual educational, physical, cultural and emotional needs.

Parents are welcome to chat with staff at drop off and pick up, and to contact the team at any stage via phone, email or the service’s ‘Playground’ App. The service regularly sends updates on children’s progress, and photos and videos of children during play and learning activities. 

With an ‘open door policy’, parents are welcome to join in activities and events, and to share breakfast with children at the popular breaky bar.

The curriculum at Nido Early School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework. Designed to support the children in the early years and as they prepare for the transition to school, the curriculum is play-based and engaging.

The curriculum is delivered in three stages:

Nursery (6 weeks to 18 months)

In the nursery, the children are nurtured as they develop early connections with their educators. They read stories, play and explore the world around them.

The children start to develop their sense of identity and understand that they are part of a broader community. They start to explore their feelings and emotions and also try new things. Developing early communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal is also a big focus for the children in this age group.

Toddlers (18 months to 3 years)

The educators encourage the toddlers to develop their independence and autonomy. They have opportunities to build their social skills and early friendships while also learning to regulate their emotions.

As the children take safe risks in their learning, the educators also encourage their problem solving skills. Self-expression and communication are also important.

Kindergarten (3 years to school)

The Kindergarten curriculum helps to prepare the children for the big transition to big school. The children have a strong sense of self and understand their role in the community. They participate in peer activities and understand their own emotions. 

They are always questioning how things work and practising their verbal and listening skills as strong communicators.