The Nest Early Education Centre of Excellence

We love a good magnet here at The Nest!

The magic of magnets has been captivating our learners as they puzzle, pattern, create and investigate.

Through hands-on exploration, children have demonstrated incredible sustained focus and concentration, revisiting ideas and experimenting with how magnetic pieces connect, attract and move.

As children manipulate the materials, solve problems and test their theories, they are developing critical thinking skills and building an understanding of cause and effect. These experiences support Learning Outcome 4 of the EYLF, with children becoming confident and involved learners who show curiosity, persistence and a willingness to investigate and discover.

Through open-ended experiences like these, children are encouraged to think deeply, create freely and engage in meaningful learning at their own pace.

Sometimes, a simple magnet holds endless possibilities!

Process over product in Studio Five… our incredible clever learners!

Our Studio Five children have been immersed in the wonderful world of papier-mâché, exploring each stage of the process with curiosity, creativity and intention.

As part of our dedicated art atelier and focus with ongoing projects, experiences like these are thoughtfully linked to our slow pedagogy approach and Reggio-inspired philosophy, allowing children the time and space to revisit ideas, experiment and express themselves in meaningful ways.

There’s so much more to papier-mâché than simply creating an end product.

Children are strengthening fine motor skills through tearing paper, brushing and applying glue, manipulating materials and developing hand strength. They are engaging in problem-solving, planning, predicting and making decisions as they discover how different materials behave and transform.

This process-driven approach encourages persistence, creative thinking and a deep sense of ownership over their learning, reminding us that the magic often lies in the journey, not just the finished piece.

Learning comes to life when families and educators work together…

This week, the children enjoyed exploring Arthur’s mum Ghina’s published counting book.

Their curiosity sparked rich learning as they spent sustained, focused time counting, recognising numerals and recording the names of different vehicles alongside their corresponding numbers.

Some children engaged in self-initiated learning, independently extending their ideas, while others were supported by educators who intentionally scaffolded their thinking and emerging literacy and numeracy skills.

Experiences like these highlight the power of strong family and community partnerships. Inviting family knowledge, talents and resources into our learning environments creates meaningful connections, fosters a sense of belonging and enriches children’s learning in authentic ways.

We are so grateful to Ghina for sharing her beautiful book and inspiring our young learners to explore, count, create and connect.

Independence in Action in Studio 5!

Our children are superstars and enjoy self-serving their chicken chow mein, carefully using tongs to gather a delicious combination of noodles and vegetables.

What may seem like a simple lunchtime routine is actually filled with rich learning opportunities.

Using tongs strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration, while self-serving encourages independence, decision-making and confidence.

Children are learning to recognise their own hunger cues, make healthy choices and develop important life skills in a calm and respectful environment.

These everyday moments support children to become capable, confident and active participants in their own wellbeing, proving that learning happens throughout the entire day.

Mirrors, reflection and a growing sense of self

Mirrors offer so much more than a reflection. They provide children with opportunities to explore who they are, view the world from different perspectives and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Through observing their own expressions, movements and features, children build self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem.

These everyday moments encourage children to recognise themselves as capable, unique and valued individuals while supporting social and emotional development.

By intentionally incorporating mirrors into our learning environments, we invite children to investigate, wonder and make connections as they see themselves and others from new perspectives.
These experiences nurture a positive sense of self and help lay the foundations for confident, secure and resilient learners.

Because every child deserves to see themselves reflected, recognised and celebrated.

Ramps, motion and curious minds in Studio Two…

Learning about the world as children happens in so many unique ways.

Through doing, being and closely observing, children explore, question and discover at their own pace.

Our Studio Two children have been investigating ramps and motion, experimenting with speed, direction and cause and effect as they engage in rich STEM learning experiences.

Through trial and error, predictions and problem-solving, children are developing critical thinking skills while having fun.

And we couldn’t help but smile at Mav, who decided the best way to investigate the ramp was from a completely different perspective…! Sometimes the most wonderful discoveries happen when children are free to observe the world in their own unique ways.

These playful moments are building curiosity, persistence and a lifelong love of learning.

Yoga and Mindfulness in Our Weekly Curriculum

Our children look forward to their regular yoga and mindfulness sessions, thoughtfully planned and delivered as part of our weekly curriculum.
Through small, intentional group experiences, children are supported to develop confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing in a calm and nurturing environment.

Guided by professional expertise, these sessions provide opportunities for children to slow down, connect with their bodies, strengthen concentration and learn strategies to support self-regulation and positive relationships.
Through movement, breathing and mindful practices, children are building skills that will support them throughout their learning journey and beyond.

At the heart of these experiences is our commitment to responsive, high-quality early education, where children’s wellbeing is prioritised and every child is empowered to grow with confidence.

Curiosity, Persistence and Discovery …

Our younger children have been fascinated by exploring ice and using pipettes to transport water.

This hands-on experience challenged little fingers and required concentration, coordination and patience, but the children showed wonderful persistence as they experimented and refined their skills.

As the ice melted and water moved through the pipettes, children became deeply engaged in the process, making observations, testing ideas and delighting in their discoveries.

Experiences like these support the development of fine motor strength, hand-eye coordination and early scientific thinking, while nurturing curiosity and a love of learning.

Through play, our children are learning that challenges can be exciting opportunities for discovery and growth.

Creating Intentional, Beautiful Spaces for Our Infants

At our service, we thoughtfully create calm, inviting and intentional environments that inspire our youngest learners to explore, connect and thrive.

Guided by the belief that the environment is the third teacher, every space is carefully designed to foster a sense of security, belonging and curiosity.

Natural elements, open-ended resources and nurturing spaces encourage infants to engage with their surroundings, build relationships and discover the world at their own pace.

Through responsive interactions and thoughtfully prepared environments, we support each child’s development, wellbeing and emerging sense of self.

Beautiful environments nurture capable, curious and confident learners from the very beginning.

Learning and Growing Together….

At our service, we value the strong sense of community that develops when children of different ages learn alongside one another.

Our Kindergarten children have been guiding, supporting and interacting with our youngest learners, demonstrating kindness, patience and leadership as they build meaningful relationships. Through these shared experiences, our older children develop confidence, empathy, communication skills and a sense of responsibility, while our youngest children benefit from positive role modelling, encouragement and a strong sense of belonging.

These beautiful moments of connection create opportunities for learning that extend far beyond the activity itself, fostering respect, collaboration and a caring community where every child feels valued.

Growing friendships, building confidence and learning together every day.