In April 2003, I reentered the work force and I was left with a dilemma of finding "SAFE" and reliable child care for Michaela who was then only 2.5. I phoned Tony at Possum Patch who so generously organised the classes to accommodate Michaela in for 5 days (which was VERY MUCH APPRECIATED).
Since then she has grown into a lovely young girl. Her language skills/social development have improved in the small amount of time since Maryanne has taken her under her wing. I would like to thank all the staff at Possum Patch for looking after my little angel. I hope that her journey into Big School she will find loving and caring teachers as she found at Possum Patch. From Mum of Michaela
When we arrived at Possum Patch We didn't think there'd be a catch The staff here were so very nice We didn't think about it twice
The twins settled in here really well and always had a tale to tell They brought their news in every day I think they got carried away!
They both learnt how to count and draw, and tell if it would rain or pour, They knew all the days of the week and the songs they sung were really sweet!
The sandpits where Ryan loved to play, he brought it home with him every day! He also liked to paint and draw but loved your cuddles most of all!!
Erin loved to ride the bikes, and dressing up is what she liked Her taste in clothes is very cool, cant wear those sorts of things to school!
The red room was a place to be the BIG ones in the family, it taught them skills that they would need to enter BIG school with such ease
To all the staff at Possum Patch, we couldn't have asked for a better batch! You treat the children as your own (If you like you can take them home!)
So thank you all for all you do, my kids will always remember you Erin with her chic head band, and Ryan, part of MaRYANne!!
From Mum of Ryan & Erin
3 Derribong Crescent BANGOR NSW 2234
Ph: 02 9543 5063
Please feel free to call us on the number/s above or enter your details in the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
As a parent you want what is best for your child. Our aim is to inform you about our centre so that you can decide if we meet your needs.
Possum Patch Provides:
Open: 50 weeks per year
Catering for children from 2 yeasr to school age
Children bring their own lunch; therefore you are aware of what your child has eaten.
Care by an appropriate number of qualified care givers
A programme that responds to each child as an individual
Opportunities for learning through play
A school readiness programme
Support for, communication with and involvement of parents, a focus on the family as a whole
A handbook for parents which contain the aims, policies and procedures of our centre
Regular staff updates of centre's policies according to regulations
Opportunities for parents to talk with staff
A family based centre
Childcare benefit available
Highly accredited
Fully licensed
Open door policy
Children at Possum Patch:
are happy, they enjoy the activities and playing together;
are encouraged to give their input into the activities chosen from indoor and outdoor play
get individual attention form the teachers/carers
all play together from 7am - 10am and 3pm - 6pm
are divided into age groups from 10am - 3pm however, they are free to move from group to group if the need arises
Parent Involvement
Possum Patch Kindergarten has a parents committee and all parents are welcome
we have an open door policy and parents are free to visit or drop in at any time
weekly communication (written on a whiteboard) is displayed at the entrance to Possum Patch Kindergarten
there is a suggestion box in the foyer and parents are free to place suggestions in the box and/or speak freely with staff
parents and their child are encouraged to attend Possum Patch Kindergarten as many times as they wish prior to starting to familiarise the child with the centre and staff.
The Physical Environment:
Possum Patch Kindergarten is clean, cheerful and well lit
The centre is cleaned everyday. The children's bathroom twice a day
The centre is very well equipped for indoor and outdoor activities
The equipment is continually being added to and in good condition as is the building
Children's work is displayed for the children and adults to enjoy.
Outdoor:
The outside area is safe, well supervised and checked daily
the children have space to move freely around and explore
the area is challenging and interesting for the children
provision is made for imaginative play
it is securely fenced
the outdoor play equipment is safe and sturdy
shade clothes provide the children with protection from the sun
children wear hats and sunscreen in accordance with Possum Patch Kindergarten's sun safe policy.
Programme:
Each day's activities are written on a whiteboard for parents to read
Observations are made and recorded on the children and their development in their own personal journals
The daily routine is flexible and gives the children the opportunity to make their own choices throughout the day
The daily programme is balanced between quiet and active time
The equipment provided is challenging, educational, enjoyable and safe.
Possum Patch has an anti-bias policy. It is sensitive to different cultures and discourages stereotypes such as how boys and girls play
A portfolio of your child's development and accomplishments are presented in July and December.
Staff
are welcoming. They interact with the children and encourage communication with parents
are qualified (University and TAFE) so there is a variety of training and experience amongst the staff
take part in ongoing training and development
take pride in their work
are conscientious and trained in first aid
like and relate well to each other and the children
are loving, friendly and caring
assist the children in developing self-help skills
encourage the children to reach their full potential