When Goodstart Nollamara in Western Australia was flooded in late 2013, the centre was stripped, repainted and rebuilt internally.
But the learning spaces were bare, white and uninviting and families provided feedback that they were unhappy and wanted to see more child-friendly resources.
The team took action, adding wooden furniture and neutral colours along with soft lighting, and have come out on top, winning the physical environments National Goodstart Award for 2016.
Since the makeover, the centre has received positive feedback from current and new families.
Centre director Cecelia Waters said becasue the classroom was the third teacher, it was important that it was meaningful and responsive to children.
"We have found that children are more steeled in the new learning spaces, and are engaging in the learning with support and guidance from educators. We have also seen a big increase in our occupancy and are currently in the mid 90 per cent range which is so exciting and rewarding for our team!”
The National Goodstart Awards are held every year, with 452 entries received in 2016. Seventy state winners were selected across a range of categories, with 14 national winners making the grade.
But the learning spaces were bare, white and uninviting and families provided feedback that they were unhappy and wanted to see more child-friendly resources.
The team took action, adding wooden furniture and neutral colours along with soft lighting, and have come out on top, winning the physical environments National Goodstart Award for 2016.
Since the makeover, the centre has received positive feedback from current and new families.
Centre director Cecelia Waters said becasue the classroom was the third teacher, it was important that it was meaningful and responsive to children.
"We have found that children are more steeled in the new learning spaces, and are engaging in the learning with support and guidance from educators. We have also seen a big increase in our occupancy and are currently in the mid 90 per cent range which is so exciting and rewarding for our team!”
The National Goodstart Awards are held every year, with 452 entries received in 2016. Seventy state winners were selected across a range of categories, with 14 national winners making the grade.