The moment you walk through our doors you will experience early childhood education as you have never seen, heard or felt it before. The attention to detail in our centres are unsurpassed. Our playgrounds are special and incorporate natural play spaces, with endless opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. There is an open, relaxed atmosphere where we cater for each child's intellectual, aesthetic, ethical, social, emotional and physical development, for the best start to education cradled in a Christian environment. We aim to create a stimulating, attractive, supportive and responsible environment which is conducive to learning. Exploring Tree Centres are inspired by a range of perspectives and approaches to early childhood education that are innovative, inclusive and invigorating. We hold that children are strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge and flourish in all their diversities and differences. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential that drives all kinds of possibilities to understand their world and their place within it.
We have designed our centres through consultation with children, families, educators, early childhood experts, the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.
The opportunities for your child include: arts, music, numeracy and literacy languages, technology, and sustainability education.
Our interest and concern for your child is foremost at all times, so please feel free to speak with staff at any time. We believe that every child is a miracle from God. As such, we strive for each child to be treated as such, in an environment which upholds Christian values. We want every child to know that God loves them unconditionally and has a special purpose for their life.
Children benefit from a close understanding between centre educators and families in the nurturing process. Our educators recognise the importance of families being the primary influence in their child's life and therefore strive to continually develop and maintain close links with the home and family. We encourage family participation in all areas of the program according to their individual needs, interests and opportunities. Families are encouraged, by newsletters and direct discussion, to form a close association with the centre. We encourage family involvement in events and meetings. Please see any of our educators if you would like to be more involved in any way.
The centres have a high level security and surveillance system in every room, which ensures peace of mind. All visitors must enter through our reception area, and access to the classrooms is impossible without our staff. Exploring Tree centres are fully registered, licensed and accredited, and meets the requirements of Camden Council, the Department of Community Services, and the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Exploring Tree Early Learning was founded on three main concepts: passion for early childhood education, relational pedagogy, and the Christian faith.This inspired our organisation wide philosophy pillars which are:
These philosophy pillars help frame an unhurried, child-centered, wholistic learning approach, allowing children to learn at their own pace. We view children as infinitely capable and competent learners. We encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Exploring Tree places a strong emphasis on the arts and the environment as tools for learning. We promote the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
The Christian Faith underpins our practice by providing a unique framework that shapes our beliefs, values, and actions as well as our understanding of the world. It is the foundation on which everything else will rest.
Our Christian worldview emphasises the teachings and principles found in the Bible. It instils values such as love, kindness, communication, honesty, forgiveness, service, honour, and compassion, which form the foundation for character development and moral decision-making.
Our view recognises that truth is found in God and His Word. It encourages a pursuit of knowledge that aligns with biblical principles and promotes critical thinking, discernment, and a holistic understanding of the world and one another. The Bible teaches us about healthy trusting relationships, how to treat others, identity, stewardship, the importance of community and social justice.
By integrating principles influenced by the Bible/Christian faith into our nurturing and educating of children, children develop a strong moral compass, a sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of their place in the world. It shapes their hearts and minds as their character grows, their thinking evolves and their spirituality is formed.
Relational pedagogy is an approach to education that emphasises the importance of building positive relationships between educators, children and their families. It recognises that learning cannot occur without forming connections and fostering a sense of belonging in the learning environment. Relational pedagogy focuses on creating supportive and inclusive spaces where students feel valued, respected, and engaged. It involves practices such as active listening, empathy, collaboration, and mutual trust between educators and children. We honour children’s participation rights by seeking consent and never forcing children into any routine or experience.
We place great value in continual professional development for our educators. It is vital for educators to stay current, reflect on their practice, collaborate with peers, meet regulatory requirements, and ultimately provide high-quality education and care to our children. It has a direct positive impact on children's learning and development.
Exploring Tree is always striving to be innovative and improve practices through critical reflection and collaborating with other professionals. Our heart is for our educators and families to not only know our philosophy, but to also feel it through their lived reality. To achieve this, we feel it is vital that each centre’s families and educators expand on those pillars to cater to each unique context.
Exploring Tree Macarthur is located on the grounds of Macarthur Anglican School in Cobbitty. Our early learning centre is managed by Robyn & Brett Legge and is run independently to the school. Located just one minute from the Northern Road and ten minutes from Camden and Narellan, Exploring Tree is a stone's throw from the growth centre of the Macarthur region.
Exploring Tree Oran Park is located at 88 Skaife St, Oran Park, opposite Doohan reserve. Our early learning centre is owned and managed by Robyn & Brett Legge.
Exploring Tree Cobbitty is located at 335 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty. Opposite Saint Paul's Anglican Church. Our early learning centre is owned and managed by Robyn & Brett Legge.
Children are born with amazing potential and capabilities, curiosity, and a drive to understand, the capacity to express themselves in many ways. Children are full of amazement and wonder, and have desire to form relationships with others within their world. At Exploring Tree, we defend and promote the rights of all children. Our educators promote a strong and positive image of children as citizens and active participants in the community. We want every child to know that God loves them unconditionally and has a special purpose for their life. Our educators strive for active, constructive and creative learning by children as they research, observe and document children’s interpretations of their world.
Our philosophy emphasises learning through play. Through a balance of structured play, exploration learning, and group participation, children can develop. Our program will be appropriate to the children in attendance, and support their different stages of development. We are committed to the inclusion of all children and families. We will identify and respond to their interests, value and acknowledge their experiences and individuality. We aim to build their self-esteem and self-identity, and encourage and extend their knowledge and appreciation of the world around them.
We treat children with respect and build upon their qualities and attributes to increase their self-esteem and desire to learn. Staff will interact in a positive manner, encouraging children in their efforts rather than in only their achievements, focusing on the process, not the end product. We aim to provide a program that reflects cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We will focus on respect for diversity as part of the daily routine. We will respect families values and seek their involvement in the program, our policies, and all aspects of our service.
We aim to meet and extend licensing standards and Quality Improvement and Accreditation requirements. We aim to create an enthusiastic and positive atmosphere for the staff, which encourages initiative and co-operation. We aim to develop mutual respect, courtesy and understanding. Our staff will be made aware of our expectations and their duties, and be provided with relevant training and development. Our centres are sensitive to the needs of surrounding residents in relation to parking, noise, and the aesthetic appeal of our centres, play areas and fencing. We aim to provide for the changing needs of the local community, and to ensure the cultural diversity of our community is recognised, valued, respected, and celebrated.
We believe that every child is a miracle from God. As such, we strive for each child to be treated as such, in an environment which upholds Christian values. We want every child to know that God loves them unconditionally and has a special purpose for their life.
Christianity in Exploring Tree.
Exploring Tree exists to demonstrate God’s love for the children and families in our community. We are a Christian service that believes that the best way to equip our children is to teach them Christian values, ethics, principles and the word of God.
We believe that the primary teachers of children are their families. We believe that since children are created in the image of God they must be treated with immense love and respect. Our intent is to assist families by teaching their children the truths of God, a love for people and the world, along with the skills and knowledge necessary to equip them for a fulfilled life.
We aim to develop strong, collaborative relationships with the families of our children so that we can all work together in achieving the goals of Exploring Tree.
Our curriculum brings a Christian perspective in and through all learning experiences and environments, and is based on the principles of the Bible. We celebrate the Christian meaning of Christmas and Easter. We say grace with the children before meals, some of our songs are Christian songs and some of our stories are from the Bible.
We honour the parenting roles and child development principles taught in Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
At Exploring Tree we employ both Christians and non-Christians. Our owners and many of our staff are committed Christian people. All of our staff participate in the Christian Education at Exploring Tree.
Statement of Christian Faith.
We believe there is one God, who eternally exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is eternal, sovereign and unchanging in his nature. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is true, has authority and is without error in everything with which it deals and is the final authority for Christian faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
We believe that Jesus Christ is God (John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-20), He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23), He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26), He performed miraculous signs (John 2:11), He died for the sins of the world (1 Corinthians 15:3, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:9), He rose from the dead (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), He ascended to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19) and He will personally return in power and glory to judge (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).
We believe that God created all things and that in the beginning they were good.(Genesis 1:1,1:31) God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27). Humans chose to rebel against God at the fall and sin was introduced to the world.
We believe that ever since the fall of man all humans are born with a sinful nature and in their natural state choose rebellion against God. (Romans 3:10-13). Due to this choice all are on the wide path which leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14). We believe that the only way one can be saved from this path is to turn away from sin and to put faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing humans can do to earn their salvation. (Galatians 2:16 John 14:6)
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. Those that are saved will be raised to the resurrection of life, and those that are lost are raised to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28–29). We believe that Jesus Christ will return one day to establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19).
Robyn Legge (Key) has been working in the Early childhood field since 1989. Robyn grew up with a love of children, and even as a toddler would line up dolls and “play school.” She spent her primary and high school years babysitting, nannying, and teaching Sunday School. Robyn went to Charles Sturt University (Then called Mitchell College of Advanced Education) full-time from 1986 to 1988 inclusive and completed a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood). During these years in Bathurst, Robyn was a nanny to two University lecturers’ children Read More.
The centre is being built by Robyn’s partner, Brett Legge, of BJ Legge Builders, whose carpentry and building skills are exemplary, and a manifestation of his honesty and integrity. Brett has been building homes, school, churches, shops and medical practices around The Blue Mountains and Penrith, for almost 40 years.
Sustainability is integral to our core values at Exploring Tree, from our buildings and playgrounds, curriculum and resources, right through to our locally based community partnerships.
Sustainability can be seen in our natural ventilation and light across all our learning rooms, renewable technologies including solar panels, the use of rainwater for our gardens, our chickens producing eggs, the use of reclaimed timber, the reduction of chemicals used in the building, fit out, maintenance and on-going cleaning, as well as organic gardens and fruit trees grown at the centres and used by the centres' chef.