Unity College Early Learning Centre is a newly opened ELC in Murray Bridge, South Australia. Children between the ages of 2 to 5 can enjoy play-based learning in a thoughtfully designed environment that offers indoor and outdoor activities in a multi-age learning space.
The idea for the ELC had been part of Unity College's plan for years. The school, which welcomes students from reception to year 12, saw lots of demand for an early learning centre within its community.
After breaking ground in December, the centre quickly took shape. With a daily capacity of 38 children, this cosy space now accommodates the youngest members of the Unity College community.
"It's been a really important thing for the school community to have on site," explains Raegan, Head of the ELC, "Because now we can have children here from age two all the way to year 12."
Creating an engaging outdoor learning environment
Unity College ELC features a shared outdoor space where children can engage with various elements, including a mud kitchen and cubby house from Castle and Cubby.
"The children can mingle all together. At other times the children will go out in their age groups. It’s great that it offers that flexibility" Raegan says.
The outdoor area is both welcoming and functional, blending natural elements like native plants, wooden structures, and even a little bridge. It offers a seamless connection to the broader school environment while creating a secluded and calming space for the kids.
Fostering play-based learning
Unity College ELC adopts a play-based learning approach, complemented by the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The inquiry-based learning strategy encourages children to lead their own learning experiences.
"Our program is obviously very much play-based, but there's a reason behind each material that's out at the time," Raegan explains, adding that these materials either support individual children's needs or align with group interests and skills.
Why a cubby house and mud kitchen? For Raegan, cubby houses have always been a significant element of imaginative play.
"I just started researching what kind of cubby I was looking for and I came across Castle and Cubby," she says. Unity College's cubby is styled as a mini-version of the ELC building itself and it seamlessly fits into the outdoor landscape.
Children are often seen cooking up play meals or running a pretend shop, complete with a little barbecue and tables and chairs.
"At the moment, it's being used as a little home, but we'd love to adopt and change it into a hospital or a café," Raegan shares. The possibilities are endless as the ELC plans to incorporate children's ideas into the curriculum, transforming the cubby into whatever their imaginations decide.
The mud kitchen, another hit among the children, complements the cubby house perfectly. Situated on bark, it includes all the necessities for some messy, creative fun with pots and pans, bowls and natural gathered elements.
A streamlined process with a lasting impact
Talking about the process, Raegan says it was smooth from start to finish, thanks to great communication and high-quality craftsmanship.
"There were a few minor things that needed fixing after it had been installed, but these were rectified very quickly," she says, adding that they receive plenty of compliments on the cubby house.
Reflecting on the importance of the outdoor cubby house, Raegan says, "It really finishes off the space. I believe most early learning centres should have a cubby house. They are versatile and open-ended – essential elements for any child’s play space."