Cobar’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) is celebrating a major achievement after successfully meeting all seven quality areas in its recent Assessment and Rating process conducted under the NSW Early Learning Commission framework.
The result marks an important milestone for Cobar Shire Council’s childcare centre, and recognises the hard work and dedication of its educators, staff and families to provide high-quality early childhood education and care for local children.
The NSW Early Learning Commission’s Assessment and Rating process examines key areas including educational programs, children’s health and safety, the physical environment, staffing arrangements, the relationships staff have with children, the collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and governance and leadership.
Acting centre coordinator, Nichole Jenkins said the rating achievement reflects the dedication, passion and professionalism of all the amazing team at the ELC.
“It’s actually exceptional given that it’s only been open for a bit over 12 months,” she said.
“The centre has experienced a lot of growth since opening in terms of opening up additional rooms and acquiring additional educators.”
Mrs Jenkins explained the assessment involved a two day visit from two representatives from the Early Childhood Commission.
“They assessed throughout those whole seven quality areas, every aspect of the service, from staffing to governance, to interactions with children and family.”
She said the centre also had an extra challenge to overcome to gain that rating as it currently doesn’t have a permanent coordinator.
“That’s a sector-wide issue, and we’re actively recruiting for a new coordinator.”
Mrs Jenkins, who lives in Nyngan, has been filling in as the acting coordinator until a suitable permanent replacement can be found.
She has a long history in child care in Cobar and was the Kubby House Childcare Centre (the predecessor of the ELC) director 27 years ago.
“It was the first childcare centre I directed,” she said.
“So this is a really beautiful full circle moment to go from what was a very basic but very needed service then, to see the incredible facilities and quality of staff and quality of service delivery now.
“I do feel very blessed to be able to still be part of that journey.”
Mrs Jenkins explained that Kubby started with a maximum of 20 children a day.
“It was occasional care, it wasn’t even long daycare, then it was occasional care, and it was incredibly challenging back then.
“And it was a community-led facility at that stage too and it didn’t have the backing of Council.
“Now they have this incredible team with a beautiful mix of skill sets and cultural backgrounds, and I think that really contributes to the quality of the service.
“It’s exciting to see where it’s going.
“The next category is ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ and that’s what we will be working towards from here on to improve the quality of the services delivery as we go,” Mrs Jenkins said.
