Our spaces support participation, belonging, and access for all.
At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included. The way we design and use our spaces reflects our service philosophy, which prioritises belonging, equity, and meaningful participation. Our indoor and outdoor areas are regularly adapted so that every child, regardless of ability, can explore, learn, and grow.
Spaces That Support All Learners
When we enrolled a vision-impaired child, we worked closely with their family and professionals to adjust the environment—adding tactile cues, ensuring consistent furniture placement, and increasing sensory-rich activities. These adjustments created safe and meaningful learning opportunities tailored to the child’s interests and strengths. We use this approach for all children with additional needs—creating personalised, flexible spaces that promote access, choice, and comfort.
Thoughtful Environments That Invite Everyone In
Our team continually adapts learning spaces to promote participation. We offer calm areas for mindfulness, large areas for group games or story circles, and spaces for outdoor picnics and team-based play. Materials like our tyre tower encourage turn-taking, co-operation, and leadership, while special areas are reserved for welcoming community visitors. Every space is designed with purpose: to encourage children to connect, lead, share, and engage at their own pace.
Learning and Reflecting Together
Our educators reflect regularly on how space, furniture, and resources can be improved for inclusion. We seek professional advice—like consulting with physiotherapists or vision support specialists—and update our knowledge through training and research. For example, we’ve used black mats to support children with vision needs and ensured furniture isn’t rearranged unnecessarily. We also explore new ways to support sensory development, using activities that engage touch, sound, and movement.
Families and Community in Action
Inclusion is a shared goal, and we work with families and community members to create welcoming environments. Local tradespeople, including parents, have helped with outdoor upgrades—like frog habitats or shade structures. Our outdoor tables were made and are maintained by the local Men’s Shed, adding another layer of community connection. We also seek guidance from a family-linked child wellbeing specialist and physiologist when reviewing environment design.
Excursions That Support Inclusion
We extend inclusive practice beyond our gates. Our community excursions are carefully chosen to offer welcoming, diverse, and engaging experiences. For example, visits to the mobility shop help children learn about different abilities and build empathy. Trips to local parks let children burn off energy, helping them return focused and ready to learn. These outings open up new opportunities, ideas, and friendships that enrich our program and support every child’s development.