Scallywags, Long Daycare Centre, Bathurst

I was recently sent some photos of another completed project, this time in Bathurst. Scallywags, with the help of  a local contractor, has completely changed the face of their centre to the point where the Director mentioned in an email that staff noticed an immediate change in the childrens' play patterns. She stated that the children were calmer and more centered in their activities, even when the playspace had all age groups in attendance.

Playspace, Before, 2013 

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013 

 Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013 

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

 Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

 Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013 

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013 

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

A. A. Gill: Schools Are Ruining Our Kids | Vanity Fair

A. A. Gill: Schools Are Ruining Our Kids | Vanity Fair

Read the full article from the link above.

'In the 100 years since we really got serious about education as a universally good idea, we’ve managed to take the 15 years of children’s lives that should be the most carefree, inquisitive, and memorable and fill them with a motley collection of stress and a neurotic fear of failure. Education is a dress-up box of good intentions, swivel-eyed utopianism, cruel competition, guilt, snobbery, wish fulfillment, special pleading, government intervention, bu­reauc­racy, and social engineering.'

The Humble Bumble of the Bee | Anarchy & the EYLF Pirates

The Humble Bumble of the Bee | Anarchy & the EYLF Pirates

 I have to admit that I've always been uncomfortable with blind compliance, the "we do it this way because we've always done it that way" mode of thinking that I saw so much when I was a teacher and director. I always thought that unless something continues to evolve it stagnates and that really good ideas can get bogged down in the paperwork.  To challenge the status quo is not non-conformity because the status quo is made to be broken. 

This is a fantastic blog that really challenges thinking about early childhood practice - read it!

Kindy Garden McDowall

Kindy Garden McDowall,

McDowall, Brisbane,Queensland

Construction: Gateway Constructions

I do a number of designs for centres in other states and it's always a pleasure to receive photos of completed projects and see how other contractors have interpreted my designs. I think you will agree that Kindy Garden McDowall is a beautiful centre that embodies the natural playspace concept.

Another new 2014 Project

Engadine TLC Childcare Centre,

Engadine, Sydney, New South Wales

Construction: J M Landscapes

Another new 2014 Project

Playspace, Before, 2013  

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013  

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013  

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013  

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

 Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

 Playspace, After, 2014

Playspace, After, 2014

Newest project for 2014 - Emmerick Street Kindergarten

Emmerick Street Kindergarten,

Lilyfield, Sydney, New South Wales

Construction: J M Landscapes

The newest project for 2014. Disclaimer :The round object is a wrecking ball that was there already, not a design homage to Miley.  Well done Jaime and crew 1.

Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

 Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014

 Playspace, Before, 2013

Playspace, After, 2014