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Presented by Kathi Hewitson, ningimpi (Director, Coordinator, Educational Leader),

FDCA Coordinator of the Year 2022 & tommeginne woman)

Reflecting on our Critical Reflections:

Important learnings for the future

FFDC Training Day 26/7/25

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Acknowledgement of Country
Housekeeping
Links
Summary of our results
Challenges faced
Changes
What is your new topic?

Overview

Foundations Critical Reflections

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, skies, and community, and we honour their deep traditions of collaboration, sharing knowledge, and working together for the good of all.

As we come together as a team, we are inspired by the values of respect, unity, and collective strength that have been the foundation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years.

May we carry these values forward in our own work — listening to one another, supporting each other, and building together with purpose and respect.

Acknowledgement of country

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Bathrooms

Emergency procedure

Morning tea

Signing in

Confidentiality

Questions

Housekeeping

Foundations Critical Reflections

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EYLF V2 & FSAC V2 –

Principles – All but especially 2, 7, 8
Practices – All but especially 1, 7
Learning outcomes – All but especially 5

CSS – All but especially 10 – Implementation of the CSS is regularly reviewed and improved

Phoenix Cups – Mastery, Connection, Freedom, Fun, Safety

NQS – All but especially 1.3.2, 2.2.2, 4.2.1, 6.2, 7.2.1

Regulation 170 & Philosophy

Links to standards and frameworks

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Standards & topics examined were:

1.1 Programming with the child in mind
3.1 Injury reduction beyond Home Safety Checks
1.2 Supporting programming for new Educators
6.1 Engagement with families

1.2 was done by 2 – one should have been 5.1

Our results

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Evidence included:

93% of Eds are using FFDC daily safety check
We could develop a formal method of tracking injuries for patterns
HSC is comprehensive & staff work with Eds to ensure safe environments
Need for some staff & Eds to clearly understand/articulate reasons for changing/staying the same
Families feel valued & feel they are able to participate/contribute to Educators, but we can do better with them doing the same with the service overall

Biggest submission was 73 pages plus developed resources!

Our results

Foundations Critical Reflections

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NIF & CNF providing consistency in programming
Many of our team find monthly programming most effective
Concerns that new Eds and “Digital dinosaurs” might find digital methods difficult
Need for clarity about what is required for DOLs

Challenges include:

Time constraints
Writing up the cycle
Balancing flexibility with structured planning
Engagement & focus (distractions)
Family involvement & feedback

Having flexibility in how to document is good for most but challenging for some

Our results

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Non-participation so overload
Avoidance of leadership/delegation
Choosing to not do a suggested topic but not deciding for weeks on new one
Surveys not completed or not fully completed
Too much
Not understanding the questions
Time management

Common challenges

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Resources produced/recommended

A new alternative for documenting programming
A “Get to know staff” template for staff to complete
A series of videos and other tools for programming
A resource sheet with timing for DOLs, CNFs, etc

Training recommendations

Keeping children engaged
Overcoming language challenges
When and how to do risk assessments & risk/benefit analysis
Leadership, particularly for those mentoring newer Educators
Targeted training for new Educators re programming
Engaging families and incorporating their feedback

Resources and training

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Leaders have already been arranged & will have a special session
Timeline has been developed
Previously reticent people have agreed to contribute
FCR sheet is less “wordy”
Final submission will be shorter
2 month on, 1 month off?
Expectations for resource & training results
Name change?

Each group has 5-7 members
10 min p/w = 60 min combined provided…

Changes

Foundations Critical Reflections

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Recommended timeline

Foundations Critical Reflections

Week starting:

28/7/25 Leader Briefing

4/8/25 Allocation of duties, decision on how & where to gather information

11/8/25 Development of survey questions, interview questions, sharing of surveys

18/8/25 Completion of surveys; internet/library research; interviews completed

25/8/25 Collation of gathered information; start answering questions on the form

1/9/25 Identify gaps & plan how to gather missing information

8/9/25 Gather missing information

15/9/25 Collation of 2^nd round of information and entries into the form

22/9/25 Editing

29/9/25 Submission

The active contributors have & will been noted

Draw for conference tickets 30/8/25

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Where is your group up to?

Foundations Critical Reflections

Group	Leader	Standard	Question to be examined
1 – The Gumnuts	Lea	3.2	How do we ensure all the environments where our children are being cared for & educated are used effectively?
2 – Foundationals	Angela	5.2	How can we improve our support for children to build & maintain sensitive & responsive relationships, across the whole service?
3 - Butterflies	Rosy	6.2	What partnerships are currently happening to enhance children’s inclusion, learning & wellbeing, what other partnerships would be beneficial and how should we develop them?
4 – Reflection is Growth	Diya	1.3	How do we ensure all our team members take a planned & reflective approach to implement the program for each child?
5 – The Reflecting Circle	Belinda	7.2	How do we build & support leadership within our service, to make sure our organisational culture is positive and our team is effectively learning?