Part of running a successful early learning service is connection with and input from our community. On a small scale we engage with our neighbours and immediate community members, we support local businesses and we are active participants in community projects.
On a larger scale, we are committed to the following areas:
Reconciliation Action Plan: Reflect
Nicki’s Clever Cookies is committed to Reconciliation and we understand that it is our responsibility to reconcile with the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate: the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nations. We are in the process of developing our first RAP: Reflect and welcome any input from the community. We understand this is an ongoing journey. We endeavour to include Aboriginal perspectives throughout our curriculum: we teach the young children in our care respect for the land, respect for culture and most importantly, respect for people.
Sustainability Statement
Nicki’s Clever Cookies is committed to practices and procedures that work towards providing an environment that is cleaner and healthier for all. We aim to incorporate sustainable practices into all aspects of our Service operations, decision making and values to minimise our impact on the environment. Our Service acknowledges the responsibility and role we play in modelling sustainable practices to protect and appreciate the environment. We aim to engage children in opportunities to participate in environmentally sustainable practices, encourage decision making and problem solving and increase their awareness and sense of responsibility for caring for the environment. Some ways in which we are already doing this:
- Waste Ninja recycling and composting program
- Supporting local businesses for fresh produce purchasing
- Vegetable garden
- Eco-friendly nappies
- Reusable clothes used in the program
- Minimising use of electric appliances where practicable, and upgrading appliances that we do have to higher energy star rated products
Child Protection Statement
Nicki’s Clever Cookies is committed to Child Safety. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and we actively work to listen to and empower children. We have systems in place to protect children from abuse. We take all allegations very seriously and will respond to them consistently in line with our policies and obligations as Mandatory Reporters. We are committed to promoting cultural safety of Aboriginal children and of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We provide a safe environment for children with disabilities.
If you believe a child is at immediate risk, phone 000.
- Darebin Council
- University
- Supporting local business
Our external community includes just some of the following:
Darebin Council
We have strong links with the council for staff education, kindergarten program support, network co-ordinators meetings, promoting local events….
Local Allied health services
Speech pathology, dental services
University and Registered Training Organisations
At Nicki’s we are big supporters of helping future early childhood educators to develop the practical knowledge and skills that they will require to become successful and passionate teachers.
We have built relationships with a number of universities and RTO and provide their students with practical experience placements as part of their courses. This is a reciprocal relationship that allows these students to build a better understanding of the practical side of early childhood education, whilst helping our own staff learn from these students about new developments in the theories of early education.
Supporting Local Business
Where possible we utilise fellow small business in our local region for most of our supplies and goods for our daily needs.
Fruit and vegetables, cleaning services, cleaning supplies, maintenance work, gardening work…