Berry Patch Preschool and Long Day Care Centre Greystanes

The educators at Berry Patch acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; value their cultures, histories, heritage and continuing contributions; and recognise them as Traditional Custodians of the Lands across Australia on which early childhood services are offered.

We believe that, as early childhood educators, it is crucial to acknowledge and educate young children about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and respect these as the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We will continue to establish trusting partnerships with our families, children and the wider community so we have the foundations for respectfully embedding and celebrating cultural diversity and demonstrating respect for the diversity of First Nations peoples, cultures and perspectives.

As educators, this allows us to positively influence and educate current and future generations of Australians to create a socially equitable Australia that is free from racism. We will embed inter-cultural understanding and respect into the service curriculum and establish and maintain partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop and deliver programs to our children and families. We will provide quality learning experiences that are culturally safe, to ensure children have the best possible start to life and to support the learning and development needed and desired for their future. 

Through this vision, we are teaching future generations to value and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, heritage and continuing contributions; and to acknowledge the resilience and strength shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that this will contribute to shaping a sense of shared identity and national unity.