Our Programs
Our Programs – Learning Through Play, Growing with Joy
At Cobbers, we believe the early years are some of the most important in a child’s life. That’s why our programs are built around play, discovery and joy—because play is how children make sense of the world, build new skills and grow into confident little learners.
Child-Led, Educator-Guided
Every child is encouraged to explore, ask questions and make choices in their learning. Our educators take the time to listen, observe and respond to each child’s interests, strengths, needs and emerging skills. This helps us create meaningful learning experiences that are just right for them.
Every Child is Unique
We see each child as an individual with their own personality, pace and potential. Our programs are thoughtfully planned with their goals and abilities in mind. With gentle guidance and age-appropriate learning opportunities, children develop independence, confidence and self-esteem through play, friendships and everyday interactions.
These early experiences are the building blocks for lifelong learning.
A Strong Educational Foundation
Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the NSW Curriculum, helping children become:
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Confident and involved learners
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Effective communicators
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Strong in identity and wellbeing
We offer a rich variety of activities across all EYLF outcomes, including music, art, outdoor play, literacy, numeracy, science and imaginative play.
Celebrating Culture and Community
We proudly incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and honour our country’s First Nations cultures. We also celebrate the many cultures that make up our wider community and the world, helping children develop respect, understanding and a sense of belonging.
Big School Ready!
School Readiness – Confident, Curious and Ready for Big School
At Cobbers, we know that starting school is a big milestone—for children and their families! That’s why we offer a special school-readiness program designed to help children feel confident, capable and excited for the next step in their learning journey.
Building Skills from Day One
School readiness doesn’t just start in the final year. From the moment your child joins us at Cobbers, we gently build the skills they’ll need for a smooth transition to school, including:
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Gross motor skills – running, climbing, balancing and coordination
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Fine motor skills – drawing, writing, cutting and pencil grip
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Cognitive skills – problem-solving, memory, early literacy and numeracy
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Language skills – speaking, listening, storytelling and communication
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Social skills – sharing, taking turns, teamwork and forming friendships
These important skills are developed naturally through play, hands-on experiences and age-appropriate activities.
Reflect, Learn, Grow
Our educators use a reflective approach to support and extend each child’s learning. We regularly observe, plan and adapt experiences to suit your child’s individual needs and interests.
Partners in Your Child’s Journey
We’re with you every step of the way. We value open communication and will keep you updated on your child’s progress, growth and milestones throughout their time at Cobbers.
Groups
Our Learning Groups – Possums & Dingoes
To make learning fun and personalised, we divide our children into two groups during the day:
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The Possum Group – Our younger explorers, full of curiosity and imagination.
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The Dingo Group – Our older learners, many of whom will be heading off to big school the following year.
Group placement is based on each child’s age and stage of development, ensuring they’re supported and challenged in just the right way.
As children grow in confidence, skills and readiness, some may move from the Possum group to the Dingo group during the year. Others will begin the new year already in the Dingo group, ready for more independence and school-readiness experiences.
Both groups learn, play and have fun in their own unique way – but we always come together as one big Cobbers family.
Possums
Dingoes
Possum Group Goals – Growing with Confidence
Our Possum group is all about helping our youngest learners feel safe, supported and ready to explore the world around them. Our goals for the Possums include:
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Building strong bonds with educators – helping children feel safe, secure and cared for.
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Forming friendships – gently encouraging children to connect and play with others.
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Growing confidence through play and exploration – supporting children to try new things, be curious and learn in their own way.
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Developing self-help and toileting skills – promoting independence in a patient, caring and age-appropriate way.
Dingo Group Goals – Ready for Big School and Beyond
Our Dingo group supports older children as they take exciting steps towards school. We focus on building their confidence, independence and love of learning through goals like:
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School readiness skills – teaching correct cutting techniques, pencil grip and helping children develop a longer attention span.
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Social and self-help skills – encouraging teamwork, responsibility and independence in daily routines.
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Confidence and problem-solving – empowering children to think for themselves, make choices and solve problems using their own ideas and creativity.