From the moment you walk through the gates of Emily Foord Memorial Kindergarten, it feels special. The grounds are straight from a movie set – set amongst beautiful trees are a huge wooden fort, digging patch, water play area, wide open spaces to run and play, a tyre swing, an enchanted fairy garden and more. The warm greeting from teachers and staff and the joy on the children’s faces immediately make you feel welcome.
Emily Foord has been welcoming children and their families for over 50 years – a hidden gem in suburban Stafford that services The Grange, Gordon Park, Stafford, Wilston, Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron and surrounding areas.
Kindergarten Program
Emily Foord Memorial Kindergarten is affiliated with the esteemed non-profit Lady Gowrie organisation, established in Brisbane in 1940 and now a network of 90 kindies across the state. Their university qualified teaching staff and certified assistants deliver a program based on early childhood best practice, underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework. They emphasise the importance of belonging, being and becoming, and acknowledge children as active and competent learners. They believe children learn best through thoughtful and resourceful play.
With 2 teaching rooms, Emily Foord Kindy has places for 88 children each year, and runs a five-day fortnight pre-Prep program from 8.30am to 2.30pm or four day fortnight 8.30am – 4pm during Qld school term dates.
Sustainability Focus
At Emily Foord, they believe in a strong understanding of our connection with the environment. Children are supported to become environmentally responsible and show respect for the outdoors by recycling, minimising waste and playing an active role towards a sustainable future. Kindy families are encouraged to prepare litterless lunches, and children make supported decisions about whether their food scraps are suitable for the worms in their worm farm! Throughout the year, the children are visited by a number of educational entertainers, including the ‘Rethink Your Rubbish’ program, Henny Penny Chicken Hatching, Indigenous Insights and Ocean Life Education, helping to bring their learning experience to life.
The Emily Foord Kindy Community
Emily Foord Memorial Kindergarten is a community organisation, run by parent volunteers. There are many opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the Emily Foord community atmosphere, with a number of events throughout the year, including the Family Fun Day, Open Day, roster days, Grandparents’ Day, working bees and Sports Day.
Emily Foord leaves such a mark on its families that many past parents still offer their services and skills as volunteers, as a token of their thanks for their child’s wonderful kindy experience.
Here is a parent’s view of Emily Foord Memorial Kindergarten:
“Our son had previously attended 2 different daycare centres, but on a friend’s recommendation we decided to look into Emily Foord for his kindergarten year. From the first phone call enquiry we felt so welcome and at ease.
When we walked through the gates on the Open Day and were greeted by current parents, we were thrilled to think our son would be attending such a beautiful kindy.
The grounds are like nothing I’ve seen – so green and spacious. Our son delights in showing us all the treasures he’s found and telling us about the adventures he’s had that day.
The teachers are truly incredible, so engaging and constantly providing feedback so we know what our child is doing each day, and what his strengths are. They will also let us know of any issues to be aware of, which is comforting. Our shy son has settled in so quickly, he clearly feels comfortable, safe and cared for at Emily Foord.
We are so grateful to Nadine and Lisa and all the staff at Emily Foord, and highly recommend it to other families!”
Emily Foord Memorial Kindergarten is located at 26 Rhodes Street, Stafford. For more information please call 3857 5508 or email admin@emilyfoordkindergarten.com.au. You can also visit www.emilyfoordkindergarten.com.au.
Join the conversation