Making the KU Difference
For families
Jenelle Williams
Director, KU Briar Cottage
Jenelle has been awarded the KU Difference Award for
families for her advocacy for the inclusion of children
with additional needs and for families from vulnerable
and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Whilst many families are in a position to understand
their rights, it is often those from vulnerable and
disadvantaged backgrounds who do not have the
capacity to do this effectively. With her warm and
positive attitude, Jenelle provides confidence and
guidance to families in her care and assists them to
seek help, over and above her normal duties, where
this is needed.
Jenelle offers genuine support not just for the immediate
family but for the extended family that are often
caught up in the distress of the child’s circumstances.
She supports families through their journey of learning
to deal with circumstances that are often beyond their
control and “the mountains become mole hills”.
Families feel respected and are welcomed into the
daily life of the preschool, whether it is on a ‘normal’
day or at one of the many events where families are
invited to participate for a specific reason. One such
example was the afternoon tea organised at the
preschool to celebrate International Literacy Day
where parents and children were invited to curl up and
read together, a luxury that is often not possible in the
busy home environment.
In addition, Jenelle supports and guides her team to be
strong advocates for the children and families enrolled
at KU Briar Cottage. She updates her knowledge with
relevant professional development and encourages
her team to do the same, appreciating the value of
lifelong learning.
Jenelle has been employed with KU for nearly 15 years,
twelve of which have been at KU Briar Cottage where
she commenced as a Teacher. She is well respected
within the local community for the support and
advocacy she provides for families and as an early
childhood professional.
Jenelle’s on-going dedication to improving outcomes
for families and children is an inspiration and embodies
the spirit of the KU Difference.
Thumbs up
from KU families
• 98.44% of KU parents would use or
recommend a KU service
• As in previous years, at least 4 out of 5 2011
KU parents told us they were highly satisfied
with the:
• Educational program
• Communication about their child’s day
and development
• Centre staff’s helpfulness and
professionalism
• Management of the centre
“The KU teaching staff are amazing,
caring and patient. Every day it’s easy
to see how they use their expertise and
training to encourage the children to
expand and develop their knowledge
through play.”
Extract from 2011 KU Parent Exit Questionnaire
116th Annual Report 2011
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