KU Quarterly January 2019 | Page 4

outcome compared to how they functioned in a centre that contained a lot of plastic and concrete. How have children responded to the ideas and experiences you have introduced? The children are very engaged with the space and materials. They test their ideas, problem solve individually and in groups, make discoveries, balance on the rocks and tree stumps, and construct with large and small loose parts. They imagine, they create, and they develop physical and social confidence. I believe that natural materials stimulate a child’s imagination to a far greater extent than man-made materials. Most recently we created a sea world play space using loose parts and natural materials, the goal being AN INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER O’DOWD, DIRECTOR AT KU CHESTER HILL CHILDREN’S CENTRE KU Chester Hill is a 40-place community-based long day care centre. It became a part of KU Children’s Services on 20 January 2004. The premises are owned by Bankstown City Council and the change of management of this centre marked a new phase in a long-term partnership between Council and KU. The centre is open from 7:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, for 48 weeks per year. It closes for four weeks over the Christmas period. The centre is a convenient eight-minute walk from the local train station and bus stop and has plenty of free street parking out the front of the centre. Our vision and focus is sustainability and the environment. This is reflected in the children’s knowledge, environment and program. Page 4 for children to learn about corals and develop an awareness towards the consequences of climate change. How have parents engaged with your interest in sustainability? I think at first, most parents were unsure of the benefit of the natural materials that we were using. However, once their children were exposed to this environment for a period, all parents acknowledged that they were developing significantly in confidence and with their social skills. They now also see that their children are happy to come to the centre every day. This gives them peace of mind while they are at work. Some parents have donated loose parts and other natural materials. What do your parents think of this interest in sustainability? Initially, families responded by commenting that they “love the green space, abundance of plants and all the different animals. It is an oasis in a built-up industrial area”. As their children settle into the program, families realise how much deeper it goes. They understand how much caring for our environment and extending children’s learning is embedded in our everyday program. For example, when we water the garden, we discuss our rainwater tanks, the last time it rained, whether we need to water, collect food from the garden for a cooking experience or to be used for lunch and collecting eggs. Parents often remark on how much they are learning from their children and how much better they are at recycling and sourcing sustainable products, because this is normal at www.ku.com.au JANUARY 2019