Regand Park Early Childhood Education Centre made every effort to improve their facilities according to the new national framework brought in last year and were rewarded with a glowing report card. 

Owners Jac Benn and Justine Cook said they were overwhelmed, delighted and very proud of their team.

“It’s nice recognition for our team and all the effort they put in,” Ms Cook said. 

Over the last year the centre has renovated its verandah and infants’ yard to provide more outdoor play areas and the children have been involved in the creation of an orchard and vegetable garden. 

“They go out with their little gloves and gumboots on,” Ms Cook said. 

“They’ve been involved from the start.” 

The new national standards required all childcare centres to identify their strengths and weaknesses and prepare a quality improvement plan to address any shortcomings. 

Centres were then visited by an independent assessor and rated against seven quality areas, 18 standards and 58 elements. 

Regand Park Early Childhood Education Centre met all elements and achieved the highest rating of “exceeding national quality standard” in every area. 

Ms Benn said it had been an enjoyable experience. 

“Usually people don’t like the assessment process but we found it very positive,” she said. 

Despite their success, Ms Cook said the centre would not rest on its laurels. 

Their plans for the future included further staff development and training and a greater emphasis on multiculturalism, Indigenous culture and environmental sustainability. 

“We’re always, continually improving,” Ms Cook said. 

“It’s hard work getting up there and staying at the top.”