School Values, Vision and Educational Philosophy Policy

Who We Are

The pronunciation and the meaning of the Akidamy is ‘the child in myself’ A - Kid - A - Me
An inspiring environment that sparks a life of learning and allows every child to flourish.

A Vision for Exceptional Early Learning

School Founders – Natalie & Michael
Every transformative journey begins with a deeply held belief. The Akidamy blossomed from our founders’ passion to offer children and families early support, encouragement, and inspiration. As parents of three children themselves, Michael and Natalie were committed to creating an early learning space where children are loved like family and given every chance to learn, grow, and develop.

They, like many families, encountered the frustrations of finding early learning environments that truly aligned with their values – places that offered both quality, forward-thinking education and genuine, comprehensive family support for family life. They realised that something more profound was needed: a space where children are truly understood and empowered, and where parents feel genuinely supported.

The Akidamy’s foundation is built on the complementary expertise of founders Michael and Natalie. Michael’s three-decade career features significant leadership in NFP, corporate, and FP organisations, including his background as a professional engineer in mining and various charity initiatives. As CEO of The Akidamy for over 7 years and with over 13 years overseeing NFP childcare (Long Daycare & OSHC), his more than 20 years dedicated to early childhood education reinforce his profound commitment. This blend of experience strengthens our strategic and administrative processes. His community service was humbly recognised with an Australia Day Premier’s Active Citizenship Award for NFP childcare. He is also a proud member of REAIE, ACA, and ECA.

Complementing Michael’s strengths, Natalie, our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a mother herself, applies her astute financial leadership skills and deep understanding of people dynamics, which she has honed through her senior corporate roles. Together, their combined professional and personal insights form the bedrock of The Akidamy as a truly family-centred school, steadfastly committed to maintaining the highest quality standards.
The Akidamy was founded as a direct response to a concerning trend observed in the broader Australian early childhood landscape: a move towards corporatisation that often led to a lack of compassion and a forgetting of the core customer – the family. Michael envisioned a new, family-centred model that many deemed impossible or too costly, but through meticulous research and a focus on the right team, culture, and systems, The Akidamy proved it could be achieved with uncompromising quality.

Why We Exist

We believe every child deserves a loving, nurturing environment that inspires growth. We support families in their child’s development within a thriving community, embracing the idea that ‘it takes a village’.

Since 2018, as industry leaders, we seriously uphold our responsibility to demonstrate higher standards in Australian early childhood education. Our values guide every decision, reflecting in each child’s experience. We understand the parenting journey and are honoured to be part of yours.
Motivated by a profound personal conviction, the Akidamy sought to create an early learning environment that truly supported families and maximised children’s potential. They envisioned a joyful space where innate curiosity and high educational standards seamlessly converged, inspiring The Akidamy’s establishment.

We have worked tirelessly to build a team that is skilled, compassionate, and dedicated to helping each child feel respected, supported, encouraged, inspired, listened to and cared for.

We understand the journey of raising young children and are honoured to be part of yours.

The Akidamy Values

Our story is built upon a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to foundational principles that shape every aspect of The Akidamy experience.

Our Core Purpose

To provide an inspiring environment that sparks a life of learning and allows every child to flourish.

Our Vision

We dream of a world where an outstanding holistic early childhood education that supports, encourages, inspires, and nurtures children is a universal right.
Children are given a solid foundation, where they are empowered to reach their full potential by acquiring lifelong skills to contribute meaningfully to society—leading lives of joy, accomplishment, connection, and contribution.

Core Values

The values of The Akidamy were created in consultation with everyone who walks through our doors. We are committed to embodying these values every day – from the morning coffee shared between team to the way we resolve conflicts on playground – you’ll see evidence of them weaved into every action.

At The Akidamy, we are committed to embodying our five core values in every aspect of our day-to-day. These values steer every decision we make and every interaction we engage in. They are non-negotiables in our practice.

1. Children & Families First

We always put the needs of children and their families first – their intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing is paramount.
We strive to make things easier for our families and reduce their load. They rely on our expertise for simplification and clarification.

2. Genuine Relationships

We foster genuine and respectful relationships between staff, families, children and the wider community.
Our communication is respectful, open and kind. People are valued, listened to and have a voice within a safe and healthy environment.

3. True to Our Promise

We are authentic. We make big promises because we intend, and will deliver, on each and every one of them.
We are true to our word and do what we say we will.

4. Always Evolving & Innovating Practices

We never stop looking for new ways to improve ourselves and our school. As industry leaders, we embody an open growth mindset, embracing new technologies and systems to refine our communication and processes.
Our evolution is always purposeful, rooted in who we are and our dedication to our community, families, and one another.

5. Prioritise Learning

We seek out every opportunity to put learning at the forefront of all we do, for our children and our team alike. We nurture curiosity by listening to children’s voices, following their interests, and fostering a culture of critical reflection where everyone is both a learner and a teacher.
Prioritising education in every decision, we lay the foundation for confident, capable, and inspired lifelong learners.
 

Akidamy’s Foundation for Flourishing: Our Why, How, & What

Our Why

Spells out the Akidamy purpose as a school:

• We believe that each and every child should experience a space for love and learning that inspires their hearts and minds to grow and develop within a loving, educational, and nurturing environment.
• We want each and every family to be supported in the growth and development of their child in a thriving, positive, and inspiring environment.
• We believe in the importance of being actively involved within our community as a source of connection, awareness, and purpose.
• As industry leaders, we have a responsibility to demonstrate a higher standard in early childhood education.
• We believe it takes a village to raise a child.

How We Do Things

The things that make us special and how we operate:

• Exceptional Education and Care: Our school provides exceptional early childhood education and care, prioritising the nurturing of children’s growth and development in a safe and supportive environment.
• Holistic Curriculum: We deliver a comprehensive early learning curriculum aligned with our core initiatives and values, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for children.
• Foundation for Lifelong Learning: Our focus is on creating lifelong learners and laying a solid early foundation in life for children, preparing them for future success.
• Service-Oriented Culture: We foster a service and support culture that benefits both families and staff, promoting collaboration and a sense of community within our school.
• Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, utilising best practices to enhance our educational offerings.
• Community Engagement: We actively contribute and give back to our community, fostering connections and advocating for harmony and equity.
• Early Childhood Advocacy: We advocate for the significance of early childhood education and teaching, valuing and promoting these professions in our society.

What We Do

What we do is set out our intent:

• Creating a Dream-filled Environment: We champion a place to dream, filled with laughter, happiness, and fun, fostering a space for love and learning.
• Reggio Inspired Pedagogy: Through exceptional experiences and inspiring, engaging environments as our “third teacher,” we deliver a unique approach that ignites children’s learning and development.
• Exceeding Expectations: Our organisational culture and core values drive us to surpass the expectations of our families and team, striving to provide exceptional care and education.
• Comprehensive Support: Our commitment to ‘Nothing but the child’ and ‘Nothing but the team’ ensures that we make the lives of children, families, and team members easier and less stressful by meeting their every need.
• Building Meaningful Relationships: We foster respectful and meaningful connections between children, families, educators, all team members, and the wider community, understanding the importance of strong relationships in the educational journey.
• Promoting Continuous Development: We promote the growth and development of our team, educational philosophy, and operational procedures through critical reflection and a commitment to continual improvement.
• Active Community Engagement: By actively participating in our community, we forge meaningful connections and strong partnerships, enhancing the educational experience for all.

 

Our Education Philosophy & Approach

Our distinctive educational philosophy guides children aged three months to five years, fostering genuine learning through exploration and discovery. This, alongside the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the Western Australian Kindergarten Guidelines, shapes our curriculum, ensuring meaningful, child-centred learning in all studios.

At the Akidamy, we have a clear philosophy and approach to education that guides our practices. We believe in creating a loving and supportive atmosphere for children’s learning. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach and incorporating RIE and Pikler values, we view children as strong, competent, resilient, and naturally curious.

We adopt a holistic approach that encourages exploration, initiative, problem-solving, and risk-taking. Recognising the diverse ways in which children think, play, explore, communicate, and engage with the world, we support the “100 languages of children”, as outlined by Loris Malaguzzi. Learning through play is fundamental to our approach, as it is through play that children establish non-verbal agreements and reciprocal relationships. We empower children to enjoy autonomy within their environment, allowing them to pursue their own interests, express themselves, and build on concepts.
Our ultimate goal is to provide every child with the best possible start in life, nurturing important qualities like resilience and confidence that will benefit them in the future. To ensure the highest quality and adherence to standards, we are committed to implementing the National Quality Framework, National Regulations, and National Quality Standards.

We value the importance of tailored learning settings that nurture children’s growth and development. Our environments are thoughtfully designed as the “third teacher,” providing open and fluid spaces both indoor and outdoor, that offer uninterrupted opportunities for exploration, play, and learning.
The Akidamy places strong emphasis on family connections. We actively engage with families, fostering open and honest communication about ideas, expectations, and their priorities. Building strong partnerships with families means we can better understand and care for our children. We also collaborate with a diverse range of professionals who prioritise the well-being of children, including occupational therapists, sign language instructors, studio educators, and teachers specialising in early childhood education, Italian language, mindfulness and art. This collaborative effort ensures inclusive practices within our educational approach.

Our educational programs are shaped by individual and group observations. We take into account each child’s unique qualities and align our objectives with the developmental milestones outlined in the National Early Years Learning Framework. This approach allows children to engage in immersive learning experiences while setting realistic goals for their growth and development.

Understanding Key Early Learning Philosophies

RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers)

The RIE philosophy centres on the profound belief that even from birth, infants are competent, capable, and unique individuals deserving of deep respect. Its core tenet is “Educaring,” a practice that transforms routine care moments, such as feeding, changing, and bathing, into rich, one-on-one interactions where the child is an active participant, not a passive recipient. RIE advocates for creating a safe, predictable, and emotionally nurturing environment where infants can freely explore and initiate their own play and development without unnecessary adult intervention. This approach, founded by Magda Gerber, champions uninterrupted free movement, simple and engaging environments, and clear, authentic communication between adult and child.

Pikler Approach

The Pikler Approach, developed by Hungarian paediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler, is closely aligned with RIE. Its fundamental principle is an unwavering trust in an infant’s innate ability to develop naturally at their own pace, particularly concerning gross motor skills. A key tenet is the importance of free movement, meaning children should never be placed in positions they cannot achieve or leave independently. This approach advocates for extended periods of uninterrupted, self-directed play within a safe, carefully prepared environment that invites exploration. Central to Pikler’s philosophy are unhurried, respectful caregiving routines, where caregivers engage “with the child, not to the child,” fostering a deep sense of security, autonomy, and body awareness in the child.

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach, originating from the municipal infant-toddler centres and preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, views the child as strong, capable, and competent, a co-constructor of their own knowledge, and possessing “a hundred languages” for expression. This highly collaborative and project-based philosophy places the environment as the “third teacher,” meticulously designed to be aesthetically pleasing, rich in materials, and provocative, inviting exploration, creativity, and connection. Central to the Reggio approach is the extensive documentation of children’s learning processes, making their thoughts, theories, discussions, and discoveries visible through various media. The curriculum is emergent, driven by children’s interests and inquiries, leading to in-depth, long-term projects. Educators act as co-learners, researchers, and provocateurs, guiding children’s inquiry, while strong emphasis is placed on the vital collaboration between children, educators, families, and the wider community.

As dedicated members of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE), we’re committed to upholding and evolving the highest standards of this world-renowned approach, fostering a community of continuous learning and excellence.

How The Akidamy Respects These Approaches

The Akidamy intentionally blends the Pikler, RIE, and Reggio Emilia approaches to provide a rich, holistic, and deeply respectful early learning environment across all our studios, from Nursery to Kindergarten 4. This integrated philosophy is meticulously aligned with Australia’s National Quality Framework (NQF), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the WA Kindergarten Guidelines.

Pikler & RIE (Especially in Nursery & Toddlers)

• We fundamentally believe in respecting the infant and young child as competent individuals.
• Our Nursery prioritises free movement, allowing babies to develop naturally at their own pace without being placed into positions they cannot achieve themselves.
• Caregiving routines are transformed into moments of authentic connection and communication, where educators engage “with the child, not to the child,” fostering security and autonomy.
• Uninterrupted, self-directed play is highly valued, with carefully prepared environments that encourage exploration and discovery from the earliest age.
• This foundation builds confident, secure, and independent learners from infancy.

Reggio Emilia (Prominent in Kindergarten 3 & 4, Woven Throughout)

• Our school environment is designed as the “third teacher,” inspiring curiosity and creativity through open spaces, natural light, and diverse materials.
• We view children as active co-constructors of knowledge, encouraging them to express themselves through their “hundred languages” (e.g., art, drama, construction, discussion).
• Learning is child-led and inquiry-based, with in-depth projects emerging from children’s interests.
• Documentation of children’s learning journeys is central, making their thoughts, processes, and discoveries visible to all.
• Our specialist Atelierista and Pedagogista roles embody the Reggio commitment to artistic expression and pedagogical research, enriching learning across all studios.

Seamless Integration and Alignment

By weaving these philosophies together, The Akidamy ensures a continuum of respectful, child-led, and stimulating learning. This approach inherently supports the holistic development outcomes of the EYLF and the high standards of the NQF. For K3 and K4, this blended philosophy provides an ideal foundation, preparing children for school readiness within the comprehensive framework of the WA Kindergarten Guidelines, all while nurturing their unique capabilities and a lifelong love of learning.

The Akidamy Way: Nurturing Every Child’s Potential

At the heart of every experience at The Akidamy lies this unique philosophical blend, designed to truly understand and elevate your child’s early years.

• Collaborative & Child-Led: We believe in a collaborative approach where educators observe and listen, allowing children’s ideas and interests to genuinely lead their learning and inquiry. Our educators act as co-learners, guiding and supporting rather than directing.
• Child-Centred & Respectful: Every child is viewed as competent, creative, and full of potential. We foster self-expression, autonomy, and critical thinking, encouraging children to lead their own discoveries.
• Genuine Relationships: We cultivate a strong sense of belonging and community, understanding that secure relationships with educators and peers are foundational to courageous exploration and deep engagement.
• Educational Leadership in Every Studio: An Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) leads in every studio, guiding an evidence-based educational program that consistently enriches the quality of daily learning experiences and ensures our philosophical approach is expertly applied.
• Dedicated Educators: Your child benefits immensely from the comfort and consistent presence of our experienced, dedicated educators each day. With a high staff-to-child ratio and low staff turnover, our team provides familiar faces and builds strong, trusting relationships. Our educators bring years of knowledge and international experience, ensuring their practices profoundly support the implementation of our educational programs and philosophies.
• The Environment as “The Third Teacher”: Our thoughtfully designed free-flow studios, alongside dedicated Ateliers, aren’t merely rooms but dynamic playspaces and outside environments that inspire creativity, connection, and sustained investigation. These spaces are architecturally designed with children’s education and safety meticulously in mind, supporting rich engagement in small groups and tailored one-on-one teaching.

Akidamy Offerings

• Nothing but the Child: We aim to make life easier by providing everything your child needs.
• Inspired Reggio Emilia Approach: With elements of the RIE and Pikler philosophies.
• School Readiness Programme: Delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and Occupational Therapist.
• O-Soji Principles: We are inspired by the O-Soji principles where children are developing lifelong habits.
• Signing Hands Programme: Provides skills which allow children, educators and families to communicate.
• Enrichment Experiences: Delivering experiences with Italian language, yoga, mindfulness, sustainability, arts and music.
• Nutritious Meals: Homemade nutritious vegetarian meals from local, seasonal produce.

Beyond Childcare, It’s a School

Choosing the right environment for your child’s early years is a significant decision. At The Akidamy, we are fundamentally different from traditional childcare centres. We are an early learning school, dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational foundation that fosters a genuine love for learning and sets the stage for a lifetime of success.
Our commitment to this unique philosophy is evident in the tangible experiences your child has daily. It’s woven into the fabric of our physical spaces and embodied by our dedicated team.

A Foundation for Flourishing Futures

This integrated philosophical framework means your child isn’t just attending early learning; they are actively participating in a rich tapestry of experiences designed to ignite a lifelong love for learning, foster resilience, and cultivate confident, compassionate individuals. It’s an approach that subtly yet profoundly prepares them, not just for formal schooling, but for the boundless opportunities of life, truly setting a foundation for their flourishing future.