The Briars SELC … a vibrant, safe and nurturing learning

community for children with disabilities

Annual Report

2013

Annual Report 2013

Page 1

Context

Preschool Name: The Briars Special Early

Learning Centre Preschool Number: 1417

Preschool Director: Judith Candy Region: Eastern Adelaide

The past few years at The Briars have been a time of significant change both internally, from

our focus on changing culture, and, externally, from the National Early Childhood Reform

Agenda. As with all early childhood sites there has been the introduction of the National

Quality Framework, Universal Access and the ‘Same Day Start’. The impact of this on The

Briars in 2013 has been compounded by our service being the only early childhood DECD

Special Option. This brings an extra set of challenges discussed later in this report. Despite the

constraints, we have had a remarkably successful year and I look forward to sharing some of

the highlights.

In week 6, term 3, 2013 we had a visit from Rob Schneider who is involved in negotiations with

the NSW government to establish a Centre for children with disabilities in Sydney. The Briars

had been recommended to him as a site of excellence by Yolanda Bloom, a world renown

Speech Pathologist. Rob spent several days observing our practice and learning about the

operation of the site. It was pleasing to have this recognition which has been reinforced

locally with several of the leading paediatricians in Adelaide also highly praising our site. We

also had several students from Singapore who spent several days with us. It is always a

pleasure to host the students as they bring a freshness and strong desire to share their

knowledge and to learn from us.

In 2013 we continued to maintain our own professional development by not only attending

various conferences and workshops but by also reviewing our own practice when preparing

papers to present at local and national conferences. In 2013, we presented at the National

AASE conference, Special Schools Principals Conference, and locally at the Twilight Learning

Sessions and at Leaders Conference for Eastern Region. Our topics

In line with our consultancy role and to fulfill our Inclusive Preschool Program obligations we

convened The Briars conference – “AAC and Assistive Technology: empowering children and

young people to be actively involved in their world.” The conference was opened by the

governor of South Australia and was extremely successful. We had about 90 delegates and

had some excellent feedback. We were also very pleased as we raised enough money to

be able to send a number of staff to The Spectronics Conference in Queensland in May

2014.

Prior to the conference the governor, His Excellency, The Honorable Rear Admiral Bruce

Scarce visited The Briars. It was wonderful to see his expression of joy as he toured the site.

Another first for The Briars was the trialing of the Early Intervention Group. The program is

targeted at those children whose birthdays are after April 30th and who cannot start their

preschool year until the year following their 4th birthday. The children may attend for two

mornings a week and are immersed in the preschool program while their parents remain on

site participating in a program specially planned to support the families to network, learn

about available resources and to build confidence in leaving their children. The pilot was so

successful we have decided to self-fund the program for as long as we can.

From the parent survey carried out in 2012 we found that one of the areas we could improve

was communication. We were very excited to launch our new website which was the

culmination of twelve months work. We purchased the image of the globe from the artist

which became the basis for the whole design of the website. Feedback has been very

positive with comments that highlight the welcoming feeling of the home page.

Annual Report 2013

Page 2

Site Improvement Plan

During 2013, we discovered that The Briars is not in scope for The National Quality Standards.

This means that unlike other early childhood services we will not be accredited and do not

have to have a Quality Improvement Plan (QUIP). We are aligned with other DECD school

sites and are to have a Site Improvement Plan. Although we did not complete our QUIP, we

spent considerable time completing the Site Self-Audit Tool to prepare for developing a

QUIP. This was an excellent exercise and gave us the opportunity to reflect on many aspects

of our practice and gave us lots of ideas of where we could make improvements.

When we reverted to developing The Site Improvement Plan we had already put into place

many of the ideas generated before we returned to the required three main priorities. The

Site Self-Audit process influenced how we approached writing the priorities.

SITE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2013

Developing children’s communication is fundamental to improving children’s learning

outcomes. At The Briars all of the children have complex communication needs. Addressing

these needs is intrinsic to The Briars SIP and will occur by focusing on the development of

communication skills to support a play based curriculum.

Priority 1

To improve children’s literacy learning through play and the development of communication

skills.

Staff will deliver individual learning programs that use Alternative and Augmentative

Communication resources relevant to the child’s needs.

IT at The Briars will be reviewed and upgraded to facilitate the latest communication

technology to develop resources to improve children’s learning outcomes

Developing children’s communication skills will be imbedded within the five principles

of The Early Years Learning Framework.

Children will be developing communication skills specific to their needs that will enable them

to be active participants in play-based learning.

Priority 2

To develop an Outdoor Program that offers the children learning experiences from nature.

By developing the outdoor area

Sharing new skills during dedicated staff meetings, team meetings, interest groups

and whole site planning and review.

Attending relevant conferences, T&D and professional reading

Children’s learning programs will be informed by contemporary pedagogy and will be

monitored and reviewed through the collection of data identifying children’s learning

outcomes and needs.

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Priority 3

To increase the engagement of families to be partners in their child’s learning.

By improving communication between The Briars and families through the

implementation of methods as highlighted by the 2012 inquiry to determine preferred

methods of communication and networking.

By supporting the families through developing their confidence, knowledge and

capacity to work in partnership to develop learning programs responsive to children’s

ideas, interests, strengths and abilities.

Families will be active participants in their child’s education, enhancing their learning and

well-being by linking experiences at home with The Briars.

IMPROVEMENT OUTCOMES

Priority 1

Purchased and won from Spectronics AAC and Assistive Technology resources – switches,

voice output devices, software programs such as Boardmaker

Applied for and received a grant from SERU for $10,000 for communication resources

Through our association and with much gratitude to St Peters Rotary Club we purchased:

10 Ipads and appropriate Apps such as Proloquo 2 Go

Wifi – we are the first preschool to have DECD approved Wifi Internet access

Purchased a Server and new Router

Installed Interactive whiteboard

Staff training (both in-house and externally) for AAC and AT

Priority 2

Fenced back paddock and ‘community garden’

Purchased tent from South Africa for outdoor classroom

Built deck for tent

Applied for and received a grant from Variety Club for Liberty Swing for wheelchairs

Designed and initiated project for dry creek

Built quarry for children

Staff attended a variety of Professional Development opportunities on outdoor learning

environments and the EYLF.

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Priority 3

In response to Parent Opinion Survey 2012 we:

Launched new website -

purchased artwork (new logo) from American artist,

designed and coordinated the implementation of website

Termly curriculum overview posted on webpage

Fortnightly program posted on webpage

Established -

Facebook page - updated daily with information about the program.

Weekly Bulletins (posted on website)

Termly newsletter (posted on website)

Intervention and Support Programs

In response to the implementation of ‘Same Day Start’, and, when it became clear to us that

those children with disabilities whose birthdays were after the 30th April would be

disadvantaged, we advocated for a program to lessen the impact. We were fortunate

enough to receive a grant for $5000 which provided enough money for a teacher one day a

week for ten weeks. We ran The Briars Early Intervention Foundation Group, a program which

allowed the children to access the preschool program alongside the enrolled children, while

their parents were involved in a separate program which included topics such as Early

Communication Skills, iPads Opportunities and Uses, Minspeak, Sensory Engagement, Literacy

Kits, Playing with the Children in our Environment and more.

Feedback from the parents has been exceptionally positive and the experience for The Briars

brought unexpected rewards. As some of the children transitioned into The Briars it became

very clear that learning about the children before they enrolled with the parents present was

of great value and that it was equally good for the parents being able to see their children

happily immersed in the preschool while they were still onsite. The program was so successful

that we have decided to continue it in 2014 funding it through the Increasing Student

Attendance grant.

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Page 5

Report from Governing Council

The Governing Council meets twice a term for an hour or so to discuss, and make decision

on, matters relating to The Briars. Meetings are conducted in an informal and welcoming

manner.

Although the Governing Council is very powerful, and being a part of it entitles you to voting

rights and the ability to make a difference to The Briars, no specific skill or prior experience is

required.

I would like to thank all the Governing Council members for their contributions to the

meetings. We had a very busy and productive 2013 year. Some of the major topics of

discussion, decisions and accomplishments throughout the year were:

Being granted a Liberty Swing through Variety

Having the outdoor learning environment developed. This includes the

deck, tent (outdoor classroom), chook shed, orchard, quarry and creek

and a huge wheelchair accessible cubby. This is an ongoing project

and is very exciting to see our dream come to fruition.

New fencing has been erected and there is still more to be done along

the Briar Road boundary.

Approval of the new and wonderful logo

New signage to incorporate the new logo will be delivered and

erected any day now.

Recognising the importance of whole family wellbeing

Making The Briars facilities available to families to use for birthday parties

Some topics that are still in discussion are:

Possible vacation care program

Family meeting / relaxation area outside near entrance gates

Further development of the outdoor learning environment

Staff & Family working bee

As I mentioned earlier, the Governing Council is very powerful and important. Here at

The Briars we sometimes struggle to recruit and maintain members and we believe there

are a number of reasons for this, one being the short period of time that families are with

us, usually only 12 – 18 months at the most. We are working very hard to develop a strong

and stable Governing Council. We have 2 new nominations for members, which is great, and

we will be looking to invite members from the community to join our Governing Council too.

These may include local Council employees, Rotary Club members and Variety, The

Children’s Charity members.

I became a Governing Council member in 2011 when my son Casey began Preschool at The

Briars. I started as a general member and then became Chairperson. This position gave me

the ability to bring to The Briars what I, as a parent, believe is important for my child’s

education. I have always felt valued and respected and feel a real sense of achievement.

As I am now actively employed at The Briars, I can no longer be Chairperson of the

Governing Council.

I would like to thank the Governing Council members, staff members, and in particular,

Judith for supporting me in this role.

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Page 6

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Fundraising Committee who has done

an amazing job this past year. It takes a lot of passion and dedication to be as successful as

they have. Some of their achievements have been:

Quiz Night – raising $6040

City to Bay fun run – raising $725

Photo Albums – raising $1000

Bunnings BBQ’s x 2 – raising $825

Toy Catalogues – raising $680 to be spent on kindy resources

Woolworths Shop a Docket – received 9 books free

Mother’s Day Raffle - $233

Monies raised from the quiz night and city to bay have been used to

build the quarry and purchase the new, purpose designed cubby.

I look forward to another successful and productive year, thank you. Tash Borg

Annual Report 2013

Page 7

Student Data

Enrolments

Figure 1: Enrolments by Term

Table 1: Enrolments by Term

Enrolment by Term

Year Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

2011 39 39 46 56

2012 46 39 47 45

2013 37 33

Based on person counts in the two week reference period each term. Excludes pre-entry. Source: Preschool Data Collection, Data Management and Information Systems

The information provided by the Term 3 Preschool Data Collection, Data Management and

Information systems is an inaccurate picture of the number of enrolments for 2013.

Children with disabilities are eligible to attend early entry and with Same Day Start this occurs

in term 3 and 4 of the year. The number of enrolments at The Briars increases in these terms

and includes children who transfer to The Briars during the year if they are accepted by the

intake panel consisting of myself, the disability coordinator, the educational psychologist and

the regional manager.

There has been slow understanding/uptake of information about Same Day Start circulated

to agencies that refer children to The Briars. This has meant confusion for many of the families

about when children with disabilities can start and when their eligible preschool year might

be. This has impacted on our enrolments and I am of the belief that it will be 2016/2017

before we will have consistent numbers of eligible children enrolling at the beginning of the

year (as well as children transferring to The Briars during their eligible year).

Total Enrolments 2011 - 2013

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Attendance

Figure 2: Attendance by Term

Attendance Percentages 2011 - 2013

Table 2: Attendance Percentages 2011 - 2013

Attendance Percentage

Year Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

2011 Centre 79.5 61.5 76.1 67.9

2012 Centre 100.0 76.9 63.8 64.4

2013 Centre 73.0 72.7

2011 State 89.9 89.1 88.4 89.6

2012 State 87.4 85.9 84.5 85.5

2013 State 88.7 88.0

Based on attendances recorded in the two week reference period each term, and calculated to an average unadjusted daily attendance (deemed attendance). Attendance percentages are based on the calculated deemed attendance (integer), divided by the number of enrolments. Excludes pre-entry Note 1: Figures have been revised for previous years, using integer deemed attendance not decimal. Note 2: Data for Term 3 and Term 4 2013 will not be reported. It is not comparable with previous years due to the transition to the Same First Day enrolment policy for preschools in 2013 creating a break in series.

Source: Preschool Data Collection, Data Management and Information Systems

The attendance figures for The Briars varies according to the cohort of children enrolled. If

we have a high number of children with severe medical needs our attendance decreases.

We ask families to keep their children home if they are not well as many of the children are at

risk and may be hospitalized even with a common cold.

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Feeder Schools

Table 3: Feeder School Percentage Data 2011 - 2013

Feeder Schools

Site number - Name Type 2011 2012 2013

0474 - Trinity Gardens Primary School Govt. 6.0

0476 - Elizabeth Special School Govt. 24.0

0723 - Colonel Light Gardens Primary School

Govt. 16.7

0844 - The Grove Education Centre Govt. 6.0

1019 - Christie Downs Primary School Govt. 3.0

1372 - Kilparrin Tch & Assessment Sch & Ser

Govt. 16.7

1405 - Modbury Special School Govt. 42.0 16.7

1414 - Adelaide West Special Education Ctr Govt. 3.0

1415 - Errington Special Education Centre Govt. 15.0

9021 - St Patrick's Special School Non-Govt. 100.0 33.3

9127 - Suneden Special School Non-Govt. 16.7

Total 99.0 100.0 100.1

Based on the percent of children currently enrolled who will attend school in the following year, where the expected school is known. Due to rounding totals may not add up to 100%. Source: Term 3 Preschool Data Collection, Data Management and Information Systems

The information provided by the Term 3 Preschool Data Collection, Data Management and

Information systems is an inaccurate picture of the schools that the children from The Briars

transition to. The data entered is limited to a few parent choices indicated on the enrolment

form and as most of the children will attend Special Options the information of where the

children will attend is not available until after the census.

The Same Day Start for schools has impacted significantly on The Briars. All of the children

attending The Briars have Negotiated Education Plans and approximately 40 children

commenced school in Term1, 2014. This has been a mammoth task as the process for all of

our children transitioning to school includes an observation by the educational psychologist,

teachers completing adaptive functioning assessments for the children, and, an NEP with the

family, an educational psychologist and The Briars director. When the state-wide Special

Options panel process has been completed and the children have been offered a school

placement an NEP to organise the child’s transition to their new school with the family, new

school staff, The Briars teacher and director is held. This has meant that we have organized

and attended about 120 meetings in the latter part of the year just for the children

transitioning to school. Previously this process occurred over the four terms and was

manageable. Consequently our special option and transition processes are being reviewed.

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Client Opinion

PRESCHOOL PARENT SURVEY 2013 - 29 replies

Parent Opinion – Quality of Teaching and Learning

QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Strongly

disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

Don't

know

I am confident the staff at this preschool are well informed about the education and care of

young children with disabilities. 1 7 21

Teachers at the preschool really want to help my child to want to learn. 1 7 21

I think my child receives high quality teaching at this preschool. 1 10 18

Staff cater for the individual needs of my child. 2 9 18

This preschool expects that children will reach their developmental age potential 4 14 8 3

My child’s teachers make learning interesting and enjoyable. 8 20 1

Teachers are enthusiastic in their teaching. 7 21 1

I am satisfied with the learning programs offered at my child's preschool. 7 22

My child's teacher clearly informs me about the learning program. 1 5 10 13

The preschool has an excellent learning environment 6 23

COMMENTS

My son's person teacher did not voice her concerns about my son to me. I was told by an Autism SA advisor.

I think you are all lovely people and couldn't ask for better people to be helping with my son.

Amazing detail of learning outcomes. Wonderful variety of experiences that pushes the children to be involved

and live life.

This preschool is fantastic and the twins are very excited to be there. I get applause when we pull up. Their

development has greatly increased in just the first term.

Brilliant

Very committed and enthusiastic staff, informed and interested.

We have been very pleased with all the above and feel privileged to have been able to attend The Briars for 6 terms.

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Parent Opinion – Support of Learning

SUPPORT OF LEARNING Strongly disagree

Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

Don't know

My child is motivated to learn at this preschool. 1 15 13

My child’s teachers provide help and support when it is needed. 1 11 17

My child has access to quality materials and resources that help him/her to learn. 10 19

My child is happy at this preschool this year. 1 1 6 21

The preschool changes its programs and activities to improve child achievement. 12 17

Teachers at this preschool treat my child fairly. 1 5 22 1

This preschool provides a safe and secure environment. 4 25

Children have enough materials and resources for their learning. 1 9 17 2

The preschool encourages children to have a sense of pride in their achievement. 12 16 1

This preschool has information available about other support agencies within the

community. 2 13 9 5

I am comfortable recommending this preschool to friends 1 7 21

My child’s teachers care if my child is not doing as well as she/he can. 1 1 13 14

This preschool provides links to a range of specialist services if required 3 10 9 7

If my child became injured at the preschool, he/she would get the care needed. 10 18 1

The preschool buildings and grounds are clean. 4 25

COMMENTS

Children are encouraged to participate but not forced. Love how it can get really messy!

I could think of 100 things DECD could provide! But an SSO to accompany kids home should be mandatory,

and would probably be more efficient and pleasant in a bus, not a stinky taxi.

Think it's great!

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Parent Opinion – Relationships and Communication

RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree

Strongly Agree Don't know

I feel welcome at this preschool. 1 8 20

This preschool assists the development of my child's personal and social skills. 9 20

I feel well informed about this preschool. 2 8 19

I am comfortable about approaching my child’s teachers to talk about his/her progress. 1 7 21

I am given opportunities to have a say in matters about this preschool. 1 2 11 15

There is a broad variety of communications that inform me about the preschool. 1 3 7 18

The staff always listen to what I have to say about my child’s development and needs. 1 1 9 18

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I receive helpful information about my child’s progress and achievement. 3 12 14

This preschool provides opportunities to discuss my child's progress. 2 12 14 1

I am well informed about preschool activities. 10 19

I believe that if I have concerns or suggestions, the preschool would respond appropriately. 2 11 16

I am encouraged to be involved in the preschool in all kinds of ways. 1 2 11 15

Teachers let me know how well my child is doing. 2 9 18

Children from all cultures and backgrounds are treated fairly at this preschool. 8 20 1

Do you have any comments you would like to make about relationships and communication at your child's preschool?

COMMENT 1 : I didn't feel welcome at all until my child was into the 3rd term.

COMMENT 2 : My child is accepted for who they are, and is treated as just a child and not a child with a disability in

terms of acceptance, participation and encouragement.

COMMENT 3: It would be good to have a bit more information on how my child is progressing developmentally.

Communication book not always used.

COMMENT 4: I don't know most of the teacher's names. I wish there was a photo boardl I rarely feel I know what my

child has done for the day.

COMMENT 5: No complaints - all communication between us and The Briars is good, and have no issues.

COMMENT 6: I have always felt comfortable to approach my son's teachers about any concerns I have. I love the

diary and receiving feeback each day.

COMMENT 7: The only issue is that my child has some reasonable communication skills and many other children here

have very limited speech and communication - so my child is not well able to develop his communication/social

behaviour with hispeers in this setting. He gets lots of communication with teachers/support staff, however.

COMMENT 8: We feel extremely welcome and couldn't be happier with the feedback and excellent communication.

COMMENT 9: Always easy

COMMENT 10: Time constraints sometimes makes communication at pick up/drop off. Communication booklet is

essential?

COMMENT 11: A big thank you to Judith Candy, a dedicated and passionate principal!! Two teachers I want to

thank are Silvina and Daniel with their pride and belief in my son's potential. Thankyou so much all of you.

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Parent Opinion – Leadership and Decision Making

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Don't know

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly disagree

LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING

Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree

Strongly Agree

Don't know

This preschool is well organised. 11 18

I have confidence in how the preschool is managed. 7 21 1

I believe there is effective educational leadership within the

preschool. 1 7 20 1

The preschool seeks parents’ opinions about educational

programs. 4 12 9 4

I am given the opportunity to be involved in the preschool's

educational activities. 1 3 16 9

Parents are encouraged to be involved in site planning 1 1 3 12 9 3

The preschool looks for ways to improve what it does. 1 9 19

Parents are invited to participate in decisions about their child's

education. 1 1 2 12 13

Parents have the opportunity to be involved in the development

of preschool plans. 1 1 3 12 11 1

The preschool includes parents and community in decision-

making. 1 6 11 10 1

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Overall, I am satisfied with the preschool's planning. 3 9 17

Do you have any comments you would like to make about leadership and decision making at your child's preschool?

COMMENT 1: I want to say that my son needs to do more sign language.

COMMENT 2: We were sad that Andreja's contract wasn't renewed at the end of 2012 for this year, so

we had to start again with a new teacher, but everyone has been terrific. Especially Rose and Silvina.

But we don't have favourites, everyone has been fantastic! It's a credit to Judith and passion for the

job.

COMMENT 3: Good Leadership

COMMENT 4: Top stuff!!!

COMMENT 5: Due to work and therapy commitments it is impossible to attend meetings and the school

(re planning.) Written/email format would suit me better. I am able to email my concerns/needs with

the school as face to face contact can be difficult to organise.

Parent Opinion – Other Comments

COMMENT 1: I am satisfied with the preschool. I want to see my son have more development in there.

COMMENT 2: Briars has provided a safe, welcoming and positive start to my child's schooling.

COMMENT 3: This preschool has made a significant difference in the quality of my child's life and my family. The learning experiences provided combined with excellent staff and support, have given my child confidence and life skills.

COMMENT 4: I like the help I get transferring my son from car to kindy when he is being challenging. My son must not sleep during the day unless I give permission.

COMMENT 5: Our son has grown so much since attending The Briars. He has been happy and as a result we as a family have been also. We value this start in our son's education. Thank you so much.

COMMENT 6: Very happy with all aspects

COMMENT 7: You all rock!!!

COMMENT 8: Amazing experience and my child entered shy and unsure in some ways and now exudes confidence in so many areas.

COMMENT 9: I have been 100% happy and satisfied with The Briars for my child. I couldn't ask for a better preschool.

COMMENT 10: The Briars leadership and staff are providing an exceptional service for my daughter and our family. They are all to be highly commended for their continuous efforts.

COMMENT 11: The staff and facility have a wonderful atmosphere, Our children clearly feel excited about learning and are so happy to be there. Their development is beyond what we expected in the 1st term of attendance.

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Financial Statement

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