Our Story and Values

We firmly believe that children deserve the opportunity to learn, feel safe, and connect with nature and the community. Our focus is on fostering a sense of belonging, understanding, and togetherness within the community. 

Started by local families in 1982

Flemington Child Care Co-operative originated in 1982 through the collective efforts of local parents. Their vision was to establish a centre that not only addressed the needs of nearby families but also served as a nurturing and secure space for their children. This commitment to our local community, children, and diverse culture remains steadfast to this day.

Not-for-profit co-operative

As a not-for-profit co-operative, Flemington Child Care Co-operative is governed by a Board of Management comprising fellow parents who contribute their diverse skills to guide and support the centre's future. All profits are reinvested into enhancing play spaces, facilities, and creating more enriching learning experiences for both our children and educators.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Flemington Child Care Co-operative, the safety, well-being, and empowerment of all children are our top priorities. We are fully committed to providing an environment that is safe, inclusive, and nurturing for every child attending our services.

Our Commitments Include:

  • Ensuring the physical, psychological, and cultural safety of all children, recognising that this is fundamental for their learning and development.

  • Actively supporting and respecting all children, including those with additional needs, children experiencing vulnerability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities.

  • Encouraging children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights and facilitating child-friendly ways for them to express their views, participate in decision-making, and raise their concerns.

  • Promoting social connections among children and fostering an environment where they feel safe, heard, and valued.

  • Implementing robust human resources and recruitment practices that prioritise child safety, including rigorous reference checks, pre-employment screening, and continuous education and training for our team members and volunteers.

Zero Tolerance:

We have zero tolerance for the physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse of children, as well as any form of child neglect, racism, discrimination, or prejudice.

All allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed in accordance with our robust policies and procedures.

Our Practices:

We have a code of conduct that outlines expected behavioural standards and responsibilities for ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.

Our risk management procedures and practices are designed to identify and mitigate risks to children's safety. We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our child-safe practices to ensure continuous improvement.

We encourage families to participate in decisions affecting their children and have effective, culturally safe processes for families to raise concerns. Our complaint handling processes are clear and understood by families, staff, and volunteers.

Legal and Moral Obligations:

We have legal and moral obligations to report any concerns about a child’s safety to the appropriate authorities. We share information when necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our care.

Our Mission Statement

We're dedicated to fostering a love for learning in a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We prioritise child-centric, play-based learning, build strong partnerships with families, invest in professional excellence, and actively engage with our local community. Our mission is to nurture confident, compassionate, and curious individuals ready to positively impact the world.

Our values

We dedicate ourselves to caring for the children and families within the Co-op, as well as providing support and care for our fellow team members. 

  • We provide development and growth opportunities for children through in-class programs, and by engaging with the environment 
and the community. We create collaborative learning communities 
for children, and our team, so we can learn together, and all 
reach our full potential.

  • Being not-for-profit enables us to focus solely on the best interests 
of the children. Our highly qualified educators and teachers empower us to deliver a high standard of care and education.

    • The UN Convention on the Right of the Child

    • The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics

    • Child Safe Standards

    • Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework

  • •       Child-Centric Focus: Prioritise the holistic development, safety, and well-being of every child.

    •       Inclusivity and Diversity: Create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, fostering a sense of belonging for all.

    •       Parent and Community Partnership: Build strong partnerships with parents and the community for open communication and shared responsibility.

    •       Educational Excellence: Deliver high-quality early childhood education to lay a strong foundation for future learning.

    •       Not-for-Profit Commitment: Direct resources towards enhancing care, education, and facilities, prioritising children over profit.

    •       Environmental Sustainability: Promote eco-friendly practices, environmental awareness, and a love for nature.

    •       Professional Development: Invest in continuous staff development to ensure a well-equipped and skilled team.

    •       Health and Safety: Prioritise the health and safety of children, staff, and visitors through rigorous standards and proactive measures.

    •       Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement through regular evaluations and adaptability to emerging best practices.

    •       Community Enrichment: Actively engage with and positively contribute to the broader community for mutual enrichment.