Foster Early Learning has been recognised by the Victorian Government after meeting best practice benchmarks across all health areas of the Achievement Program — a statewide initiative supporting schools and services to create healthier environments for children.
They are the second education setting in Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires to complete this milestone, the other being Fish Creek Kindergarten in 2023.
Since registering in 2024, Foster Early Learning has been recognised for all six health areas including Healthy Eating and Oral Health, Sun Protection, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Physical Activity and Movement, Safe Environments, and Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Other Drugs.
The Achievement Program provides early childhood services and schools with a framework to bring together and enhance their health and wellbeing initiatives, supporting a whole-service approach to health and wellbeing. Key elements of a whole-service approach include leadership and commitment, supportive physical environment, healthy culture, child teaching and learning, supported staff, and families and community partnerships.
The Achievement Program is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria. Local support is provided to long day care centres, kindergartens and schools in Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires by the South Coast Prevention Team, a partnership between Bayside Health Regional and South Gippsland Hospital.
Paul Greenhalgh, Chief Executive Officer at South Gippsland Hospital, applauded the service for achieving this milestone.
“Congratulations to Foster Early Learning on this wonderful achievement. Receiving recognition for all health areas of the Achievement Program highlights their commitment to creating a healthy environment for children, families and staff in the Foster community.”
Amy Rogers, Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader at Foster Early Learning, was excited to see the service recognised.
She says, “The Achievement Program supported Foster Early Learning to focus on the health and wellbeing of children, staff and families. The framework provided the structure and motivation required to look carefully into all aspects of our program and seek improvement.
“We are particularly proud of the improvements we have made in our outdoor spaces to enhance the skills and confidence of children.”
For more information and support for long day care centres, kindergartens and schools, you can contact the South Coast Prevention Team on prevention@basscoasthealth.org.au