Making the KU Difference
Through sustainability
KU Mayfield Preschool Staff
Through the KU Low Plastics Project , the team at KU Mayfield Preschool has demonstrated their commitment to a safe and sustainable environment , taking up the challenge to reduce the amount of plastics within the service .
The increasing amount of plastic products in young children ’ s lives was recognised as a significant problem on a number of levels . Not only are there potential health risks and environmental damage , but plastic toys often provide limited educational outcomes for children .
Under the leadership of the Director , Lisa Mearns , the staff involved families in the project which included an audit of the plastics in the centre , removal of the high risk plastics and phasing out of the medium and low risk plastics .
The team worked together to classify , sort and dispose of the plastics . When it came time to replace equipment , staff found that many replacement pieces of equipment were more open-ended in their use and encouraged children ’ s imagination and creativity .
One of the unanticipated outcomes of this project was the level of collaboration between the staff , children and families and this approach has been adapted for other situations in the service .
The team also shared the outcomes and resources from the project with fellow KU staff through the KU Staff Intranet and a workshop has since been developed .
KU Mayfield Preschool staff are worthy recipients of this award , having the courage to try a new approach and the dedication to follow it through and ensure its success .
Recognising those who make our work possible
KU acknowledges the funding and support we received during 2011 .
Commonwealth Department of Education , Employment and Workplace Relations
Department of Families , Housing , Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
States and Territories New South Wales Department of Human Services - Ageing , Disability and Home Care
Housing NSW
Department of Human Services - Community Services
Landcare
Newcastle Coal Foundation
NSW Department of Education and Training
NSW Sport and Recreation
Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Australian Capital Territory Department of Disability , Housing and Community Services
Councils Bankstown City Council North Sydney Council City of Sydney Wagga Wagga City Council
NSW Clubs Community Development and Support Expenditure Scheme
116th Annual Report 2011 11