Making the KU Difference
For staff
Kathryn Hatcher
Director, KU Chatswood Community Preschool
Fittingly, Kathy was nominated for this award by
her staff. The team at KU Chatswood Community
Preschool felt very strongly that throughout her
years as the Preschool Director, Kathy consistently
valued and worked with individual staff strengths
to bring out the best in each one of the staff. This
was never more apparent than during the changes
that have occurred under the introduction of the
National Quality Framework.
KU Chatswood Community Preschool was the first
KU preschool to be assessed on the National Quality
Standards through the Assessment and Rating
process. The reflective practices of staff were an
important part of the preparation leading up to the
assessment process.
Kathy consistently encouraged and supported
the growth and understanding of individual staff,
helping them see beyond any barriers and motivating
everyone to overcome their concerns around the new
standards and expectations. This required Kathy to
often be available to staff outside of work hours to
support, encourage and mentor them.
KU Chatswood Community Prechool is a culturally
and linguistically diverse service. The needs of the
community are reflected in the program and the
involvement of families over the years. Kathy’s
inclusive approach with staff, families and the
community in all areas of the preschool program has
been a real strength; demonstrated over time, and
recognised through the assessment process.
Professional Learning
and Development
KU is committed to the provision of inspiring, innovative
and contemporary professional learning opportunities
to assist educators engage with the requirements of
NQF and to guide exemplary early childhood practice.
In 2012 4,986 participants accessed 272 professional
learning sessions, including Professional Learning
Communities, regional meetings, e-training, compliance
requirement training, workshops and professional
learning days.
• 188 workshops : 3,070 participants
• 60 regional meetings and professional
development days : 1,745 participants
• 24 online sessions: 171 participants
More than 700 early childhood educators from both
within KU and the wider early childhood sector also
attended the largest ever KU Annual Conference.
An employer of choice
100
Staff turnover
80
60
40
20
10.65 %
0
2010
15.34 %
2011
11.36 %
The renegotiation of KU’s
Enterprise Bargaining
Agreements affirmed the
value and contribution of KU
staff. The agreements
deliver sector leading
employee benefits, including
the introduction of the
Responsible Person
allowance, pay parity
Australia wide for KU staff,
and closing the gap between
KU Early Childhood Teachers
and schools-based teachers.
2012
117th Annual Report 2012
9