TG's Child Care stands out as an early adopter of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) which is incorporated into our curriculum and playspaces.
TG's Child Care has a long term vision for Playing is Learning for Life. It is our lifelong mission, where what we do is not just sustainable but also relevant to the ever-changing modern world. This means giving children the skills and tools they need for sustainable learning.
It's about going beyond Big School and continuing Playing It Forward even after they leave TG’s. That is why ESG runs through TG's business DNA and it guides us in all that we do.
TG's award-winning gardens is where the children nurture responsibility, appreciation, care, love, kindness and teamwork!
1. Environment - Respect for our planet
You can find so many examples of sustainability practices throughout TG's. We choose natural material in our playspaces, we grow our own vegetables and fruits, and even TG's meals are seasonal, respecting the cycles of nature.
TG's children are always learning about nature and how they can care for their environment. Eco-intelligence is nurtured from the get go, and it's something the children bring home to share with their families too. It's about Playing it Forward and how from one nucleus, sustainability practices can spread through the community. And it's all done with fun and joy, as is always the case at TG's! The children learn to plant seeds, care for them, observe little bugs that make their homes in the gardens, harvest the vegetables and fruits and finally see them on their dining table.
Ultimately, it's about empowering children with age-appropriate responsibility, building confidence and appreciation for the food they receive.
You've probably heard TG's children get all excited about the Beach and Bush Kindys. It is natural learning embedded in our Early Years Learning Framework and Curriculum as part of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This broadens TG's inclusivity for indigenous culture, wisdom and respect for the environment.
Playing is Learning for Life is a lot more FUN when we do it together!
2. Social - Connection and Community are key
TG’s 3 Foundation Stones of Building Relationships, Understanding our Gifts and Encouraging Collective Thinking make up the TG’s Way that becomes a natural way of living to support the children on their unique learning journeys to become valuable and reliable members of their community.
TG’s is always welcomed and well-loved in every new community. When TG's Urangan was being set up, the local tradespeople brought not just their skills and expertise but also their friendship and warm welcome to TG's! It is part of our Social strategy to employ local tradesmen, and source local products to maintain our services, provide resources and produce whenever possible.
TG's children always look forward to our local festivals. TG's is a familiar presence at such celebrations e.g. Wauchope's Lasiandra Festival. Everyone is involved and these celebrations are incorporated into TG’s curriculum and learning. Whenever there's a chance to have fun and play, you can be sure TG's will be there!
People talk about the magic of TG's and there's no better example than the children and parents at TG's who love being here so much they return to TG's as Educators!
Families trust TG’s as a part of their lives and we are the children’s extended family. Even in times of crises, TG's has shown up and stayed as an important and integral support network for the children and families and community. During the pandemic, our Educators prepared creative care packages for the children and families to stay connected to Playing is Learning for Life. Families feel assured, knowing that TG’s is always there for them, providing a sense of stability and comfort during uncertain times.
Did you also know that TG's children and Educators have a little superpower? It's affectionately called MEG - Mindfulness, Empathy and Gratitude. These are powerful tools we use to help us manage challenging times. Learn more about MEG here.
TG's Educators - our very serious FUN experts at work and at play!
3. Governance - Business sustainability
Governance with wisdom ensures business sustainability for TG's. TG's is well-known for its quality of service. Our implementation of robust Work Health Safety (WHS) headed by Anne Stephens and our operations readiness policies continue to ensure we bring the best quality services to our communities.
Whether it's for the children or for our Educators, TG's takes care of their mental health and wellbeing.
Educators receive above award wages, extra bonuses and incentives, mental health/wellbeing payments and leave. There are regular staff training on wellbeing and mindfulness, and TG's leadership teams are always on hand to listen and guide the Educators.
For the children, Healthy Harold the friendly giraffe came by for a visit to teach the children about safety, managing feelings and wellbeing tools. Our rooms have designated calm and reflective play spaces designed specifically for individuals or small groups to take time to self-regulate and relax and develop mindfulness techniques and skills that will support them for life.
TG’s provides every opportunity to help our Educators grow to their fullest potential as team players and team leaders so they provide the best quality care for the children.
TG's Big Business Decision
TG's commitment to ESG and giving their very best to the children, families, Educators and communities can be seen in a big business decision we made last year.
We all know it has been several challenging years of exhausting conditions for many of TG's staff. They have continued to paddle the canoe together, always with a smile and unwavering in making sure Playing is Learning for Life keeps going. Trevor and Gayle decided that it was time to give back to the staff at TG's, by closing the centre for one week, giving all our teams a paid week off over Christmas!
TG's staff appreciated this gesture, and even our families were totally behind Trevor and Gayle's decision. It was a well-deserved time off. And a genuine, heartfelt acknowledgement of everything our staff have done for TG's.
We're so PROUD of everyone at TG's! Here's to many more sustainable years of Playing is Learning for Life, and TG's is committed to Playing it Forward through the generations!
Read more about how ESG features in TG's practices in Brilliant-Online magazine:
TG's Child Care locations and contact details:
Urangan QLD
+61 (07) 4184 2282 | urangan@tgschildcare.com.au
61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655
Armidale NSW
+61 (02) 6772 7810 | armidale@tgschildcare.com.au
11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350
Uralla NSW
+61 (02) 6778 3369 | uralla@tgschildcare.com.au
23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358
Wauchope - Hastings St NSW
+61 (02) 6585 1033 | HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au
33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446
Wauchope - High St NSW
+61 (02) 6585 3331 | HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au
223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446
Wauchope - Riverbreeze NSW
+61 (02) 6585 2981 | riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au
3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446
About TG's Child Care
As one of Australia's leading early learning Preschool and Long Day Care providers, TG's Child Care is dedicated to its philosophy of “Quality Lifelong Learning, where Playing is Learning for Life.” Children attending TG's Child Care are encouraged to experience a love and joy of learning throughout their time there and are equipped with skills and tools to continue their personal growth long after they’ve left.
At TG's, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay my/our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.