Getting to Know … Adrianne Boers of Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Stanmore

Adrianne Boers is the centre manager at Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Stanmore. An experienced early childhood educator and leader, Adrianne is passionate about providing an innovative and inspiring approach to the care and education of children from 0 to 6 years. As a mum of four children under the age of 5 years, Adrianne brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role, as well as a gentle, realistic understanding of family life.

Tell us a little about yourself

I am a passionate early childhood teacher/leader with 10 years’ experience in the industry. I am also a mother to four children aged 4 years and under. So it’s fair to say that a large part of both my personal and professional life is catering to the needs of children from birth to 6 years!

I aim to be a positive mentor and leader in the early childhood sector both to my team and families. I believe in order to operate a high-quality care service you need to be proactive, supportive and create a sense of community within the wider community by embracing all families and children that walk through our door.

What did you do prior to establishing Jenny’s Kindergarten Stanmore?

Prior to collaborating with Jenny’s Kindergarten, I worked in council-governed early childhood services. I value the opportunities and experience I learnt throughout my time there enormously. During my experience in early childhood I have been a part of two assessments and ratings, with both facilities receiving ‘Exceeding’ under the NQS.

What motivated you to work in child care in the first place?

I discovered I had a passion for working with the early years’ age group as I observed the impact educators have on a child’s life and their families – that has truly built a fire within me.

I believe that early childhood educators need to create a positive environment where all children feel comfortable and inspired by the play- and inquiry-based learning. I not only instil these values in the rest of the team I mentor but I encourage my team members to embrace their passions and incorporate these into learning.

Can you tell us more about the Stanmore centre?

Jenny’s Kindergarten and Early Learning Stanmore is conveniently located on the inner-city fringe with close proximity to major institutions such as the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Our facility is designed and purpose built to mirror the home environment while also reflecting the heritage of the surrounding streetscape with beautiful glazed brick facades.

At Jenny’s Kindergarten we value each and every person who plays a role in our JK family. We are committed to fostering strong community connections and are proud to have already built some great relationships with local businesses and schools.

The visibly warm and supportive feel of our service stems from the key principles of our philosophy. We trust in building a community that values children, respects their rights and prepares them for the transition to school and readiness for life. We honour individuality and diversity and believe in the importance of connecting with the community. We also place great emphasis on the outdoors and putting sustainability into practice.

What does your early learning program entail?

Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that children explore and develop in an exciting and innovative learning environment. The curriculum is based on eight elements which set the foundation for your child’s educational future. The program values the child as strong, capable and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it.

What can families expect from the centre?

When you enrol at Jenny’s you aren’t just enrolling at an early childhood centre you are becoming a part of our JK family. Choosing a centre for your child can be a difficult decision, but we know our warm, homely environment makes that decision easier. These are the most important years of a child’s life, and with our specialised early learning program you can be assured your child’s mind will always be stimulated. Our teaching doesn’t just happen within the four walls of our centre either but is taken out into the community.

As a mother yourself, do you have any advice for new parents?

Always make mental health a priority! In today’s world there are never enough minutes in the day. As parents, many of us set high expectations of what we need to tick off our list each day. Becoming a young mother of four children, I quickly learnt that completing my list by the end of the day was near impossible. I’ve also learnt that if I’m having a bad day and feeling fed up then without a doubt my children are too. This is not to say you won’t have bad days, but do try to maintain a healthy mindset and keep reminding yourself you are doing the best you can!

Empowering my children to be independent in the household has also paid off. It’s no mean feat to get four young kids in the car each morning, but when they take some of the responsibility themselves it certainly eases the load.

Has a book or podcast inspired you recently?

The Mother Shift is a new podcast series I’m enjoying. It reveals what goes on behind closed doors as women juggle work and family life and offers so many relatable stories and sound advice on balancing the two.

Favourite places or things to do in the Inner West?

Marrickville Library is a great place to take children. It has lots of resources as well as a beautiful garden and additionally a children’s playground which my children adore visiting! I have found this library especially beneficial for my eldest son who is starting primary school in 2020.

In Stanmore, Weekly Park is a fantastic park which we like to visit with the kids from our service. We often take the children there to collect natural objects that we then incorporate into our learning.

About Author

Ginny Grant

As a book editor, writer and mother of two young children, I divide my time between grappling with words and kids. Both can be troublesome and delightful. I am also the author of Australia’s Greatest Landmarks and Locations (Random House Australia, 2014), and firmly believe Sydney’s Inner West is one of Australia’s – no, the world’s – truly great places to live.

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