Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us.

Belonging means embracing our uniqueness, standing courageously in our truth, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.

 – Brene Brown

Experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence. Children belong to diverse families, neighbourhoods, local and global communities. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, trusting relationships and affirming experiences are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.

– Early Years Learning Framework

Equity is about everyone achieving equal outcomes through providing differently for different people so all can be successful.

We all have the same values and deserve a good life, but we are all different and start from different places. It’s because of these differences that we sometimes need different things for us all to thrive.

– Australian Human Rights Commission.

Curiosity is the desire to discover, experiment and try to understand new things and new perspectives, and to know how things work. Curiosity is the basis for all learning.

“Curiosity is the engine of achievement.”
– Sir Ken Robinson

Community is tangible and cohesive; it brings people together in ways that allow them to do things they couldn’t have done in isolation.

Communities are the social, cultural or geographic contexts, groups or networks that share a common purpose, heritage, rights and responsibilities and/ or other bonds.

 – Early Years Learning Framework