News from Y Kinders

Columbia Park Preschool – an outstanding rating for an outstanding kindergarten

June 16, 2025 Inspired Early Education
The Columbia Park Preschool team celebrate their Exceeding rating

Congratulations to Columbia Park Preschool!

In an extremely proud moment for the Columbia Park Preschool team, their strong learning culture, incredible hard work and outstanding program was recognised with an Exceeding in all seven Quality Areas rating in their Assessment and Rating.

On learning the result, the team were excited and more than a little emotional.

“It’s such meaningful recognition of the work we do. We’re especially proud of our reflective culture, our strong partnerships with families and the community, and the way our program invites children to lead their learning through inquiry, connection, and exploration,” they shared.

Columbia Park Preschool has a rich, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed approach to early childhood education. The program is rooted in curiosity and inquiry, offering meaningful play-based learning experiences.

Aligned with the early learning frameworks, it embraces key areas such as literacy, numeracy, science, and social-emotional development, while strengthening cultural inclusion and deeply embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Children also benefit from an ‘On Country’ nature program that fosters a strong connection to the natural world and encourages sustainable practices from an early age.

The kindergarten’s impressive learning culture – for both children and staff – really shone through and was highlighted by the Assessor. Strong leadership, the encouragement of new ideas, and critical reflection has created a positive environment where continually evolving pedagogy can thrive.

An emotional moment for the team

Michelle King, Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader said, “When I heard the news that we achieved Exceeding in all seven Quality Areas, I was so happy I cried! This has been something we’ve continuously worked toward – constantly critically reflecting on our practice, striving to improve, and staying committed to delivering the best outcomes for children and families. To have that hard work recognised means so much.”

Thank you to the team for all your amazing work and dedication providing inspired, rich learning experiences for children. A very well-deserved huge congratulations!

Find out more about Columbia Park Preschool here.

For more information about Assessment and Rating see here.


The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

View our full Commitment Statements here .

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