About Us

Ballina Fox Street Preschool is more than just a place to learn — it’s a place where children, families and educators grow together. As a not-for-profit, community-run service with over 50 years of history, we are proud to offer high-quality early education grounded in play, inclusion and strong partnerships with families. Discover what makes our preschool such a special part of the Ballina community.

Our Philosphy

At Ballina Fox Street Preschool, our philosophy centres on connection — with each other, our environment and our wider community. We believe children thrive when they feel safe, seen and supported. That’s why our approach to early education is warm, inclusive and responsive to each child’s unique identity.

We are a play-based, child-led preschool where learning unfolds through relationships, curiosity and reflection. Our educators engage in intentional teaching practices and continuously reflect on how best to support the development, wellbeing and joy of every child in our care.

Respect for diversity underpins everything we do. From our commitment to cultural inclusion and acknowledgement of First Nations perspectives, to our celebration of individuality and family identity — we strive to foster a space where everyone feels they belong.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

Ballina Fox Street Preschool is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where the wellbeing, safety, and dignity of every child are our highest priority.

We believe that:

Children have the right to feel safe, be respected, and be heard. We actively promote children’s participation in decisions that affect them, ensuring their voices are valued and taken seriously.
Child safety is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, volunteers, committee members, and visitors share the responsibility of keeping children safe and protecting them from harm.
Families and community partnerships are central to children’s safety and wellbeing. We welcome families’ input and maintain open, transparent communication at all times.
Equity, inclusion, and cultural safety are essential. We embrace and celebrate diversity and uphold the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability.
Ongoing learning and improvement strengthen our commitment to child safety. We regularly review policies, practices, and environments to ensure they reflect current legislation, best practice, and the voices of children and families.

Our preschool commits to:

Embedding the 10 Child Safe Standards into all aspects of our leadership, governance, and everyday practice.
Maintaining child-focused policies, risk management plans, and codes of conduct that clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations for everyone in our preschool community.
Ensuring all staff and volunteers meet mandatory screening requirements, receive regular training on child safety, and understand their responsibilities under the law, including mandatory reporting.
Promoting safe physical and online environments that minimise risk and empower children to speak up if they feel unsafe or unsure.
Responding to all concerns and allegations promptly, seriously, and with a child-focused approach.

This statement is publicly available and underpins our commitment to the wellbeing and safety of every child in our care.

Our Story

Ballina Fox Street Preschool began with a dream in the late 1960s. Led by Elizabeth Wiggs, a pioneering educator who operated a small private preschool from local church halls, the need for a purpose-built centre grew alongside Ballina’s rapidly expanding population.

In 1970, a group of passionate community members, supported by Council, began fundraising to build a permanent preschool. With the help of local service clubs and volunteers, the doors to Ballina Fox Street Preschool officially opened in 1971. By the start of 1972, 30 children were enrolled.

Since then, we’ve grown to accommodate hundreds of local families while staying true to the original vision — a preschool that represents the diversity and heart of the Ballina community. We continue to honour the legacy of inclusion, equity and grassroots support that shaped our beginnings.

Our Governance

Ballina Fox Street Preschool operates as a community-based, not-for-profit preschool managed by a dedicated Management Committee. This committee — made up of elected parents — plays a vital role in overseeing the sustainability, direction and compliance of the preschool.

As the Approved Provider under the National Law and Regulations, the Management Committee is responsible for:

Employing and supporting staff
Ensuring legal and financial compliance
Overseeing quality improvement planning
Maintaining the service’s mission and values

By involving families directly in our governance, we remain truly community-driven — ensuring decisions are made with children’s best interests at the core.

What is the National Quality Framework?

All preschools in Australia operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) — a national system that sets high standards for early childhood education and care.

At Ballina Fox Street Preschool, we are proud to be rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard, which recognises our ongoing commitment to:

High-quality educational programs
Safe, healthy and inclusive environments
Respectful, responsive relationships
Strong leadership and continuous improvement

The NQF includes seven Quality Areas which guide our planning, reflection and assessment. These are:

Educational program and practice
Children’s health and safety
Physical environment
Staffing arrangements
Relationships with children
Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Governance and leadership

Learn more about the NQF here: Guide to the National Quality Standard (ACECQA)

Partnerships With Families and Community

At Fox Street Preschool, we see families as partners in learning. When you enrol a child, you enrol a whole family — and we value the role families play in shaping our preschool culture.

We foster ongoing communication, family involvement and shared experiences throughout the year, including:

Working Bees and community events
Cultural celebrations like NAIDOC Week and Harmony Day
Connections to local services and support organisations

We believe that children thrive when their home culture is recognised and their community is connected to their learning. Through these partnerships, we help children feel seen, respected and grounded in who they are.