Jungle Babies recognised at awards night

Narrabri’s Jungle Babies Early Learning Centre was a finalist in two categories in the recent Excellence in Early Childhood Education awards.

The childcare centre earned the finalist award in the Excellence in Indoor Learning Environment and in the Small, Private, Regional Service section.

The Narrabri based business came up against stiff competition at the awards including from companies in Coffs Harbour, Mascot and Sutherland.

Proprietor Sophee Wilkins was proud that Jungle Babies was the only business from the North West region nominated as a finalist.

“Unfortunately we didn’t win but still being made finalist was a pretty big deal,” she said.

“The closest nomination to us was Willow Tree, which meant we were the only business in this region that was even nominated, let alone made finalist.

“We were up against Sydney and Newcastle childcare centres that had been established for a very long time.”

Jungle Babies has adapted to changing emphases in society throughout its successful three years and is continuing to do so which earned the business such a high rating at the awards night.

“We focus strongly on sustainability,” said Mrs Wilkins.

“For example, we’ve got many animals here, we’ve got chickens, we’ve got stick insects and looking into getting a couple of guinea pigs in the next week or so.

Some of our food scraps are used to feed our animals.

“We also recycle and reuse all of the materials that we can and we encourage the children to do this.

“In our outdoor play space we’ve decided to get rid of all of our plastic climbing equipment and bring in natural resources for the children to explore.”

The outside areas are all protected by sunshade sails to keep the children sunsafe during the warmer seasons.

The team at Jungle Babies has grown since the centre opened and now has eight staff members including a fully qualified early childhood teacher who is complemented by a pre-school program and specialised pre-school room.

Mrs Wilkins said that Jungle Babies is always welcoming new people.

“We’re very inclusive,” she said.

“We have a wide variety of families that walk through our doors.

“We cater to all needs and are really flexible with children’s routine.

“We just try and cater to what the family wants for their children.”