Six of Goodstart’s most outstanding educators and teachers will travel to Singapore later this week as part of a ground breaking international study tour designed to explore world class early learning practices and bring fresh insights back to Goodstart’s Australian centres.
Awarded through Goodstart’s 2024 Goodies Awards, the educators will join Chief Children’s Officer Sue Robb for a week of immersive learning, cultural exchange and leadership development. The experience builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 study tour to New Zealand and is part of Goodstart’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and educator growth.
“This is a truly inspiring opportunity for our people to engage with global ‘next practice’ – learning from high performing early learning systems, education policy leaders, and culturally diverse approaches,” said Sue Robb.
“The Singapore education system is highly regarded for its vision to help children develop 21st Century Competencies enabling children to thrive in and beyond school. This fosters the ability to live, learn, work and adapt to rapidly changing, highly digitalised and interconnected global environments.” she said.
“We’re excited to see how this learning will translate into real impact across our network.”
The tour is one part of Goodstart’s ongoing practice uplift journey. With 99% of centres meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard, the study tour aligns with the organisation’s long-term investment in evidence-informed teaching, educator capability, and better outcomes for children.The group will visit a range of centres and agencies including:
- St Joseph’s Institution International Preschool
- Little Seeds Preschools (Anglican Preschool Services)
- PCF Sparkletots Early Years Centre (Anchor Operator Program)
- Australian International School and Stamford American International School Early Learning Village
- Asian Festival of Children’s Content
- Meetings with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC).
Each day includes reflection and debrief sessions, helping participants translate what they observe into practice improvements across their centres.
“This tour is all about amplifying practice,” said Sue.
“It’s a chance to learn globally and lead locally – and we’re proud to see these educators and teachers represent the very best of Goodstart.”
Sue added that preschool education in Singapore is available to children under the age of seven and includes a variety of program options; infant care, childcare, kindergartens and early years centres.
“Nurturing bilingualism in English and Mother Tongue Language (i.e. Mandarin, Malay and Tamil languages) is unique to the Singapore education curriculum from the time they are in preschool nurturing children’s confidence, values, cultural identity, social and emotional skills, literacy and numeracy,” she said.
“Each early learning setting offers their own educational curriculum and programs based on the Early Years Development Framework and the Nurturing Early Learners Framework that guides the development of preschool programs in Singapore.”
The study tour reflects Goodstart’s belief in growing and recognising great educators.
“Our people are the heart of Goodstart,” Sue said.
“We know that when we invest in their growth, leadership, and learning, it directly benefits children, families, and communities. This tour is one of many ways we build a culture of continuous improvement.”
Goodstart acknowledges all its 2024 State Conference and Goodies partners who have made this study tour possible – including Major Sponsor Modern Teaching Aids and Silver sponsors Coles for Business, Winc and Optus, and all our exhibitors and support partners.
2025 Singapore Study Tour Delegates:
- Kellese Woods, Trainee – Goodstart Canning Vale (WA) – Rising Star Award
- Marie Antuoni, Centre Director – Goodstart Narwee (NSW) – Enabling Environments Excellence
- Melissa Buchanan, Early Childhood Teacher – Goodstart Madora Bay (WA) – Teacher of the Year (Finalist)
- Melissa Vitucci, Centre Director – Goodstart Griffith (NSW) – Goodstarter of the Year
- Nicole Roberson, Educational Leader – Goodstart Virginia (QLD) – Educational Leader of the Year
- Rachael Cross, Educator – Goodstart Port Macquarie (NSW) – Educator of the Year (Finalist)
As they return, these educators will bring back global perspectives, fresh thinking and practical inspiration – further amplifying Goodstart’s work to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.