Supporting reconciliation at Forbes Preschool

This case study explores Forbes Preschool’s journey to create its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The reconciliation journey at Forbes Preschool has been shaped by strong engagement with the Aboriginal community, and connections with families and local schools.

Preschool context

Proudly located on Wiradjuri Country, Forbes Preschool serves a diverse community of over 150 children, with approximately 40% identifying as Aboriginal. The preschool employs 5 Aboriginal educators and is governed by a parent management committee, 3 members of whom identify as Aboriginal. The preschool has strong connections to the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).

Foundations of reconciliation

Before beginning the journey to develop its first RAP, Forbes Preschool had already built a strong foundation for reconciliation.

Amy Shine, Director at Forbes Preschool, said their commitment to reconciliation began by employing Aboriginal staff, displaying local Aboriginal artworks in classrooms and play spaces, and partnering with a local Aboriginal service to provide transport to families.

Amy explained how working with Aboriginal communities helps to foster a sense of belonging for families when they see diversity represented in the preschool’s practices.

“These actions were central to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment – a place people wanted to be at, a place where everyone belonged,” said Amy.

Soon enough, word of mouth spread across the community, and the number of Aboriginal children enrolled at the preschool jumped from just 2 in 2008 to 40 by 2014.

The preschool received funding to build a new facility in 2013, recognising its dedication to creating partnerships with Aboriginal families and promoting inclusion.

The start of the RAP process

The inspiration to create a RAP for Forbes Preschool began when 2 educators attended the Reconciliation Symposium in Perth. After engaging with the Narragunnawali resources presented at the symposium, the educators returned with a renewed sense of purpose and sparked strong interest across the team. Recognising the importance of developing a structured plan for reconciliation, the preschool engaged with the Narragunnawali platform and formed a team of RAP champions.

Speaking about the beginning of their RAP journey, Amy said the process was collaborative and reflective, drawing on years of community engagement. The preschool introduced initiatives like a Pop-Up Preschool, which brought educators into local parks to engage with families directly about the development of their RAP.

“This approach helped to build relationships and also reinforced the preschool’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration,” said Amy.

RAP – a collaborative effort

A dedicated committee of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educators from the preschool, a local Aboriginal family worker and representatives from local schools was created to formally develop the RAP. Over 6 months, the committee met regularly to discuss and explore the Narragunnawali platform and to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the preschool’s existing practices and potential improvements.

A key theme during these discussions was the importance of authenticity. Amy explained that the committee was cautious about rushing into a RAP to avoid a tokenistic approach.

“We went through the RAP actions step by step, watched videos and read articles to inform our dialogue. This led us to think deeper about why we do what we do and how we could work collectively as a community,” said Amy.

This critical approach ensured that the preschool’s RAP was grounded in genuine partnership and cultural respect.

Engaging children, families and the community

Children played an indirect yet vital role in the RAP process, participating in discussions, answering questions and sharing their knowledge about Aboriginal culture. These insights enriched the development of the RAP.

Families were actively involved as well, participating in surveys and having representation on the RAP committee.

“This collaborative approach not only informed the development of the RAP but also fostered a sense of ownership among families, reinforcing the idea that reconciliation is a collective journey,” said Amy.

Navigating challenges

Amy explained how the journey was not without its challenges. There was an initial reluctance to proceed with developing a RAP, driven by a desire to avoid it becoming ‘something to tick off’. Engaging with the Narragunnawali team helped the preschool address these concerns, encouraged by advice to share its existing successes and community stories as a starting point.

“Developing relationships with the team at Narragunnawali was instrumental in reshaping the narrative around the RAP. It also helped to validate the preschool’s commitment to genuine reconciliation,” said Amy.

Impact on community

The RAP has impacted the preschool community, strengthening its culture of inclusion and leadership. Partnerships with local schools have gone from strength to strength, with Forbes Preschool teaming up with 2 high schools and 3 primary schools to create a RAP collaborative community of learners. This network of principals and Aboriginal educators meets regularly to share stories and strategies for promoting reconciliation across the broader community.

Amy also shared a noticeable increase in advocacy for inclusion across all levels of the preschool as a result of the RAP.

“Staff members have become more engaged in conversations about cultural respect and inclusivity, reinforcing the importance of these values within their daily practices.”

Advice for other services

Amy encourages other early childhood education and care services considering beginning their RAP journey to make a start, recognising reconciliation is an evolving process.

"Make a start, even if you don’t feel ready. Embrace the journey and remain open to growth and change along the way," she said.

Looking ahead

Forbes Preschool has recently had its second RAP approved, reflecting its ongoing commitment to improvement and reconciliation. As new staff join the team, they learn about the preschool’s reconciliation story, values and vision for the future.

“The team at Forbes Preschool are always looking to improve and ensure we offer a space where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs.”

Want to know more? 

Visit Reconciliation Australia's Narragunnawali Platform and join the conversation on the Viva Engage ‘Reconciliation Action Plan Group’. You can also subscribe to the RAP newsletter.