GOOSH aims to provide a caring, safe and stimulating learning environment for all children attending before and after school care, vacation care or School Development (pupil free) days.

The principles of the GOOSH service are:

• Children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs are met in a safe, caring and supportive environment.
• The best interests of the child are the most important concern.
• Care is provided in a way that:
• protects the child from harm;
• respects the child’s dignity and privacy;
• promotes the child’s wellbeing;
• provides positive experiences for the child;
• gives children the freedom to choose and
• explores the child’s interests and extends on them wherever possible.
• Programs are meaningful, educational and acknowledge the importance of play and leisure in a child’s life.
• Freedom of choice in experiences is balanced with age-appropriate programming and opportunity for child-initiated planning.
• Children, parents, staff and relevant community members are treated with respect and their views in relation to the proper operation of GOOSH are considered and valued.
• Parents are primarily responsible for the upbringing, protection and development of their children. To the extent possible, GOOSH aims to support parents in that role.
• Open discussion with everyone is welcome on all issues relevant to GOOSH’s operation.

This philosophy statement links to the Greenwich Public School Vision and School Rules.  It provides the foundation for all GOOSH activities, policies and procedures.

Wherever there is uncertainty as to GOOSH’s policy or procedure on any issue, GOOSH uses these principles to help resolve the issue. The written policies and procedures of GOOSH have been developed and will be monitored and reviewed with these principles in mind.