Bridget Isichei

Centre & Program Director

Northern Rivers Preschool

Bridget Isichei is Director of three preschools in NSW, two rated “Excellent” under the National Quality Framework. With a Master’s in Educational Leadership and over 26 years’ ECEC experience across five countries, she also serves as President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance, supporting 42 regional preschools. Passionate about excellence, Bridget champions emotionally safe, responsive programs where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and can thrive.

SESSIONS

Day 1

12:00

Panel: Centres with excellent ratings: What sets them apart?

What does it take to achieve and maintain an “Excellent” rating under the National Quality Framework?
Gain direct insights from high-performing providers on leadership, culture, safety, quality and child-centred pedagogy

Moderator: Su Garrett, Director, Explore & Develop Annandale

Bridget Isichei, Centre & Program Director, Northern Rivers Preschool

Akram Eshaghi, Director, Uniting Airlie Preschool Oatlands (UAPO)

Sue Inglis, Manager and Educational Leader, Pelican Waters Golden Beach Kindergarten and Childcare Centre

Day 2

12:30

Achieving Excellence: Lessons from the Northern Rivers Preschool Journey

What does it take to embed excellence across a service? How do leadership, culture, community engagement and reflective practice drive quality, safety and continuous improvement?
Practical strategies, mindsets and processes that strengthened Northern Rivers Preschool’s practice, enhanced quality and safety, and shaped their path to an Excellent Rating — including key takeaways for improving practice in any service.

Bridget Isichei, Centre & Program Director, Northern Rivers Preschool