the child at the centre of everything

Our Philosophy

We offer a warm welcome to all who pass through our door, just as we offer open hearts to each and every child.

We believe a well planned environment is a teacher in itself and should create an invitation for children to become involved. There is an emphasis on beauty, natural and recycled materials and easily available items for self-initiated play, physically active play, and exploration. We are enthusiastic about providing a wide range of creative experiences, emcompassing visual arts, drama, and music. We believe these areas are very valuable in contributing to the holistic development of children (cognitive, social, emotional, physical). We support children in contributing meaningfully to the physical environment as we believe that in doing so their sense of belonging and overall well-being is nurtured.

We think of our centre as a learning community constructed through the everyday responsive and reciprocal relationships that develop between those that belong to it; children, whaanau, teachers and the wider community.

We believe that when children are given ample opportunity to love and connect with nature, they are motivated to care for, and develop respect for, our natural world and all living things. We believe they will meet new challenges with confidence and with consideration and support for those who are adventuring alongside them and that the environment we provide, the expectations we have, and our teaching practices are supporting children to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

The teacher is both a partner in learning and a facilitator in the process. By providing interesting experiences and engaging materials, the teacher invites the child to explore then steps back and follows the child’s lead.

There will be set routines during the day so that children’s physical needs are met. Children will be made aware of these routines (to increase their feelings of belonging and make them feel secure).

We are committed to developing a deeper understanding of Te Ao Māori so this can be passed on to the children and incorporated into our daily practice.

We will provide an environment that:

• Reflects the values and customs of all children who attend.
• Develops the emotional, physical, spiritual, social, intellectual and cultural well-being of each child at the level appropriate to them.
• Promotes a peaceful (non-violent) programme allowing for assertion, negotiation and mediation.

The programme provides tools for resolving conflict and increasing children’s emotional intelligence and builds a foundation for open, respectful communication.