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“Growing future kaitiaki of Turanga-nui a Kiwa”
Busy Bees Gladstone Road believes that the environment is a child’s third teacher and strives to provide a nature rich environment. By utilising, encouraging and valuing all areas of learning and development through Papatūānuku – Mother Nature we provide children with the opportunity to build strong connections with the natural environment. We have a strong focus on sustainability, recycling and understanding the importance of respecting and protecting the living world.
Our Centre
We pride ourselves on whakawhanaungatanga (relationships and connectedness), with our environment designed to support this through tuākana–tēina (mixed-age) learning spaces. Our centre encourages seamless indoor–outdoor flow, where tamariki are supported by our interactive and engaged teaching team. Our curriculum focuses on learning through play and exploration, incorporating te taiao (the natural environment), the arts, technology, and ako (teaching and learning).
We also take great pride in our well-established māra kai, which plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of our tamariki and whānau. As a newly recognised Enviroschool, we are committed to strengthening our sustainability practices and embracing the principles of kaitiakitanga in our everyday life.
Our Rooms
Kōwhai (up to 2 years)
We recognise parents/caregivers as the child’s first educators and through a supportive and collaborative approach we will work together to develop shared goals and aspirations for children. Our Nursery environment is based on building loving and trusting bonds between infants and teachers, who structure the day according to individual needs. Teachers work closely with families to understand infant cues and develop a routine that supports children’s natural rhythms. Play is open-ended and full of fun as we embrace the unknown of how children explore and experiment with their ideas and theories of how the world around them works.
Pōhutukawa (2-3 years)
We know big changes happen during this time like increased independence and more curious questions. Our educators welcome each toddler with open arms and patience. The environment is prepared to entice children’s curiosity and exploration where testing, trying and challenge is valued. We support childhood learning with a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and supportive of all children during this age of discovery and wonder. The Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai rooms share the same learning environment which enables the concept of tuākana-tēina.
Kauri Room (4-6 years)
We aspire for children to experience free, independent movement and play and provide safe spaces and time for them to move freely on their own and in their own way. We provide a safe but challenging environment that supports self-discovery, exploration, joy in success and accomplishment and where they will have fun while they learn. Our Kauri Room provides a rich learning environment focused on the tuākana (older children) of our centre ensuring they have the opportunity to develop confidence, independence and self-management all of which align with Te Whāriki (Early Childhood Curriculum) and the pathways to kura (school).
Kai
We are proud to be a lunchbox centre. This promotes independence as well as encourages self-help skills in preparation for school. We encourage families to make healthy food choices and ensure their child’s pouaka kai (lunch box) meets centre guidelines as well as Ministry of Health criteria for Early Learning Services.
Tākaro | Play
We are guided by New Zealand’s bi-cultural curriculum Te Whāriki and acknowledge that children learn through play as well as planned experiences. Children will have opportunities to interact with and explore their environment, the people within it and be guided by teachers that recognise that play, problem-solving and exploration are important and valued ways of learning. We wish for children to have the freedom to explore their own creativity and provide opportunities and experiences that foster this.
Ako | Teaching & Learning
Our curriculum prioritises learning through play and exploration, while establishing a strong foundation in te reo and tikanga Māori, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Inspired by te taiao (the natural environment), the arts, technology, and ako (both teaching and learning), our approach is brought to life by our talented, multicultural team of kaiako. They are carefully selected for their experience, passion for early learning, professional knowledge, and strong understanding of child development.
We aspire for all tamariki to access a high-quality curriculum that recognises and responds to their curiosity and interests. Our learning environments support the development of early numeracy, literacy, communication, and social skills, empowering children to build confidence and form healthy, positive relationships now and into the future.
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