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Our unique, nature-based, holistic approach to education provides a truly remarkable experience for our children and families. Tamariki enjoy the outdoor space which includes an amazing bike track and native garden that provide stimulating and adventurous areas of play for children of all ages.
Parents love the rich sense of community at Busy Bees Māpua, and our curriculum reflects our philosophy for strong relationships. We communicate, engage and work in partnership with parents and whānau regarding all aspects of children’s learning, interests, goals and holistic development.
Pēpi Room (up to 2 years)
Our Pēpi Room environment is based on building loving and trusting bonds between pēpi. Kaiako work closely with whānau to understand children’s cues and develop a routine that supports tamariki natural rhythms and is focused around primary care. Kaiako utilise sensory play, outdoor exploration, music and movement to create a fun, interactive atmosphere whilst maintaining a focus on the love, care and affection that pēpi need to thrive. Our approach is guided by the uniqueness of each child. We recognise that every child is different, and we strive to meet their individual needs by creating a safe, nurturing, and challenging environment.
Poutama Room (2-3 years)
We know big changes happen during this time like increased independence and more curious questions. Our kaiako 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.
Aranui Room (4-6 years)
The preschool years provide a steppingstone to support your child in preparation for school and their learning life. We weave school readiness and desired learning outcomes into our daily learning. Exposing children to an abundance of learning opportunities involving nature, literacy, numeracy, science, emotional development, confidence-building, social engagement and more. We have a strong relationships with Māpua, Tasman, Mahana and Appleby School’s. Our Aranui room often go as a group for a visit when a child is transitioning to school to help develop a sense of belonging and supporting the child’s mana to explore the environment with friends.
Our dedicated cook and centre team is currently striving towards the Rito Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award from the Heart Foundation for the amazing things we do here to promote healthy food and physical activity.
We are 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.
Teachers do regular baking with the children, which provides opportunities for them to engage and learn a range of food preparations skills and fine motor movements such as pouring, sifting, spooning. It is a great hands-on sensory experience for children to develop independence through self-help skills, practice simple maths as they measure and count quantities.
Fostering a Culture of Sustainability at Busy Bees Māpua by engaging children in activities like gardening, composting, and understanding the lifecycle of plants to not only promote environmental awareness but also inspire important life skills and values.
Curriculum
We are committed to follow the aspirations of the New Zealand National ECE Curiculum, Te Whāriki. Te Whāriki envisages kaiako in early learning settings working in partnership with parents, whānau and community to realise this vision. The expectation is that, in their early years, children will experience a curriculum that empowers them as lifelong learners.
Community
We believe that we have an important part to play in our local community and a very special opportunity to positively impact the lives of our young tamariki in their early stages of development. We love to explore our local community and go on regular excursions to places such as the Māpua Library, Aranui Park, Māpua school and the Playground.
Swimming Lessons
As part of our MOVE physical activities program, we have partnered with Māpua Chalets to provide swimming lessons for children aged 4 and up. This has become a highly popular option each term, where children learn essential water skills such as basic water confidence, bubble blowing, floating, kicking, respect for the water, and general water safety.
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