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NEW PLAYGROUND - NOW OPEN!
Come and visit our space, check out our gallery below to see the new spaces come to life.
We have a nurturing and welcoming environment where every child and family feels right at home. Our compassionate educators provide a safe, supportive space where children feel truly loved, respected, and valued—just like they would in a close-knit family. Here, your child is a cherished member of our Busy Bees family, where every cultural background is celebrated, and individuality is embraced.
Our Rooms
Nest | 0-2 Year Old's
Honouring the Rhythms and Rhymes of the Child – A Pikler-Inspired Approach
At Busy Bees Papamoa Beach, we embrace the unique rhythms and rhymes of each individual child, recognising that every tamaiti learns, grows, and expresses themselves in their own time and in their own way. Inspired by the Pikler approach, we place great value on respectful care, free movement, and responsive relationships.
We slow down and observe carefully, allowing children the time and space to initiate their own learning, explore at their own pace, and build authentic connections with others. Our kaiako work in partnership with each child, following their cues and routines, and responding with intention and care. By respecting each child's autonomy and natural developmental timetable, we support their confidence, wellbeing, and sense of self.
Through this thoughtful and attuned approach, tamariki experience consistent, unhurried care that fosters trust, security, and a love for learning.
Hive | 2-3 Year Old's
Supporting Social and Emotional Competence in Toddlers
In our toddler space, we understand that the early years are a foundational time for developing social and emotional competence. At this age, tamariki are learning how to navigate relationships, express their feelings, and understand the emotions of others. Our kaiako provide calm, consistent, and emotionally attuned support to guide toddlers through these big learning moments.
Best practice in our room includes:
- Responsive relationships – Kaiako build secure attachments through warm, predictable care, helping children feel safe to explore and express themselves.
- Emotional coaching – We name and validate feelings, helping toddlers build the language and awareness to recognise and manage their emotions.
- Co-regulation – Rather than expecting toddlers to manage big emotions on their own, we walk alongside them, modelling calmness and offering comfort.
- Social guidance – We support toddlers in learning turn-taking, empathy, and respectful interactions through modelling, storytelling, and real-life experiences.
- Consistency and routine – Predictable routines help toddlers feel a sense of control and safety, which supports emotional stability and social confidence.
We honour each toddler’s individual journey, recognising that developing social and emotional competence is not about perfection, but about connection, practice, and patience.
Bumblebees | 3-5 Year Old's
Empowering Preschoolers as Lifelong Learners
In our preschool room, we recognise and celebrate each child as a capable, confident learner with the autonomy to direct their own learning journey. Tamariki are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions, and make choices that reflect their unique curiosities and strengths.
Our kaiako walk alongside each child as responsive guides—providing thoughtful provocations, supporting social interactions, and extending learning in meaningful, intentional ways. Through a rich, play-based environment, we nurture critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Social competence is a strong focus at this age, and our kaiako intentionally foster skills such as empathy, problem-solving, resilience, and cooperation—laying the foundation for positive relationships and successful transitions beyond ECE.
At Busy Bees Papamoa Beach we also create opportunities for tamariki to develop early literacy and numeracy skills in ways that are playful, engaging, and relevant to their world. Whether it’s through storytelling, music, games, or real-life experiences, children are encouraged to explore language, symbols, patterns, and numbers in ways that make sense to them.
By honouring each child’s voice and agency, we empower them to become lifelong learners who feel valued, capable, and inspired to engage with the world around them.
Dietitian Designed Nourish Menus
Nutrition is so important for young children as it is directly linked to all aspects of their growth and development. Our kitchen is the heart of our daycare centre in Papamoa Beach, where our talented chef creates healthy, well-balanced and nutritious meals. Food is minimally processed, avoiding recipes that are high in added sugar, instead using fresh, real and wholesome ingredients.
On a specified day, we have a centre-wide Lunch Box Day. The children thoroughly enjoy this, and it promotes independence and encourage self-help skills in preparation for school.
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.
