Busy Bees Papamoa Beach

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.