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We consider the environment as the third teacher/ te taiao hei kaiako tuatoru. We provide a warm, welcoming, fun and homely environment where we work in partnership with our whanau and the community. We believe in creating an environment to represent multiple cultures creating a sense of belonging, respect and trust in children, parents, and whānau. There are equitable opportunities to scaffold children’s learning by themselves and along with their peers and teachers.
We're a diverse and relaxed centre that loves embracing different cultures in our curriculum. Partnering with parents/whānau is key to expanding our knowledge of culture, for both teachers and kiddos.
We're always up for celebrating cultural days, whether it's Diwali, Matariki, or just for the fun of it. Our teachers put in the effort to prep for these events, researching customs and ideas by talking with parents, and colleagues, and exploring online resources. We encourage parents/whānau to participate in any way they wish!
Conversations flow throughout the centre as our little ones build positive relationships with their kaiako. This boosts their confidence to share their own ideas for extending their learning. Our teachers actively listen and strive to implement these ideas whenever possible. By showing genuine interest and responding to our tamariki, we foster respectful and reciprocal relationships. We're always open to more contributions and connections!
Our dedicated cook and centre team is currently striving towards the Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award from the Heart Foundation.
We provide freshly made meals for children each day using our Nourish menus and recipes. We believe that through nourishing food, children are fueled to thrive physically and mentally, whilst enjoying the benefits of coming together and connecting as a group at mealtimes.
Teachers also do regular baking with the children, which provides them opportunities 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.
We proudly operate our own Busy Bees centre van, allowing us to help support both new and existing families who require assistance with transport to and from the centre. We also utilise this awesome resource for excursions out and about in our local community!
Honey Pots (up to 2 years) - Our Honey Pots environment is based on building loving and trusting bonds between infants and teachers, who structure the day according to individual needs. 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.
Little Bears (2-3.5 years) - Our Little Bears environment is prepared to entice children’s curiosity and exploration where testing, trying and challenging is valued. We support childhood learning with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and are supportive of all children during this age of discovery and wonder.
Polar Bears (3.5-6 years) - Our Polar Bears programme provides opportunities throughout the day for children to contribute to the curriculum, helping to make decisions about what is set up, and share their ideas to slowly prepare our little ones for their next learning adventure.
School readiness programme - Our school readiness programme includes fortnightly visits to Rowandale Primary School, allowing children to become familiar with the school environment and ease their transition. School readiness principles are embedded throughout all learning activities, promoting the development of essential skills and knowledge needed for primary school.