We are stronger together - Kotahitanga 

We know that your child’s identity is enhanced when their home language and culture is valued so we are responsive to their cultural ways of knowing and being. Your child will have a sense of belonging in the centre that you choose for them because the centre will ensure that it reflects your cultural values and practices.  

Each of our centres weaves a local curriculum based on the principles, strands, goals and learning outcomes found in Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum. When deciding which areas to focus on, we take into account the interests, strengths and needs of your child in conjunction with the priorities that you and your whānau have for their learning. Your voice is heard and listened to. 

We make everyone feel welcome - Manaakitanga 

Children who have effective social and emotional skills experience positive benefits in childhood and are more likely to experience positive life outcomes and higher levels of wellbeing in adulthood. Our centres are inclusive and ensure that your child knows that the centre they attend is a place where they belong and where they feel valued for who they are. We know that your child is a competent and confident learner and is an active participant in their own learning, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, and abilities. Through our responsive kaiako (teachers), your child will learn ways to form relationships, solve conflicts, express and regulate emotions, adapt in new situations, and overcome challenges. 

We are stronger together - Kotahitanga  

Our curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua and enables your child to develop knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We ensure that your child has the opportunity to experience Māori language and culture and connect them to the history of the local area and the tikanga (ways of being and doing) of the local whānau, hapū and iwi. We learn te reo Māori together through words, waiata (songs) and local stories (pūrakau). 

We thrive on progress - Mahia te mahi 

As global citizens in a rapidly changing and increasingly connected world, your child needs to be adaptive, creative and resilient. We know that children are competent thinkers and problem solvers who actively seek, use and create knowledge. We offer a curriculum that fosters your child’s ability to be creative, to generate new and innovative ideas, and to problem-solve solutions to challenges. Our kaiako are committed to providing the highest quality of care and education with learning experiences anchored in play and fun that encourage creative problem-solving and instil a love of learning. 

We intentionally provide opportunities for creativity, exploration and curiosity, and for children to test their ideas out.  Our teaching practices stimulate your child’s thinking and challenge or extend their learning. Planned learning experiences encourage imagination and persistence and are based on our knowledge of your child.  

Through our learning environments (indoors and outdoors) and through play we foster the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions that support lifelong learning. 

We see a world of possibilities - Kia manawanui 

Our pathways to school and kura initiative – Huarahi whai wahi is well embedded in each centre curriculum. It draws from the whakatauki ‘Ma te hikoi ka kitea te huarahi. The path reveals itself with each step. Take it one step at a time and you'll reach your goals’ and is tailored to meet the learning needs of your child.  

We frame our pathways to school and kura initiatives around Kōwhiti Whakapae, an online curriculum resource that focuses on three areas of learning that have been proven to have the most impact on successful outcomes for children: social & emotional learning, oral language & literacy, and maths.  Kaiako observe and recognise children’s current capabilities in these areas and respond with teaching practices that progress children’s learning over time. You can follow your child’s progress through stories on Storypark.  

We know that language is vital and if your child is a competent communicator, they are well-placed to enjoy relationships with others and to be successful learners. We ensure that your child is exposed to learning about words, sentences and stories, and the languages of sign, mathematics, visual imagery, art, dance and drama, rhythm, music, and movement. 

We see a world of possibilities - Kia manawanui 

Kōwhiti Whakapae is an excellent resource to extend learning and development for our younger learners as well.   

Two to three-year-olds are learning to self-regulate, amidst feelings that are sometimes intense and unpredictable.  Our kaiako are skilled in recognising your child’s capabilities and are committed to partnering with you to ensure clear and consistent boundaries.  Kaiako draw from the social and emotional and oral language and literacies areas of Kowhiti Whakapae to appropriately support your child’s changing needs and help them to learn and grow alongside their friends in a safe and fun environment.