About us

Our kindergarten is very much about setting provocations for children.  It is about listening to children's ideas, supporting them and providing exciting challenges as they experience and develop working theories about the world around them.  Friendship and collaboration with peers and teachers provides a social framework for children.  Positive relationships, a sense of belonging and shared experiences are valued and nurtured.  We believe strongly that kindergarten should be a happy experience where children have the opportunity to be children, to have fun, and enjoy the experiences of early childhood education.

Our philosophy in action

Children are competent and confident learners. They are engaged and motivated throughout all areas of the programme.The environment acts as our ‘fourth’ teacher.   We place an emphasis on ensuring the environment is engaging and challenging.   Care is taken to add objects of interest, change, challenge, and provide opportunities for children to revisit experiences. When children are engaged and involved in their explorations and learning – teachers can engage at a more in-depth level with children on an individual or small group level (rather then a supervisory role). Children’s voice and their interests are evident around the kindergarten, in planning and in portfolios. Children, with support and input from the teachers work together to drive learning. Teacher set provocations and introduce where appropriate, new ideas, avenues for exploration and investigation.Children and teachers are seen as leaders and experts within the programme. A collaborative approach is evident.   Our planning stories reflect the holistic development of children – each child relates the programme in their own unique way. Teachers and children support each other – there is mutual respect. Children are passionate about subjects they know about and have an inherent interest in sharing and this often becomes a focus within the programme. Children taking pride in having their ‘expertise’ recognised within the kindergarten – by peers, teachers and the community. Children often share their work via the project and DVD .There is a family/whanau rich environment that works alongside children, teachers and committee. Parents support and assist children to extend learning experiences. Children engage and support each other in learning. Teachers are supportive emotionally of children; affection and humour is shared (and reciprocal). Teachers care and are committed.