Education Programme

All staff are to become familiar with Te Whāriki and have an ongoing commitment to developing our child portfolios. Therefore staff will extend the children by providing appropriate learning experiences based on Te Whāriki.
Although staff will plan for the programme, they will at all times be aware of and develop the children’s interests.
All staff who work with the children are expected to be actively involved in the programme planning.
All staff are required to attend two hour fortnightly staff meetings, held after hours.
Staff will be given the opportunity to keep up to date about changes in educational programming through professional development.

Programme planning will be planned and evaluated according to the strengths and interests identified in children’s Portfolios.

Portfolios will include observations, photos, and artwork.
Once per month a Learning Story will be written up stating individual children’s strengths and/or interests, and a what next will be set for that month. A Follow-Up Story will review the goals set for your child.
Parents will be encouraged to offer any information regarding their childs interests or strengths.
Once a year parent interviews will be held,this is where staff will give feedback regarding all areas of their childs learning and experiences within the centre. Parents will be involved in setting goals specific to their childs interests and development.

WELL-BEING / MANA ATUA

“The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured”

We will:

show love/empathy/compassion and understanding
teach the children how to keep themselves safe and healthy
provide a nutritious diet, drinks and snacks regularly and a hot meal at midday
allow children to sleep when they need to; children who do not sleep will have a rest time after lunch

BELONGING/ MANA WHENUA

“Children and their families feel a sense of belonging”

We will:

ensure that time and emphasis is given to routines, both the centre’s routines and individual home routines
teach the children the rules of the centre
take the children for visits into the community and have the community visit us
celebrate the children’s birthdays and special occasions such as Easter and Christmas etc.

BELONGING / MANA WHENUA

“Children and their families feel a sense of belonging”

We will:

ensure that time and emphasis is given to routines, both the centre’s routines and individual home routines
teach the children the rules of the centre
take the children for visits into the community and have the community visit us
celebrate the children’s birthdays and special occasions such as Easter and Christmas etc.

COMMUNICATION / MANA REO

“The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected”

We will:

model and encourage both verbal and non-verbal communication
offer a range of activities including creative and dramatic play, language/story telling, and books
teach children to understand, appreciate and be confident in their own culture
teach the children to respect other cultures and races

EXPLORATION / MANA AOTŪROA

“The child learns through active exploration of the environment”

We will:

offer a wide range of activities which include various stages of exploratory play, constructive play, manipulative play, and physically active play
provide opportunities for children to think things out for themselves (problem solve), make their own choices, and gain concepts
encourage children to explore and ask questions

Children in our centre will be taught about God, Jesus and the Bible.
Children will know that God loves them; God made everything, God cares for us and wants us to love Him and others.
Karakia will be said before meals; Christian songs and Bible stories will be part of our programme.
Children will be taught the true meaning of Easter and Christmas.