Our Learning Priorities
Mana Atua (Well-being)
Social & Emotional Competence
Communication & Literacy
Numeracy, Reasoning and Problem Solving
Nurturing Strengths
Our Learning Environment
Kiwi Room
6 months to 2 years
A calming, nurturing space where the youngest tamariki feel safe to explore.
Caregivers focus on strong attachments through Primary Caregiving, consistent routines, and responsive care.
Opportunities for early exploration through sensory play, soft textures, gentle natural materials and developmentally-appropriate physical challenges outdoors.
Kea Room 2 to 3.5 years
Spaces that encourage curiosity, independence, and social interactions. Through play-based learning, tamariki are supported to explore, experiment, and problem-solve.
Our daily group learning experiences promote music and movement, support communication and early literacy skills, provide opportunities for imaginary play and developing self-help skills (like putting on their shoes and caring for themselves).
Developing emotional awareness is integral as part of our programme, where tamariki learn to express their feelings, work alongside others, and be active participants in their own learning.
Pūkeko Room 3.5 to 5 years
Pre-school Ready: Building on children’s early literacy, numeracy, communication, and self-management skills and supporting them to grow into confident, capable learners ready for school and life.
Learning through play: small-group sessions (literacy, numeracy, science, and inquiry) are blended with open-ended play, arts, imaginary play and outdoor exploration.
Confidence and independence: tamariki practice everyday tasks such as managing their lunch, caring for their belongings, and collaborating with peers, developing consistency, focus, and perseverance.
A print-rich engaging environment: thoughtfully designed space filled with print, books, writing materials, numeracy tools, and resources for art, nature, and construction.
Ready4School Programme
Our Ready4School Programme helps our older tamariki build confidence, independence, and the skills they need for a smooth transition to school.
Children benefit from a range of real-world learning experiences, including:
• Weekly excursions to local parks
• Bus trips to Devonport Library
• Visits to local primary schools
• Playball sessions to support physical development and teamwork
• Small-group learning focused on early literacy and numeracy
• Opportunities to build confidence, independence, and social skills
Through these experiences, tamariki develop the confidence and readiness they need for their next learning journey.
Nutrition
We are proud to be registered with the Healthy Heart Programme, supporting families with nutritious meals that set tamariki up for lifelong healthy habits.
Meals are prepared in our centre and we do not use refined sugar in our cooking. Instead, we use healthier alternatives such as Olivani, coconut oil, olive oil, fresh fruit, and honey.
Our onsite cook prepares all meals fresh each day, following a 4-week rotational menu that offers variety and balance. We also provide seasonal menus — one for summer and one for winter — to ensure tamariki enjoy meals that are both healthy and appropriate for the time of year.
Babies are offered a variety of freshly prepared, home-made purees. If your child has any special dietary requirements, we will work closely with you to ensure their nutritional needs are carefully met each day.