OUR PHILOSOPHY
A NATURAL AND NURTURING
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
The Children's Garden aim to provide an environment which feels homely and safe, encourages good self-care, healthy eating practices, physical activity and care and empathy for all other beings.
We believe in learning through play and encourage resourcefulness and lateral thinking by providing open ended resources and activities using natural materials and objects wherever possible.
LEARNING WITH US
Here at The Children's Garden, we aim to provide a program where the foundation of learning aspects of a child's development are nurtured through experiences and opportunities which will awaken their senses, stimulating their imagination and creativity, fostering an enquiring mind and a love of learning.
Our program will include learning based on New Zealand's Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki, where learning is visible, supports children's interests and is documented in a variety of ways.
We include regular excursions into nature as part of our program planning and weekly routines, to support our belief that time spent in natural environments is an essential experience in early childhood.
OUR VALUES
We seek to instill a sense of value and self-worth in all our children, as well as an acceptance and understanding of the many cultures which make up our society.
We believe children learn best where there are clear boundaries and where they feel loved, cared for, valued and safe.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS
We acknowledge the importance of a close family and community spirit where whanau are involved in decision making and have an opportunity to share their skills in the program, therefore supporting the children's learning and assisting in the building of close relationships with our local schools.
Our teachers will be positive role models, guiding and supporting learning through the use of home and garden-based activities. For example, sweeping, gardening, cooking, building cubbies, looking after animals, singing, listening to stories and helping to prepare meals. They will be responsive to the developmental phases of childhood, recognising and catering for the individuality of each child.
We are committed to bi-cultural practice, actively engaging in respectful working relationships with Maori learners and their whanau (Whanaungatanga), promting Tuakana/Teina (peer support(, and reflecting Tikanga through the program.
Overall, our goal is to deliver responsible, respectful, caring, life-long learners
ready to embrace and make the most of their school years.
Family Testimonials
This is an amazing, loving centre that treats the tamariki as their own. I have had 3 of my children here at The Children’s Garden over 10 years and still keep in touch with a couple teachers who take real joy in seeing children grow and develop.
Emma-Jane Jones