About us…
Our vision is to create an environment where children grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.
Ngā Tamariki is a parent-cooperative. This means parents have direct input into their child's education, in how the centre is governed and in the daily operation of the centre. Parents enjoy working alongside the teaching team to ensure that the children get the best educational and environmental experience that we can offer.
At Ngā Tamariki we believe in:
Providing exciting, holistic learning
Empowering children to develop skills for life
Creating an environment in which children's interests and development will be encouraged and supported
Providing a nurturing environment that ensures quality care and education
Upholding the heritage of Aotearoa, inclusive of all cultures
Respecting the Treaty of Waitangi through the provision of resources, Tikanga and Te Reo
If you want to read our ERO report in full go to resources and click on the link.
Our philosophy image shows what we believe in. The roots of the flax show how the collaboration and support of each other promotes healthy, positive learning experiences for the children in our centre environment.
Programme Planning
At Ngā Tamariki we provide a programme which empowers young children to self-direct their own learning. This is seen through children having time and space to explore their interests, develop problem solving skills and being able to express themselves as individuals. Teachers support children’s interest by taking the time to talk to them about their ideas and listen to what they are telling us.
Children become the planners and teachers become the learners. Teachers follow the children’s lead and provide support, resources, conversation and celebration following their interest and journey they take us on.
“Teachers closely observe children, and demonstrate strong knowledge of their special skills, knowledge, interests and family contexts. These observations are regularly discussed and used to plan and document experiences. ”
Infant and Toddler Care
The teachers provide respectful practices for all infants and toddlers; Build positive relationships with children and provided high quality care. Teachers respect infants and toddlers as individuals and ensure their needs are always met. They are provided with unhurried time and space to develop at their own pace.
“Teachers are highly sensitive to the communication and cues of very young learners, successfully establishing strong and secure attachments. ”
Orientation and Settling Procedures
We ask that you and your child visit the centre prior to attending to begin their settling process. We encourage every child to have a minimum of three settling visits. Each child will have a kaiārahi (contact teacher) who with and alongside them while transitioning into the centre. The kaiārahi will have detailed discussions with the family on your child's development, interests, behaviour, sleeping and eating requirements.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their child for the first visit, to settle the child into the centre and to demonstrate that they feel happy and comfortable with their child's new environment. Children are welcome to bring their own cuddly or special toy from home to help with the settling in period.
More detailed information is available in our prospectus, if you would like a copy of this prospectus please get in touch with us through our Contact Us page.
MEALS
Ngā Tamariki provides healthy and nutritious meals everyday.
Check out one of our example menus below.
Fresh vegetables change according to seasonal availability and can include broccoli, zucchini, carrot, kumara, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, tomato, silver beet, egg plant, capsicum, potato, parsnip, mushroom and corn.
Water is freely available throughout the day for over two children and is offered regularly to under two children. Water is also provided with each meal. Milk is offered at morning tea and afternoon tea.