Building Secure Relationships Through Start with Heart

In our infants’ room, we have been focusing on building strong, secure relationships with our pēpi and their whānau as part of the Start with Heart programme.

We understand that feeling safe, loved and connected is an important foundation for our pēpi’s learning, development and overall wellbeing.

A big part of this journey has been strengthening the connection between home and our centre, helping our pēpi feel that their two worlds are connected and that the people who are important to them are valued by us too.

We have been working towards this through meaningful conversations with whānau, asking questions about our pēpi’s interests, needs, routines and life at home. These conversations help us get to know each child as an individual and allow us to provide care that reflects what is familiar and comforting to them.

We have also been focusing on creating predictable routines and familiar environments so our pēpi know what to expect throughout their day and can build trust in their kaiako.

One special way we have been strengthening this home-to-centre connection is by encouraging whānau to bring in family photos for their pēpi to revisit throughout the day. These photos have become a much-loved part of our environment!

We often see our pēpi looking for their photos, recognising familiar faces and spending time looking at the people they love. When they are missing their whānau, having these familiar faces nearby can offer comfort and reassurance, helping them feel connected to home even when they are at the centre.

Through these everyday moments, conversations and familiar experiences, we are continuing to build trusting relationships with both our pēpi and their whānau. By working together, we can create a warm, responsive and nurturing environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and knows they are safe, valued and cared for.

At the heart of Start with Heart is the understanding that strong relationships come first. When our pēpi feel secure and connected, they are better supported to explore their environment, develop confidence and enjoy new learning experiences, knowing their kaiako are there to support them every step of the way.