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Getting Set for School in our Kindy Space!
BestStart Whangamata offers a nurturing, educational, respectful, and empowering environment for children from 4 months to 6 years old.
Throughout our centre, from our Fantail Room (Under 2's), into our Kindy space, our kaiako (teachers) work with whānau to create individual learning plans that align with our national curriculum, Te Whariki, and a philosophy that places the child at the centre of all that we do. Our kaiako understand that children develop skills through play, beginning with natural curiosity and building on this to help tamariki become confident learners.
Our kaiako work with children’s interests. Planning activities and adventures that extend children’s learning based on their individual learning needs. Te Whāriki is woven into everything we do, encouraging learning, wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration.
In Te Whāriki, children are positioned as confident and confident learners from birth. They learn by engaging in meaningful interactions with people, places and things – a process that continues throughout their lifetimes. Our kaiako encourage independence and foster the skills needed to successfully transition to school.
This is reflected in all that we do, empowering children to not only learn the skills to achieve their goals, but also to know it’s okay to ask for help and guidance. At BestStart Whangamata, respectful relationships, genuine caring, nurturing, encouragement, warmth and acceptance are the norm. Emergent numeracy and literacy are encouraged naturally almost all of the activities we offer, from baking and gardening to sandpit and water play.
This learning occurs alongside social competency and fostering children’s emotional intelligence. We adore getting out into our community, visiting local cafes, parks, and the library. Our amazing community is a huge part of who we are.
The feedback we receive from our local schools is always positive, with our children being praised for holistic school readiness.