Relationships are well recognised as being vital in the provision of quality care and education. They are at the heart of all we do in the Kiwi rūma at BestStart Te Whāriki. Care is the curriculum in our RIE and Reggio Emilia inspired environment, and trusting relationships are key to its success.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand ECE curriculum, defines relationships as responsive and reciprocal. The RIE approach, developed from the work of Dr Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, describes relationships as partnerships built on open dialogue, authentic connections, and respectful care. Reggio Emilia views relationships as creating a home away from home, where tamariki feel valued, empowered, and connected.
Relationship building begins at enrolment. Our team connects with whānau before visits to answer any questions and support a smooth transition. Stay and Play sessions and settling visits are pivotal opportunities for our Nursery teachers to gather meaningful knowledge about your child and family, ensuring we can best support your child’s care and learning.
We genuinely value learning about your child’s personality, interests, and preferences. This holistic understanding helps set tamariki up for a successful learning journey. Research shows that when children see strong, trusting relationships between their whānau and teachers, they feel safe, secure, and a strong sense of belonging.
As your child settles, we continue building relationships by sharing regular photos and updates, helping you feel reassured that your child’s needs are being met. Each child is assigned a key teacher who becomes your main point of contact and an expert in your child’s routines, needs, and learning.
At drop-off and pick-up times, teachers engage with whānau to share updates, discuss routines, and celebrate learning moments. Once settled, teachers work alongside families to develop an individual learning plan that documents your child’s learning journey and shared strategies to support success through to school.
What this looks like in practice in our Nursery:
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You and your child are warmly welcomed each day
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Your parenting knowledge and input are respected and valued
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You feel comfortable sharing both successes and challenges
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Your child feels a strong sense of belonging and happiness
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A genuine partnership between teachers and whānau supports your child’s learning