In Te Whare Aho (Babies Room), we hold a Stay and Play session once a month. This is a dedicated time for families to come into the centre and engage alongside their pēpi in meaningful play experiences.
Activities may include baking, painting, sensory exploration, music, and other small learning opportunities designed to reflect the daily rhythm of the room. Families are also encouraged to simply sit with their child, explore the environment, and share in the joy of discovery.
The Stay and Play sessions are designed with several goals in mind:
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To create stronger bonds between whānau, teachers, and children by sharing quality time together in the learning environment.
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To recognise and celebrate the unique milestones of each baby as they learn and grow.
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To provide parents with ideas and confidence to support learning through play at home.
By creating this event, we are intentionally nurturing a sense of belonging and partnership with our families, which is such a big part of our centre philosophy.
Ultimately, Stay and Play is about more than just an activity. It is about building a culture of collaboration, respect, and celebration where every pēpi and family feels seen, supported, and valued.