Our mission in the Seedlings Room is to create a home away from home for all tamariki as they start their new journey into childcare. This is achieved through providing a warm and nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe and have a sense of belonging. Practising key teaching allows us to form strong and respectful relationships with all tamariki, making them feel loved and secure. This not only makes the transition from home as smooth as possible, but it also gives tamariki the confidence to explore and experience their sensory rich surroundings freely.
Tamariki are on individual journeys, discovering and exploring at their own pace. This is why we follow a free movement philosophy that empowers tamariki to develop on their own terms. We provide tamariki with a range of learning experiences designed to promote cognitive and physical development.
In the Saplings Room, we provide a thoughtfully prepared learning environment for our curious and creative toddlers to explore, obtain knowledge, and take risks in a safe space. Tamariki learn though sensory-motor activities, where they work with materials that develop their cognitive skills through seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching.
Underpinning our philosophy and local curriculum is Te Whāriki, which has a vision that tamariki are on individual journeys and eager to explore and experience the world around them. We aim to create a setting that fosters a sense of belonging, where tamariki feel supported, safe and ready to learn.
Providing tamariki with equitable learning opportunities is at the forefront of everything we do in the Saplings Room. This is why we put a huge emphasis on creating a culturally inclusive classroom where tamariki feel valued and safe.
Underpinned by Te Whāriki, our philosophy centres around developing tamariki into curious, competent and confident learners. Whether it is teacher-led activities, child-directed play or carefully created learning environments, the Willows Room delivers a curriculum that is accessible to all learners.
Understanding the interests of a tamaiti are unique and dynamic, we also put a huge emphasis on personalised learning though project-based learning experiences. Not only does this allow us to customise learning based on individual interests, needs, and abilities, but it also invites tamariki to take control of their learning and encourages them to become lifelong learners.
Located in Aotearoa, our centre respects Te Tiriti o Waitangi and endeavours to create a culturally responsive and inclusive environment, where tamariki learn about the Māori language and culture through song and dance.
Preparing our tamariki for school is also a primary focus in the Willows Room. Our Pathways to School programme builds the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills needed to make a seamless transition to primary school, positioning tamariki to be successful when they take the next step in their learning journey.
