Learning Space


Our learning spaces are named after New Zealand native birds, each bird has been chosen to reflect the development stage of the children who attend.  Each learning space is carefully prepared and presented by our kaiako to support learning through play.  Experience and rhythms of the day provide opportunities for tamariki to create, tinker, ponder and explore.

Our youngest learners, like the kiwi, need careful protection. We provide a calm, nurturing space away from other toddlers who are mastering the skill of walking. Our priority for young learners is for them to feel secure and attached to a trusted adult in this space. Through following home routines as closely as possible, through being consistent in our approach to routines such as sleep, feeding and saying goodbye, our young babies form trusting relationships with our kaiako.

Care is taken to ensure this space is quiet, relaxed, slow paced and gentle while providing a range of sensory play experiences to extend learning.

Kaiako believe that young learners should not be rushed through stages of development, that all tamariki will set their own rhythm and pace for acquiring physical and communication skills.

Our young toddlers are busy, learning to move their bodies within and around people and spaces, they are eager to engage with people and things. Our learning space for these toddlers allows uncluttered space to move, explore and revisit. Tamariki in this space enjoy spontaneity and and quickly move from one desire to the next.

Our programme can quickly change from story time, to art activities, to outside physical challenges, to dance time as the teachers respond to the needs and interests of the tamariki attending. Kaiako believe that our young learners are very competent and support tamariki to experience, practice and master a range of skills – language acquisition, feeling identification, self-care and self-help skills.

Pīwakawaka is the Māori word for Fantail, which is the perfect name for this energetic and busy group of learners. At this stage of development, children are mastering self-care and self-help skills, skills to share resources and space as they learn alongside other children.

Our learning space is full of opportunities for children to find things of interest where they can ponder and tinker. Teachers are adept at providing tamariki with the time and space and support then to think, wonder, describe, practice, discuss and create.

Kaiako believe in children being un-rushed and doing things I tona wa (in their own time). Through giving tamariki the space and time to practice skills such as putting on a jacket, opening a lunchbox, children also learn how to set small goals and achieve them through repetition. Tamariki are supported to begin to develop the foundation skills for collaborative learning – to listen, to use their words and to share.

Our Tui learning space supports tamariki to develop a range of strategies and skills for collaborative learning. Kaiako support children to become confident and competent in their ability to problem-solve, to work together on projects, to negotiate, to plan and construct, to modify, to listen and appreciate others point of view. Children are encouraged to form a positive view of their identity and to see themselves as capable decision makers and contributors to learning.

The rituals of the day provide large periods of time for children to independently choose what learning activities they engage in while also providing opportunities for the while group to be together for short periods of time.

Kaiako include many practices which develop skills to support these learners as they transition into primary school. Children are encouraged to be able to identify and take responsibilities for their belongings, to be confident communicators, care for their environment and others. Literacy and numeracy awareness and appreciation come as teachers and children engage in conversation and play based activities following the children’s interest.