About us and our programme

At Heretaunga Kindergarten we have a strong emphasis on empowering children as learners which assists with their transition times through life, particularly moving on to school. We strive for every child to believe in themselves and leave kindergarten as responsible citizens with a life-long love of learning.

At our place children are encouraged to be confident, independent and motivated learners supported by qualified teachers, specialising in early childhood education and registered under the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. We engage in ongoing professional learning, to keep abreast of current theory and practises so we can best support your child’s learning.

We have been a part of the Enviro-Schools programme since 2010 and hold a Silver award. The programme encourages children to think and act in sustainable ways and to foster environmental sustainability within the local community.

Three values underpin everything we do at Heretaunga Kindergarten; for all children to be safe and keep each other safe, to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and the world around them, and to be respectful of each other and the environment.

Our vision is to provide quality, inclusive and accessible Early Childhood Education to our community with a welcoming environment, and to foster a culture of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga that reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our kindergarten philosophy was developed in collaboration with whānau and reflects our teaching pedagogy, goals and priorities for learning we strive to imbed in our curriculum.

Our teaching philosophy

At Heretaunga Kindergarten we value developing strong respectful relationships with all tamariki, whānau and the wider community.

Tamariki are supported to become confident learners by kaiako who respond to each individual child’s wairua and diverse way of being. Tamariki will experience a caring and fun environment that is equitable for all and where everyone’s contribution is valued. We teach tamariki the importance of Manaaki Whenua in which we care for the environment, all living creatures and each other.

Our Philosophy promotes Te Ao Māori:

• Whanaungatanga/extended relationships
• Ako/teaching & learning, interests of tamariki
• Manaakitanga/welcoming, kindness, care and respect
• Mana/pride and sense of belonging
• Manaaki whenua/ sustainability and care of the environment,
• Wairua / spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual well-being of the individual

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