News Article - Kerikeri Kindergarten a finalist in national biosecurity awards - NZ Herald

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We feel privileged to be teachers in Early Childhood education. We know that relationships are the foundations upon which all quality Early Childhood Education is based. We value and foster whanaungatanga. We are committed to building respectful and responsive relationships with children, whānau and the wider community.

Our practice is grounded in the knowledge that children are capable, competent and powerful, and arrive at kindergarten with inherent mana and mauri. We endeavour to come to know the essence of each child. We believe in fostering lifelong learning dispositions, and that we are equal partners in this process.

Design for learning is based on a child and teacher led programme linking to Te Whāriki. Our teaching practice enables children to have choice and a sense of agency in constructing their own learning through meaningful experiences, explorations and discovery. We understand that when children work and play, they are creating and modifying their own theories and inquires of the world.

Through up-holding the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga we take pride in connecting with our community celebrating the unique identities of our attending families. We are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We embrace Te Aō Māori and are committed to protecting Te Reo Māori.   We value our partnership with whānau, hapu and iwi and by immersing ourselves and our tamariki we are participating in these values.

We embrace the Enviroschools kaupapa where we empower children, learn for sustainability, honour Māori perspectives, show respect for diversity of people and cultures and nurture sustainable communities. We foster a deep respect for the natural environment and promote protection of Papatūānuku through nature based learning.

The well-being of children is essential. We believe that all children have the right to equitable access to the quality Early Childhood Education regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socio-economic background or religion. We value communication with families. It is integral to our role in working alongside community for the benefit of our tamariki.

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