At Manaia Kindergarten we see teachers, children and whanau as a community of learners supporting each other - ako in matauranga Maori. We believe children are unique and capable individuals who take an active role in determining their learning.

Our curriculum develops from children’s interests, with teachers facilitating, questioning, providing provocations and extending, to support children’s engagement and build their thinking skills and strategies for learning.

We are guided by the principles and goals of Te Whariki, He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa, NZ Early Childhood Curriculum 2017. 

As an Enviroschool we encourage the Maori principle of Kaitiakitanga-being nature guardians, caring for our land. Tamariki care for our community vegetable garden and learn where our food comes from, and how delicious fresh home-grown food can be. Thanks to whanau involvement new vegetables and plants are added to this garden throughout the seasons.

Collecting eggs from our hei hei and harvesting vegetables is a part of our everyday programme. Our emphasis on the natural environment is further supported by our Nature Programme which is run for our 10 oldest children, who visit our local reserve and shoreline every week throughout the year. 

Our children enjoy the outdoors, our playground offers opportunities for them to explore and develop essential gross motor and fine motor skills. Monkey-bars, swings, trucks and our sandpit all support children’s physical development whilst laying the foundations for key numeracy and literacy skills.

We value building Whanaungatanga with all our new kindergarten whanau—making positive connections and forming trusting relationships, spending time getting to know each other, and encouraging your tamaiti to find their place in this wonderful community.

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