We will strive to enable our children “to grow up as competent, confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society”. (Te Whaariki, 1996, pg 9)
At Litttle Learners we strive to maintain a family atmosphere, where all children are safe and comfortable, can develop new skills and meet challenges with confidence, and pride themselves as individuals. Our environment is welcoming and stimulating, and the staff are experienced, warm people who take the responsibility of educating and caring for your children very seriously.
As a family centre we seek to ensure that parents and caregivers can communicate easily and openly with us to facilitate this care and education to the best of our ability. The staff at Litttle Learners actively encourage the involvement of the community in the life and learning of the centre.
Regular consultation is carried out to ensure that the educational programmes, philosophies and the direction of the centre continue to reflect the needs of the children, parents, staff and community it serves.
Our centre values the idea of learning through play where we find a balance between teacher led and child initiated activities. The activities and experiences are shared between the teacher and the child within an emergent curriculum.
Te Whaariki is the framework from which our curriculum is based. Te Whaariki allows us to develop and build on children’s strengths, interests and capabilities, supporting them in becoming ‘competent capable learners’.
Our programme is also based around your child’s routines such as eating, toileting and sleeping. Not all children are required to sleep as their routines are based around what you do at home.
You can discuss this with the staff on enrolment.
Morning Tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack are all the meals supplied at Litttle Learners, and is prepared on the premises by our cook. The menu varies from week to week and contains a huge range of nutritious, home cooked meals.
Please inform the staff if your child has special dietary needs, or is allergic to any food. Children are supplied with unlimited amounts of water for drinking or a drink bottle may be provided by you.
We recommend that upon settling your child, you attend for a minimum of three days approximately one hour a day. This will take place 1 week prior to your child’s start date. This transition helps us to discuss with you, your child’s routines and it will also allow you to see him or her interact within a new environment with new children and staff. Also if you have any further questions this transition will give you the opportunity to ask them.