Hawthornden
Monday to Friday.
Our teaching team
Kidsfirst Hawthornden is a well-resourced kindergarten with a spacious, welcoming, and attractive and child-centred environment for children aged 2 – 5 years. Our indoor space provides lots of opportunities to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. We work to provide an atmosphere full of fun in an environment that gives our children independence and sense of belonging.
Our big backyard offers tamariki freedom to explore and engage with the natural world outside and has lots of room for children to explore, and to develop their physical skills with a variety of moveable equipment that allows children to set their own challenges. Green grass, barked areas, gardens, areas to experience physical challenges such as climbing trees, and equipment specially designed to support children’s physical growth and development are features. Our big trees provide shelter outside in all weather, and we have peaceful, quiet areas for calm and reflection.
Our teaching team works hard to ignite an excitement for learning in children by recognising and responding to a child’s individual interests. Play is essential to learning and development in our tamariki, and our programme is based on exploration, inquiry, creativity and nature-based education. We believe in uninterrupted time and space to grow and learn – our children and whānau are heard, and time to learn is unhurried. We see knowledge as a process, a discovery and building of understanding, and we see tamariki as risk takers and strategic thinkers, confident and capable. A strong sense of Manaakitanga (caring and respect) and Whanaungatanga (family, relationships, history, traditions) are central to the culture that is Kidsfirst Kindergartens Hawthornden.
Building trusting, caring and respectful relationships with whānau/families over time is key to our success in supporting and facilitating children’s learning. Parents and whānau contribute in many ways, including discussions about their aspirations for children, spending time with us in session, sharing their knowledge and strengths with kaiako/teachers and children. The language, culture and identity of our families is highly respected and valued - whānau/ families are viewed as significant partners, and are included in our early learning journey. You're always welcome here!
We have strong links with our local primary schools, which supports the transition to school for you and your child, as he/she moves on from Kindergarten.
We would recommend that you enrol initially for at least two full days – building up to five days at your child's pace. This gives our teachers time to get to know your child and gives consistency around supporting their learning.
nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time, we’ll show you around and make you welcome!
