Philosophy

At Sunbeams Private Kindergarten we have created a unique, homely and peaceful haven for tamariki where we value genuine reciprocal responsive relationships between kaiako, children and whanau.  Our children and families are warmly welcomed each day to a beautiful environment rich in learning opportunities and challenges.  We value the essential role of free play in the young child’s pathway to learning and foster children’s exploration, risk taking, creativity, curiosity, joy and wonder.   We focus on each child individually  by observing and extending children through an inquiry programme and by following each of their emerging interests.

Kaiako (teachers) recognise the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering an environment where tamariki will experience the values, traditions and language of the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa.

New Zealand’s bicultural Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki is the foundation on which our teaching and learning philosophy is based.  This curriculum is founded on the following aspirations for children:

“to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in the sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society”.

Our team honours every child as a unique individual, who bring their own identity, specific skills, knowledge, developing dispositions, urges and cultural heritage.  We nurture kindness, love and respect for others and our environment.   We value open and honest communication in order to support tamariki to learn in a physically and emotionally safe place.

We treasure our partnership with parents, whānau and the wider kindergarten community.  Kaiako acknowledge and respect families’ aspirations for their children and we encourage their contributions within our programme.

Our team believe learning is a life long journey and are committed to ongoing reflection, evaluation, self review and professional development.

Our focus is on providing excellent childcare with the best educational resources.