We believe it is important to provide an environment in which tamariki are allowed and supported to discover as much as possible on their own.

A tamaiti that achieves through their own experience acquires a kind of knowledge that is different to a tamaiti who is offered ready-made solutions.

Our tamariki are offered the freedom to make choices, to experience the world in their own terms with support and guidance from their Educarers. At the same time special attention is given to their caregiving routines, such as feeding, nappy changing and dressing, and sleeping in order to give tamariki quality one on one interactions with their caregiver.

Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano uses some of the practices and philosophies of Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, the founding director of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE). This is a peaceful and respectful method of "Educaring" which honours our pepi / tamariki as unique and competent, empowering them to become secure and self-confident.

The tamariki are divided into three main rōpu /groups...
Kakano - under 2 | Pihi - 2 years to 3 years | Puawai - Over 3

Each of these rōpu attending to their specific age appropriate needs. The individual needs of the tamariki are assessed and monitored by our kaiako so we can cater to their individual requirements. Therefore the "age" of the child does not mean an "automatic move" from one rōpu to the next – this is a general guideline. There will also be plenty of opportunities for wider whānau and shared rōpu interactions on a daily basis.

In delivering the curriculum the tamariki will be immersed in Te Reo Māori at various levels, based on our kaiako abilities. This will be enhanced with a variety of Tikanga Māori experiences, including hui, marae visits, powhiri, mahi a ringa etc. This will enable our tamariki to engage and participate with confidence within a marae context or any Tikanga Māori cultural situation.