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We want to make sure that all children and their whanau are welcomed and become a valued part of our Nature’s Play family. By providing an environment at Nature’s Play that feels safe, children will be able to feel confident enough to express their needs through a sense of belonging and well-being. The process of communication and consultation is important to us, because it is our priority to support parents/whanau in their role as primary caregivers.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the Reggio Emilia approach which complements our early childhood curriculum; Te Whaariki. During the day, well developed but flexible routines are in place, allowing for children’s work to go uninterrupted during times of crucial learning. This also allows for children to acquire the skills needed to foster relationships, giving them the confidence they require to communicate their ideas and feelings through a variety of expressive outlets. We foster children’s development holistically through the nurturing of children’s physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills and recognising and respecting their spiritual beliefs. Nature’s Play practice reflects our commitment to multi-culturalism in New Zealand by treating each child as unique, while providing equal opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion or gender.
Nature’s Play provides dynamic spaces that are spacious, natural and safe for children to explore and discover in. We believe that the environment can foster connections amongst peers, as well as the wider world around us. At Nature’s Play, the child is seen as an investigator, developing theories and discovering a world of possibilities along the way. We believe in providing children with opportunities and arming them with the skills that will enable them to explore and discover in their own time. This is empowering as they develop skills in enquiry and problem solving on the way to discovery. In an environment where learning is self-directed by children, we can engage them by using their interests and extend on what they already know through providing our guidance and support. Children will be empowered to take responsibility for themselves, others and their environment, boosting their sense of self. We strive to install in children a sense of self-worth and support the beginnings of a life conducive to healthy values through the daily routines, events and experiences at Nature’s Play.