Kia ora koutou! Tuatara Kids is a homely learning space in Miramar for whānau from all walks of life. Our localised curriculum and programme are led by our tamariki’s interests, and designed in collaboration with parents' aspirations to support the tamariki to reach their full potential, through strong Tuakana-Teina relationships. We pride ourselves to be one of the best childcare centre in Wellington’s south-east peninsula. Nau mai, haere mai!
Our Value
Partnerships – ‘Ehara Taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini’ (It takes a village to raise a child). We value the genuine and collaborative relationship with our parents and whānau, recognise your unique aspirations to achieve the best for our tamariki.
Respect – Te Mana. Mana is the ultimate lifeforce within us, and the space we live in. Respect for each other, our environment, and all things living.
Exploration – Mana āoturoa. we value and encourage tamariki’s natural curiosity for learning and view this as an important means to gain confidence, develop strategies, and to build resilience.
Tuakana-Teina
Tuakana-Teina relationship is a model of buddy system that is recognised in traditional Maori society. Tuakana-teina buddy system refers to a more experienced tuakana (usually an older sibling) provide help, assistance and guidance to the less experienced teina (a younger sibling). We foster this method of learning in our environment where we embraces the value of ako. Depending on the circumstances, everyone in our Tuatara community including our kaiako, tamariki, whanau, can be Tuakana or Teina, eg. tuakana can become a learner, and at times teina can take on the educator role.
‘Ako, in a reciprocal learning relationship teachers are not expected to know everything. In particular, ako suggests that each member of the classroom or learning setting brings knowledge with them from which all are able to learn.’
- Keown, Parker, and Tiakiwai, 2005, p.12
Respectful and genuine relationships promote a secure and positive sense of belonging, which we believe encourages the best learning outcome for our tamariki.
About Us
Tuatara Kids cares for tamariki aged up to 6 years old.
We are licensed for 28 tamariki including 6 under two years olds.
Our ERO review states, ‘The centre philosophy emphasises the importance of partnership, respect and exploration’. ‘They view each family and its knowledge of their child as an integral part of the service’s learning community’. ‘Children are empowered to take increased responsibility for the wellbeing of themselves and others. Literacy and mathematics are highly valued and well integrated into the curriculum.’ Read more Here.