Our Philosophy
‘Ehara Taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini’ (It takes a village to raise a child)
We believe that there are many different learning priorities that supports children learning and development, out of which there are four key priorities which we feel are most important to our learning environment. These are, partnership (Whanau tangata), Respect (Mana tangata),Exploration (Mana aotūroa) and Ako (tuakana/teina relationships).
Partnerships – Whanau tangata
We value the genuine and collaborative relationships with our parents and whānau, recognise their unique aspirations to achieve the best for tamariki.
We build genuine and reciprocal connection with whānau to gain a deeper understanding of tamariki in the wider context of their environment. We develop a tailored holistic learning goal and approach for tamariki learning and overall well-being, that reflect their cultural identity, their whakapapa connection and all other relationships.
Partnerships between tamariki, kaiako and whanau are significant to Tuatara Kids because without these strong foundations we are unable to guide tamariki to reach their full potential. Parnerships with tamariki, kaiako and whanau are built on respect (mana tangata) where all parties mana is enhanced and their ability to contribute their mōhiotanga (knowledge) is valued. When working in partnership with tamariki and whanau, we recognise that the tamariki we work with do not come to us as individuals but as a collective.
Respect – Mana Tangata.
Mana is the ultimate life-force within us, and the space we live in. We live and learn to respect each other, our environment, and all things.
We are empowered to work and learn alongside each other, knowing we are supported and treated fairly in the most respectful way. We feel safe to be our genuine selves, regardless of our culture and ethnicity background; our physical appearance; and our identity. We look after ourselves, each other, our environment and nature.
Weaved through the priority of partnership is Respect (Mana tangata). This priority highlights kaiako drive to uphold the mana of each individual that we work with. This includes the mana that each individual child is born with, the mana empowered by kaiako when working alongside tamariki through the use of prasie and acknowldgement and the mana kaiako give to tamariki to be the leader for our whanau at Tuatara Kids. By upholding the holistic identity of all tamariki through respect, tamariki are inspired to achieve anything.
Exploration – Mana āoturoa.
We are encouraged to lead our own learning journey, each in different ways and at own pace. We build skills, experiment surroundings, use resources, take risks, solve problems, and team up with others to make sense of the world around us.
Once the foundation has been laid, kaiako work with tamariki and their whanau to provide many different learning opportunities for them to explore their surroundings. We believe that tamariki are the leaders of their own learning and following their interests is paramount to the success of their development. Kaiako weave through aspirations from parents and whānau and nature, and encourage tamariki natural curiosity for learning where ample opportunities for new discoveries and mātauranga (developing knowledge) is valued and encouraged. Exploration is an important priority for us at Tuatara Kids as it fosters resilience and confidence in one’s self. Having opportunities to experiment, take risk, develop working theories and work at their own pace and in their own times with guidance from kaiako and or their peers. At Tuatara Kids, “We learn, we fail and then we arise again”
Ako - Tuakana-Teina
“Mā te Tuakana kā tōtika te Tēina. Mā te Tēina kā tōtika te Tuakana”. (The younger sibling learns from the older and the older sibling learns from the younger).
At Tuatara Kids we believe that tamariki bring with them their own mātauranga (knowledge & experiences). Our role as kaiako is to foster and strengthen this already existing knowledge and empower the mana of each child to stand confident in themselves to share this matauranga with their peers, kaiako, whanau and others. The notion of Tuakana/teina relationships sits under the concept of ako where in any moment throughout the day a tamaiti can take on both the role of a Tuakana and or teina depending upon the situation or experience. We believe that this priority reinforces and sits beside the 3 other learning priorities of Tuatara Kids: partnership, respect and exploration.
Early childhood Education research indicates that strong supportive relationships promote a child’s brain development in the early years (0-3yrs), especially the parts of the brain that are active in social and emotional function (Seigal, 1999). Research also shows that children with secure relationships are more likely to explore the world around them, (Bernhardt, 2000) have a positive sense of self and be able to regulate their emotions. (Rolfe, 2004). All of these attributes contribute to children’s overall learning and development, enabling them to “grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators” (Ministry of Education, 1996).
Primary Care-giving in Teina space for our Pēpi (tamariki under the age of 2)
For our Teina space, it is incredibly important for them to form a trusting relationships with the kaiako who they feel secure and comfortable with, in their parents’ absence, and mimic their routines from home. With the great ratio we provide, our pēpi have plenty of individual moments in their own special space for more intimate moments with kaiako.
Your pēpi’s primary care kaiako takes the lead in keeping you informed about your child’s daily well-being, learning and development. They take time to understanding your child’s routines, needs, likes, and share this knowledge with the teaching team. If the primary kaiako is away, they can rely on the secondary kaiako for support. As your pēpi grow more confident, they may choose to have their care routines with other kaiako, which will always be respected.
Key Kaiako in Tuakana space for our Pakeke (tamariki over the age of 2)
We follow your child’s signs of readiness. When your child indicates that they are ready to transition to Tuakana, the process is easy and natural. They will be supported with the same sense of continuity in care, whether in the sleep room, at the kai table, or during toilet training. With our mixed license, the transition is seamless.
Your child’s new key kaiako is to continue with the documentation of their development in their learning journey, with contributions from other kaiako and from families.
Our kaiako work with local primary schools to support our older pre-school children to ensure a smooth transition to school and kura.
We believe in:
Creating a learning environment that is rich in resources, experiences, and challenges that stimulate curiosity, creativity and growth.
Tamariki are the leaders in their own learning; and we empower, support and extend.
In honouring each child’s mana, their voices and choices are respected, so they feel safe to explore, express and grow, in a peaceful and supportive space.
We embrace the sense of community by actively engaging within our Tuatara community, and inviting all to contribute to the learning of our centre, tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.
We acknowledge Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum as the foundation for our teaching practice, guiding and inspiring all that we do as teachers.