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 3 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 relationship with our parents and whānau, recognise their unique aspirations to achieve the best for our tamariki.

We build genuine and reciprocal connection with whānau to gain a deeper understanding of our tamariki in the wider context of their environment. We develop a tailored holistic learning goal and approach for tamariki’s 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 living.

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 our 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 whanau and nuture and encourage tamariki natural curiosity for learning where ample opportunitites for new discoveries and mātauranga (developing knowledge) is valued and encourgaed. Exploration is an important priority for us at Tuatara Kids as it fosters resilience and confidence in ones 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”

We believe in:

Creating a learning environment that is rich in resources, opportunities, experiences and challenges.

Empowering tamariki to acknowledge their uniqueness, and to accept and respect others’.

Tamariki are the leaders in their own learning; we empower, support and extend.

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 it guides and inspires all that we do as teachers.

We love having fun!