Childcare options in Oakura

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Why are we your best choice?

• A new, attractive building with a wide range of well presented, exciting resources and equipment
• Teachers are very experienced and committed to providing quality learning for your child
• We provide an environment that is safe, secure, and challenging to meet individual children’s growth and development
• In a friendly atmosphere all families are welcome. Relationships with parents, whanau and children are our top priority.
• Children are encouraged to be active learners developing their own strength and interests.
• We believe children are rich, powerful, strong, confident and are respected as individuals
• Have close links with neighbouring schools
• On leaving we provide children with a visual record (DVD) of their learning experience while at Kaitake Kindergarten

Welcome to Oakura Playcentre. We are situated in a small coastal village 10 minutes south of New Plymouth, adjacent to the local primary school on Donnelly Street. We offer quality Early Childhood Education for children from birth to school age three mornings a week. Our Playcentre offers a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment for children and their caregivers to enjoy play-based learning.

We are a parent led co-operative, meaning all sessions are planned for, run and evaluated by parents who are encouraged to attend free adult education to support their skills in this area. The ratio of children to adults is kept low (A maximum of 1:3). This ensures that we have a safe, engaging environment for group and individual learning.

Play is child led, we encourage children to decide what they would like to do, we watch and provide support as needed. Promoting feelings of success, self confidence, independence, self-direction, discovery, problem solving, decision-making, creativity, and opportunities to learn from mistakes are all part of our children’s development. We plan and cater for each child’s interests and own rate of development. Our evaluation processes encourage a continual reassessment of needs and how we can help meet these.

Each session is set up with 16 areas of play. Indoor activities include an extensive family role play area, puppets, blocks, books and music. We also have a dedicated baby area with a large mat, toys and couches for parents to feed their babies. The centre also has change tables, a high chair and a sleep room with cots meaning families with young babies are welcome and well catered for. A covered deck provides an all weather space for carpentry and messy activities such as painting, sensory play and clay. Our outdoor area includes a newly built covered sandpit, swings, obstacle course, slides, vegetable gardens and plenty of space to run around.

Families that join our Playcentre become part of a support