Apples Childcare and Learning Centre

Apples Education has been around for 10 years in the Auckland area. We encourage the children to care for and develop a sense of love for nature and the world around us. We prefer the use of natural play materials and recycling to help promote a sustainable society. Tamaiki start learning from birth; they learn about sharing and turn taking, about the importance of communication and listening to others, all while gaining independence and caring for those around them. These are all skills and abilities that are important for later on in life. We don’t just support children to learn in the here and now, but also to gain skills and knowledge that will help them for the rest of their lives.

We believe that tamariki should be encouraged to learn and grow in a safe, caring and stimulating environment that recognises and appreciates each child’s individuality. We understand that having respectful, responsive relationships with our tamariki and their whānau is a key to a successful learning foundation for all children. We value the input and connection that the staff form with the family and whānau. It is through this connection that children are supported to experience deeper, more meaningful and ongoing learning.

Our rooms

Our Juniors building has been designed with a free flow concept in mind. This allows the children to be able to freely move and explore all of the wonderful resources, while the teachers can still easily observe and support their interactions. We are inspired by the RIE & Pikler practices within room. This is evident as we follow the child’s lead in their play and development.

Our Preschool room is built in an old house and the small rooms provide the chance for more direct small group interactions between staff and children. These small group experiences allow children possibilities for paying attention, hearing and listening to each other, developing curiosity and interest, asking questions, and responding to them. It is also a great way for the children to experience and enjoy the more in-depth project based learning that takes place within the centre.

Our philosophy

Family

“Where Families come First”

We value the time whānau spend with their tamariki in our centre. We believe that vital learning takes places at home. Tamariki are a taonga (treasure) and the parents are entrusting their most prized taonga in to our care. We have an open door policy and whānau are welcome to pop in for a visit at any time. Our staff are always available to talk to and parents receive ongoing emails updates about their childs learning and they are also invited to join our closed Facebook groups. This allows them the chance to see more of the day to day moments.

Nature

“Where Nature meets Nurture – developing long lasting relationships with the wider world.”

We keep tamariki grounded with the Papatūānuku by using the environment as a third teacher. As we venture out into the community, the tamariki are seeing more of the natural world around us and are able to learn of the many aspects that mother nature provides us. We also provide the tamariki the opportunity, in centre, to grow and care for various gardens we have and use nature as a play resource.

Community

“Connecting our Children to Community through Nature – encouraging children to are for the world around us.”

We believe that for the tamariki to feel they belong in the community, they need to develop a connection to it. This can be done in many different ways. This connection will help them later in life to care and nurture the environment we live in. For those in centres, we like to get out in to the community through regular walks and trips to nearby parks and fields. Within the Homebased setting, the children are often experience getting out in to the community. We also participate in community events like santa parades and fundraiser walks.

It is through these events that we believe our tamariki will develop a connection to the world around us. It is this connection that will help them to care for the world we live in.