Busy Bees Te Mata Road

Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki
Busy Bees Te Mata

At Busy Bees Te Mata we are not just an ordinary early learning centre. Our unique, nature-based, holistic approach to education provides a truly remarkable experience for our children and families. We would be delighted to share in your child’s learning journey. You’re welcome to call or visit anytime.

We are open 7.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Environment

At Busy Bees Te Mata we are not just an ordinary early learning centre. Our unique, nature-based, holistic approach to education provides a truly remarkable experience for our children and families. We become an extension of your whānau and pride ourselves on the relationships we form with families, working in partnership with parents and whānau regarding all aspects of children’s learning, interests, goals and development. Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Havelock North our approach to learning provides meaningful moments year-round. The natural environment of Busy Bees Te Mata allows children to spontaneously connect with Papatūānku right here in our own outdoor space. Tamariki take on the role of Kaitiakitanga, through this they learn various concepts like garden to table and sustainability.

Philosophy

At Busy Bees Te Mata whānaungatanga is the thread that weaves us together, these relationships help children reach their full potential. Each tamaiti is unique, and we celebrate what they bring with them and embrace different cultures into centre life.

Our Rooms

Rāpeti Room (up to 2 years)

We are committed to the wellbeing of your pēpi and foster a sense of home right at our centre. Teachers utilise āmiki (story telling), waiata (singing), kanikani (dancing), taiao (nature) whilst maintaining a focus on the aroha and care that infants need to thrive. Communicating with you every step of the way, we take special care to ensure your pēpi has a safe, secure and encouraging environment for their growth and development.

Pūkeko Room (2-6 years)

We know big changes happen during this time like increased independence and more curious questions. Our kaiako welcome each child with open arms and patience. We expose children to abundant learning opportunities involving nature, literacy, numeracy, emotional development, confidence-building, social engagement and more.

Our tamariki thrive on using their imagination as they become explorers in their own environment, doing this means they are encouraged to investigate and learn names of animals, insects, plants, and their purposes on our earth. Tamariki are encouraged to learn with and alongside others. Our older tamariki awhi our younger tamariki guiding and supporting them throughout their day (tuākana tēina - the older helping the younger).

Passionate Kaiako

Our biggest strength is our teachers, their manaaki and genuine care of tamariki. Our kaiako have a wide range of experience, and all share a passion for early learning education and care. They have professional knowledge of teaching and child development and nurture holistically, so that children leave Busy Bees Te Mata with a love of learning, a sense of wonder and a strong sense of self.

Transition to Kura
The concept of "school readiness" for children in their early years, is an integral part of our curriculum and programme at Busy Bees Te Mata. Our kaiako are passionate about weaving this learning experience for children throughout their entire journey with us at our centre. This means that "school readiness" and the desired learning outcomes that come with this, are intertwined into the daily learning, and play that we offer.

Our kaiako work collaboratively with tamariki to design a learning environment that will best capture and extend children’s current interests. Where they have the opportunity to express freely and creatively, sharing conversations, thoughts and ideas. An important part of our philosophy is that in doing this, we can prepare children not just for school but also for life.

Community

At Busy Bees Te Mata, we have an important part to play in our local community and a very special opportunity to positively impact the lives of our young tamariki. We celebrate whakawhanaungatanga (relationships) by connecting with our community through multicultural celebrations and creating a strong sense of belonging.

We are fortunate the centre is a short walk from the Honey Centre and our nature walks include our local citrus grove and vineyards. We also have a partnership with Weleda to learn their cultivating ways with nature.

Hauora

Health and wellbeing are essential aspects in childrens lives. By placing intentional focus on each of these areas, we are providing tamariki with every opportunity to gain the skills and habits to take with them into a healthy future.

By focusing on the 4 key pillars of Hauora (Tana Tihana: physical, Taha Hinengāro: mental and emotional, Tana Whānau: family and social and Taha Wairua: spiritual wellbeing) we weave key aspects into the everyday curriculum with our children.

As part of this ongoing commitment to the holistic wellbeing of tamariki, we have researched and developed programmes focused specifically on the two key areas of Physical Activity (Move) and Nutrition (Nourish).

Kai
Our Centre Cook lovingly prepares morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea daily. All menus are dietitian approved and have been thoughtfully designed following the New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines and the Ministry of Health Healthy Eating for Babies, Toddlers and Children.