Typically responds within
A few hours
Vacancies
Limited availability
Please note - We cater for tamariki 3 years and over
Seedlings Philosophy / Kaupapa Pihinga
Seedlings Nature Kindergarten is a place of fun, exploration, wonder, learning and being together as people who care for and respect Papa-tu-a-nuku.
Seedlings Philosophy:
- We are akonga/learners who have the kaha/courage to have a go, take risks, reflect, accept and learn.
- You will feel & see...collaboration, tautoko/support, empowerment, resilience.
- We experience koa/joy through self-expression and self-regulation, and develop our identity within the ropu/group through aroha/love.
- You will feel & see...acceptance, emotional intelligence, humour, rangimarie/peace.
- We acknowledge and celebrate whanaungatanga/relationships, with each other and Papa-tu-a-nuku/Mother Earth, recognizing our uniquness.
- You will feel & see...oneness, being together, unhurried, spaciousness.
Our Day at Seedlings
KAI
Having some kai, whether a snack or lunch is usually a social time. We choose when we need to eat, and then deciding if we'll have a picnic or sit around the table on the verandah. Cooking is also a big part of the curriculum; inspiration comes from the garden, the pantry and our puku/stomachs!
PLAY
At Seedlings we honour the natural urge to play and have an environment that satisfies these urges...from tumbling, spinning, running, throwing to enclosing, connecting, transforming and making huts! Play is the natural unfolding and expression of each individual, and at Seedlings this is respected and celebrated.
THE ORCHARD
A few times a week we all walk over the hill to the orchard. We take the essentials with us, as well as our bags, and set up at base camp when we arrive. Tamariki are aware of their responsibilities in this environment and know where the Big Explorers are positioned if they need support.
NATURAL RHYTHMS
There is a natural rhythm to our day at Seedlings. Time and space is available for our needs to be fulfilled. Tamariki develop their self-awareness and know when they need kai, rest, to expend energy and to play.
PAPATUANUKU
Being in nature enables us to recognise our connection to life and that we are life. To honour this we acknowledge all life in nature and celebrate soltices, equinoxes and other important dates to families.