Love and Learn Care and Education

We are the only childcare centre in Whanganui East open from 7.30am to 5.30pm. We are also the only child care facility in Whanganui belonging to the Enviro Schools programme, which highlights a commitment to sustainable practices with an emphasis on being kaitiaki (caretakers) of the environment.

Manaakitanga (Respect) oversees all of our interactions with children, whānau and the community. What does this look like in practice? On a daily basis our focus is around meaningful interactions with children and families - teaching children about manners and respect for each other and the environment - acknowledging the dual heritage of Aotearoa - engaging with positive guidance approaches.

We believe that Whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) is an essential foundation for our centre. Guided by our curriculum Te Whariki, we work alongside our whānau to support each child and their family by incorporating our centre and families beliefs around how children learn most effectively. We encourage parent and whānau participation within the centre and understand these relationships are crucial to support our whole learning community. This leads to the third aspect of our philosophy which is Kotahitanga (unity). We spend most of our time outdoors in our spacious natural outside area to support the children in being at one with our environment.

We have a variety of animals that allow the children to learn about their needs and how to take care of them. We also hold lots of fun evenings to say thank you to all our whānau for their support. We help support children in developing relationships, peer interactions and tuakana teina roles where the older children support the younger children. All together we believe that this supports and creates independent capable competent life long learner. We strive for each individual to achieve a passion for learning and for this to carry them through all their years. We believe Rangatiratanga (self development) is achieved through all of these core values as they are interwoven throughout each and every day at Love and Learn.