Typically responds within
A few hours
Vacancies
Limited availability
Active Explorers Ashburton is a family-focussed centre where children are supported, nurtured and inspired. With three purpose built areas designed for specific ages, and two large outdoor environments, our children have plenty of opportunities for learning, exploration and growth. Our teachers are passionate and dedicated – over 90 percent of them are qualified or teachers in training, and they’re supported by long-term teacher aides. This, combined with our well thought our curriculum and quality resources, enables us to provide the best possible care for your child.
At Active Explorers Ashburton we collaborate closely with parents to ensure the best learning outcomes for all children, and we have an open door policy. Come and explore our centre any time. We look forward to welcoming you!
Our philosophy
Ā mātou kete aronui
We share in the lives of our children, their families and their whakapapa and become a link in their present, future and past. Our own wairua enriches our teaching and learning, sharing ako through all we do.
Our aroha with tamariki has its own wairua, giving life to the hopes, dreams and empowerment of our learners, each other and our community.
The individuality of our tamariki, their whanau, community and teaching team is embraced. We nourish, connect and care which uplifts and cherishes all for who they are today.
We give and share from a perspective of relational connectedness, Āta. Understanding that everything we do, see, experience and have is an opportunity to grow and learn.
Our wairua is unique and strong, our tamariki are treasured and loved, our Kaiako are passionate and connected, our community is at the heart of all we do.
We have three purpose built areas which focus on age appropriate experiences.
The Nursery/Kohanga
This environment is perfect for children aged 3 months to 2 years as our Kohanga provides loving, caring and compassionate teaching in a calm and peaceful environment. Our Kaiako are all certified with Early Childhood qualifications and have great love and passion for the foundation years for our youngest pepe- we know the value of consistent, calm and quality relationships in this age group. Equipment in this area is designed for our specific children and we aspire to challenge and inspire their developing skills and dispositions through careful individual planning woven in collaboration with the child and their wider community.
Our Nursery values and beliefs/Philosophy
Whānaungatanga is at the heart of our philosophy. Creating an environment that is inviting, safe and respectful.
We share with our whānau to create authentic partnerships that align both with home and centre philosophy.
Manaakitanga is shared as we welcome all children and whānau into our kōhanga and care for their well-being and wairua.
Ako is valued through providing encouragement, guidance, and support. Empowering the tamariki to explore freely, develop confidence, a sense of self worth and identity. We provide a curriculum that celebrates each child’s uniqueness alongside enjoyable learning experiences suited to each child’s needs and development.
We believe each child is special and have the right to be nurtured, respected and empowered.
Stepping Stones/Pohatu tunga waewae
This room nourishes our tamariki ages 2 -3.5 years. Here we continue to build strong relationships with children, so they feel comfortable exploring their environment, learning with and alongside their Kaiako and peers and develop further curiosity and thirst for learning. We really value this age group for their inquisitive minds and ability to take on deeper and more complex discovery and learning. We also understand that this age group still requires a lot of support to encourage their independence and social skills, therefore we keep this group size small and with higher than average adult to child ratios. Children in this environment share their natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and play is extended through individual planning and care.
Our Pohatu tunga waewae values and beliefs/Philosophy
Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga are the values we use to support tamariki to thrive and succeed.
Warm, secure, and respectful relationships with whānau, kaiāko and tamariki are the key to all success.
Every child is unique and therefore we provide practices which are inclusive and invite everyone with aroha into our environment.
Ako is valued collectively as we learn together empowering us and our children to succeed in a environment which is stimulating for our physical, mental, social and emotional needs.
Why choose us?
- Quality education and care
- We shape our curriculum to follow our children’s current interests
- Regular excursions in our local community
- Close connections to community events and happenings
- Regular celebrations and family events
- Large outdoor areas including a community garden which the children grow and share their produce in our community
- Multicultural environment with families from all over the world
- Strong bi cultural practice with connections to our local community whakapapa
- Dancing, music and yoga are embedded into our programmes
- Regular cooking and baking to explore our senses, sometimes using our centre grown vegetables
- Established and experienced team
- Healthy Heart Whanau award
- Age and developmental programmes including 4 year old extension times, targeted physical play and core learning programmes
- Quality ratios empowering meaningful interactions