The Learning Space - Takapuna

The foundation to The Learning Space philosophy is born from relationships; equal partnerships between children, caregivers, whanau and community and the environment. These relationships are established on the culture of kindness, through caregiving moments and our daily interactions. Children are valued as free and equal human beings who are at all times allowed to tune into their bodies and into their play. Children are supported to develop and explore in their own time and at their readiness. Through our everyday environment we offer each child the ‘known’ through consistency, taking time and reciprocal communication. Our teachers role model the centre values within their practice; their journeys enriched with passion and joy as they learn alongside one another. This empowers the child to fulfil their rights for expression in many different ways, creating opportunities to discover their individual identities. Parent and whānau participation is fundamental for future extension of the daily life of The Learning Space, embracing partnership with both local and wider communities and celebrating the rich diversity of the languages and cultural significance that families bring to our everyday experiences. 

 “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.” – Dame Whina Cooper

Takapuna  Learning Space is located in the grounds of North Shore Hospital catering for children of hospital staff and the local community with open hours of 6:45 am – 5:30 pm Monday – Friday. 

The environment at Takapuna Learning Space is filled with natural and recycled materials and resources to provoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. It is a space for 60 children aged between 3 months and 6 years in three separate learning areas allowing for strong relationships between children, parents/whānau and educators. Each room is unique to the age of the children it cares for, reflecting the philosophy and how it relates to each individual age group, from primary care giving in the Pipi room to the development of independence in the Paua room. The outdoor environment is large and contains many mature trees where birds and rabbits visit. The children are allowed to explore in their own time and pace, getting dirty, climbing & creating memories to share with their friends and families. 

The teaching team is there to support and guide the children through their daily encounters by thoughtful questioning allowing the children to search for meaning and understanding alongside each other. The educators daily practice is underpinned by the values of respect, trust, collaboration, joy and wonder which are interwoven into the centre philosophy, culture and beliefs. 

 The Takapuna Learning Space is found at the end of a quiet street within the North Shore Hospital grounds. Close to Takapuna, Milford and motorway on ramps.