Childcare options in Midway

Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki
House of Wonder Gisborne by Busy Bees

At House of Wonder Gisborne by Busy Bees, we believe children are unique and each come with their own special strengths. As a whānau, we support your child’s journey and individual stage of development, encouraging them to reach their full potential through a learner focused programme. We look forward to supporting you and your child through this journey. Come along to see us in the centre or call any time.

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

He Taiao – Our Environment

House of Wonder by Busy Bees is a unique, innovative space. Designed for children to explore and learn through their senses. The mauri (life force) of our centre supports rich language and gives children time and space to be curious, to enquire and make discoveries. Tamariki thrive where the natural environment meets their needs and enhances their ability too.

He Whakaaro - Philosophy

Aroha and whanaungatanga drive us and forms the foundation of our philosophy. We believe that every child deserves to know they are valued and respected and stive to ensure all tamariki feel safe and nurtured in a fun learning community. Reggio Emelia, a world-renowned philosophy, underpins our kaupapa with relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Me Akoranga – Our Learning

Children are the co-constructors of their own learning journey here at House of Wonder Gisborne. We take care to ensure that every child has their own learning journey which is tailored to their individual learner identity. Through Storypark and children's portfolios, parents and whānau are invited to be an integral part of their child's learning which follows Te Whāriki – Aotearoa’s Early Childhood Curriculum.

Me Kaiako – Our teachers

It is important that the teaching team here at House of Wonder Gisborne share the same love and understanding for our community of learners. Each teacher comes with their own set of skills and beliefs which add up to an excellent experience for ngā tamariki. A rich cultural index and passionate teachers makes for a well-balanced, nurturing environment for your little one.

Our Rooms

Te Rūma o te Pītau (up to 2 years): We believe babies are born into this world with knowledge and understandings to explore and interact with the environment and those within it. House of Wonder Gisborne supports ngā pēpi to explore through nature and build understandings of te ao Māori. Relationships are based on the foundations of respect and aroha.

Te Rūma o te Mōkehu (2-3 years): Growing young minds requires special moments of wonder and awe. The Mōkehu Room has a play-based approach to learning, allowing children time and space to independently explore and seek understanding of the world around them. Whāriki time (mat time) supports children to come together as a whānau and reflect on their day and share learning experiences.

Te Rūma o te Mātātā (3-6 years): The kindergarten years are critical in preparing your child for school and life. We expose children to abundant learning opportunities involving nature, literacy, numeracy, emotional development, confidence-building, social engāgement and much more.

Community

At House of Wonder Gisborne, we value our community and take the opportunity to positively impact and make a difference in the lives of our tamariki, whānau and the wider community. We celebrate whakawhanaungatanga (relationships), along with the diversity within our centre. We welcome the community to participate in our programme and take part in the awesome journey of raising our tamariki to be great leaders.

Transition to Kura

The concept of "school readiness" for children in their early years, is an integral part of our curriculum and programme at House of Wonder. Kaiako support children throughout their entire journey to continue to reach goals and achieve outcomes. Life skills are supported to best ensure tamariki have confidence to step out into the world with the knowledge and understanding that they are valued and that their learning and achievements are recognised. Early concepts of math, literature and sciences are woven into the curriculum to provide a rich foundation for their future learning.

Hauora

The health and wellbeing of our tamariki is of the upmost importance. 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).

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.

Centre Manager Gillian Evenbly says the Centre is licensed to take up to 32 children, with ten places for children under two years of age. “We provide places for children of students and staff of the Polytechnic – and if we have space, also for the general community.’ 

Manaaki Tamariki Childcare and Education Centre reflects the diverse cultures of the community and values the partnership with parents/caregivers and whanau. “We provide quality care and education in a nurturing and secure environment, where children are affirmed as individuals, and given opportunities to grow together as confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit.”

The Centre provides toast/sandwiches etc for morning and afternoon tea, and a healthy lunch. A menu is on the noticeboard. Each child is asked to bring one piece of fruit each day for a shared morning tea. A lunch box for children under 15 months of age is requested, with a healthy lunch.