Childcare options in Camberley

Ko te Tamaiti te Putake o te Kaupapa (The Child – the Heart of the Matter)

At Camberley kindergarten we provide a unique environment that reflects the cultural diverseness of our community.  We are proud to be an Enviroschool and support sustainable practices daily. Children and their whanau experience a deep sense of belonging and whanaungatanga in a spacious, natural environment. We are part of one big whanau. Whakamana mo tatou – Empowerment for all.

At Camberley Kindergarten we view children as full of potential and adorned with their own mana who are competent and capable of building their own theories.

We provide a unique environment that reflects the cultural diverseness of our community. It is natural, spacious and inviting where children and their whanau will experience a deep sense of belonging.

We believe that by giving children time and space to wonder, discover and explore they will develop a lifelong love of learning.

Our children are inspired to explore and interact with our environment and develop working theories through their interests’. Teachers notice, recognize and respond to individual and group interests and document this learning.

A special feature of our Kindergarten is the development of our community garden and our commitment to implement sustainable education practices. Our community garden has been created and is maintained by our Kindergarten whanau and has become a space where children and their families can work, sample the produce and enjoy interacting and learning together.

We have an open door policy where we welcome and encourage family and friends to hang out with their children and you are also most welcome to just call in and spend time with us when you are trying to decide what type of early childhood centre would best suit you and your family. We are happy to discuss what your enrolment needs are for your child. 

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.