Childcare options in Hastings

Launch active early learning was established in 2016 by business partners and friends, Cathy Sherwood and Claire Rolls. Merging their set of skills and experience in childcare, business, and commercial development to create a sincere company with a straightforward vision. We are passionate about contributing to Launch and its forward plans, so that we continue to create the best opportunities to enrich the lives of the children and families that attend our centre.

There is growing evidence about the importance of being active and the development of fundamental movement skills in young children. Learning about healthy and active lifestyles and the significance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being is integral to developing children’s self-confidence, and therefore an essential part of Our Approach at Launch active. At Launch Active we believe our children will have a strong sense of identity; be connected with and contribute to their world; have a strong sense of well-being; be confident and involved learners and effective communicators through active early learning.

Our Approach starts by creating secure, healthy and welcoming environments, building a sense of belonging for children and their families. We inspire curiosity, foster creativity and support discovery with a variety of sensory rich experience spaces. Children have lots of space to move and explore with extended outdoor play spaces and natural environments to accommodate growing and inquisitive bodies.

Launch Active is custom designed to support your child’s individual emotional, physical and cognitive needs throughout their journey with us. The resources and materials at Launch are natural and open ended. Our teachers are passionate and committed to providing a nurturing and active early learning environment for each child and their families.

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.

Central Hastings Early Learning Centre is a near-new preschool centrally located in Hastings. We create magical learning experiences to help our tamariki reach their full potential. There’s lots to explore in our open natural spaces, allowing our kaiako to provide unique learning experiences in a warm, loving and safe environment.

Large open spaces

Central Hastings Early Learning Centre is a near new preschool centrally located in the Hastings CBD. It’s built on the former Hastings Bowling Club grounds which has allowed us to create unique spaces, both inside and out.

By using our natural environment to our advantage, it enables a sense of belonging and grows respect for everything and everybody within the culture of our centre.

Warm, loving & safe

Our mission at Central Hastings Early Learning Centre is to create magical learning experiences for children and their whānau.

We do this by combining the talents of our amazing kaiako with our warm, loving, and safe learning environment that compliments the home and reflects our unique natural surroundings.

We aim to build confidence in our tamariki, our whānau, our team and our community.

Lots to see and do!

At Central Hastings Early Learning Centre we provide high quality childcare and preschool education. We stimulate the mental, physical and emotional growth of our tamariki by providing a wide variety of experiences.

We endeavour to incorporate new developments in early childhood education into our programmes. This enables our kaiako to be at the forefront of children’s learning.

Each child has ownership of their own profile displayed in the child’s room, available for parents to view and contribute to.  At Central Hastings Early Learning Centre, we like to encourage family involvement to ensure we have a collaborative approach with the whānau.

Our modern kindergarten is nestled in the close knit communities of Te Awanga, Haumoana and Clive, situated on an idyllic site with a stunning backdrop of vineyards, sea views and inland views of the ranges. Our kindergartens' uniqueness reflects our families' friendly, relaxed lifestyles and our affinity with the natural world is evident in our environment. We share parent's aspirations for their children to enjoy an early childhood education experience that reflects the community in which they are raised and we warmly welcome children, parents and caregivers into our centre.

Te Awanga Philosophy

We build caring and mindful relationships.

We empower children to become confident and independent learners.

We nurture curiosity and creativity.

We foster appreciation and respect for the natural world.

We value the aspirations of our unique community.

Waiapu Kids St Matthew’s is a community-based early childhood centre and service of Anglican Care Waiapu. 

We provide quality care and education for up to 35 children in a mixed-age group setting. 

The concept of ‘tuakana – teina’, where value is placed on reciprocal relationships between our older tamariki and infants and toddlers, plays an important part in what we believe in, and base our work on. Children of different ages are encouraged to interact and learn from each other in a safe environment, sharing knowledge and experiences. 

We value children’s play as the way in which they learn about the world around them. Different activities and opportunities are provided for children each day to extend their interests, develop social, emotional and cognitive skills, and build self-confidence and creativity.

Our Community

Our centre is situated in the Hastings central business district and we share our grounds with St Matthew’s Primary School and Church.

We have a great relationship with our community and often take part in local events and visit the community. These strong links equip the children with a sense of belonging and identity as well as providing teachers with invaluable information and resources. Regular excursions give the children opportunities to take part in community events, visit St Matthew’s Church and Primary School, the library, local park, and town.

Our Centre Philosophy

At Waiapu Kids St Matthew’s we believe children learn through play and a stimulating environment.

Our teachers are trained to extend children’s knowledge, development, and enhance their cultural awareness.

We promote children’s confidence and independence, and we have fun together!

Our Approach starts by creating secure, healthy and welcoming environments and building a sense of belonging for children and their families. Our approach to care for children is based on trusting, respectful relationships and consistency of care.

We inspire curiosity, foster creativity and support discovery with a variety of sensory rich experience spaces. Children have lots of space to move and explore with extended outdoor play spaces and natural environments to accommodate growing and inquisitive bodies.

‘We have designed Launch around the concept of sustainability and active early learners. Launch provides nurturing and engaging spaces for children, we value the importance of positive and trusting relationships and believe this helps to build the foundations for lifelong learning.’

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.