Childcare options in Highbury

Nau mai, haere mai to our mākoha - an oasis of peace and tranquility where we nurture the wellbeing of your tamariki.

Nestled across the road from Somerset School, our Kindergarten environment has a beautiful outdoor area overlooked by mature trees, providing the opportunity to play and explore in a natural environment comprising a secret forest and working garden.

Tamariki learn to become kaitiaki (guardians) of our environment, and as a Friend of Enviroschools, we are on our sustainability journey which includes many learning experiences such as growing vegetables and learning about insects, then the joy of eating and sharing our produce with whānau.

The concept of Ako underpins our programme, where children learn from each other and their teachers, and kaiako learn from tamariki.  Teaching is intentional, informed by best practice and research, and builds on the interests of tamariki. Our curriculum is rich and we are very well resourced.

We believe all tamariki are all leaders in their own right, and we foster children’s potential through the development of our relationships with whānau. We encourage families to stay for a while to participate in and celebrate their children’s discoveries and kotahitanga - togetherness and community - is very much alive at Somerset.

Ruahine Somerset Kindergarten is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 2.30pm, and closed over the Christmas and New Year break, as well as three weeks during the year when teachers are engaged in professional development (dates to be advised on enrolment).

We welcome visitors to come in and see us anytime.

Nāu te rourou, Nāku te rourou, Kia ora ai te whānau - with your contribution and my contribution our family will flourish

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.

Kaupapa/Philosophy

Te Aroha Noa Early Childhood Centre values and provides a learning community which supports all who participate to discover their learning potential and to be confident in who they are,

• Valuing learning
• Being involved
• Creative learning Spaces
• Holistic care Mana Maori
• God inspired
• Pathways to learning
• Mana enhancing
• Celebrating with all children

What we provide:

• A warm welcoming friendly environment
• A place where children and their whānau can learn alongside one another
• As we are whānau based we cater for children 0 – 5 years. Children under 2 and a half must be accompanied by their parent/caregiver
• An exciting educational curriculum where parents and whānau are encouraged to take part
• A rich bicultural practice
• A Parent Education Programme for those who want to be more involved
• KEAS programme (Kids Excited About School). We work in partnership with parents/whānau and schools to create a smooth transition to school