Childcare options in Coastlands

Taiarahia te maunga Ko Hatupere te pā Te Awahou e rere atu rā Otutāwiri te whenua Ko te Kapo o te rangi te tangata Te uri o te tini o Toi Te Rangimatoru te waka E rere mai ne ii runga i te Matangi mai Hawaiki Tuhoe te iwi

Matariki Early Childhood Centre provides a bilingual education, which values the holistic development of tamariki. The centre philosophy is underpinned by the whakatauakī 'Whaia te Matemateaone', Together with whānau piri and whānau whanui each ako will embrace Tuhoetanga through skills that will build and extend their learning in a safe caring environment that grows and fosters confident and competent tamariki.

Matariki Early Childhood Centre operates under the umbrella of Te Toi Huarewa Trust a respected organisation that supports and empowers whānau to strengthen their Tuhoetanga.

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.

Coastlands Preschool is situated by the beach in the peaceful surroundings of Coastlands. We believe that children need space to learn and grow so we provide significantly more indoor and outdoor space than is required. These spacious indoor and outdoor learning spaces ensure the children have plenty of room to engage in a wide selection of play activities.

Coastlands Preschool caters for children aged zero to five years old. We have three separate learning areas - one for infants and toddlers, one for toddlers and young children and one for young children. Each of these learning areas has two spacious inside areas and a large outdoor space. 

We run transitioning programmes so children move easily to their next educational setting, whether that is going into the next room or entering school.

Values are embedded into the centre philosophy. These values help children develop respect, honesty, kindness and perseverance. 

At Coastlands Preschool the ratio of children to staff is kept low and quality teaching is always in place. An low turnover of staff has ensured all of our children are familiar with their teachers. This has led to enriched relationships and a firm sense of belonging. Our Education Review supports this aspect of our centre.

We would love to see you, so come along for a visit, and see for yourself what a fantastic environment we have. We welcome you to visit any time, any day.

Our Philosophy

The Child

The child is at the centre of all that we do. Caring and nurturing relationships instil a sense of self worth and optimism within our tamariki. Our infants and young children are allowed to unfold naturally in an environment that encourages natural movement and growth, at their own pace. We recognise the urges that children have and provide opportunities for these to be carried out. 

The Environment

We view the the environment in which our children play and learn as the third teacher. By providing resources to promote creativity, experimentation and open ended play, our children are limited only by their imagination. We appreciate the beauty of the natural environment and recognise the importance of allowing children to spend time in this, both in and out of the centre.