Outcomes focused teaching philosophy
We know that to play is to grow. Using Te Whāriki early learning curriculum, we encourage every tamaiti to reach their potential by giving them the best possible surroundings to experiment and discover the world they live in.
All early childhood education (ECE) providers in New Zealand follow Te Whāriki, and have the freedom to support tamariki learning in the ways that best meet their needs. That means we’re all aiming for the same learning outcomes for tamariki, but the way we go about it might be a bit different from kindergarten, daycare or early learning centre to another, and from one tamaiti to another, as every child’s needs are different.
At Central Kids our teaching practices are outcomes focused, which means we intentionally provide a range of learning experiences that allow tamariki to follow their own interests while learning through play, at their own pace.
We monitor and measure learning outcomes using Te Whatu Pōkeka, a kaupapa Māori learning assessment framework that recognises tamariki are products of their whakapapa, bringing with them the talents, understandings and abilities of their tīpuna (ancestors). This framework allows us to measure progress over time, in a way that is deeply personalised to every tamaiti, regardless of their cultural background.
Localised curriculum
The Central Kids education philosophy supports our kindergartens to develop a localised curriculum that reflects the characteristics of their community, people, places and things.
One of the ways we do this is to ensure that all tamariki have the opportunity to join in on excursions that expose them to new experiences, environments and learning.
We visit people and areas of cultural significance for Māori, such as ngahere (bush), marae and cultural festivals, local kura to support tamariki with the transition to school, and locations in our community like libraries, playgrounds, farms and zoos.
Through this approach, our tamariki develop a strong sense of self, belonging and identity. We help them prepare for what lies ahead as they continue to grow and develop – both through their education, and through meaningful connections with their community and natural environment.
An inspiring learning environment
For tamariki to learn through play, they need a safe, supportive environment that provides a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities. At Central Kids kindergartens tamariki are free to follow their own interests and choose for themselves how they will spend their time, whether that’s in a quiet corner with a story or making a mess in an outdoor mudpit.
Our kindergartens have a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, with different indoor areas to provide varied learning opportunities. A library area with plenty of books is always available, and we strive to include stories that reflect Māori, Pasifika and other cultures so that tamariki see themselves reflected in the stories they hear.
Puzzles, blocks, costumes and musical instruments are ready to explore, alongside many painting, drawing and craft activities that let tamariki express themselves creatively. Family or dramatic play areas are a chance to role play and build language, emotional, social and problem solving skills.
Messy play and sensory experiences are fun learning for everyone, and we’re not afraid to make a mess in our large outdoor areas. All of our kindergartens have big sandpits (and sometimes mudpits), outdoor equipment for swinging, climbing and leaping, and lots of space to run around. Carpentry and collections of loose parts inspire tamariki to design, build and problem solve.
We foster connection with nature in gardens that tamariki help care for, where they can discover insects and investigate other natural materials.
Highly qualified teaching staff
Our highly qualified, experienced kaiako (teachers) understand the importance of surrounding your tamaiti with passionate, positive influences from an early age.
We support our teaching kaimahi to continually grow their skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development, so they are well equipped to meet the needs of every tamaiti.
Whānau involvement and support
We believe in a culture of inclusiveness and welcome whānau involvement. We communicate with whānau regularly about the education and care of their tamaiti, and share updates about their learning.
We welcome whānau to be involved in decision making about tamaiti learning, and join in with activities or excursions.
Collaboration with whānau about their goals and aspirations helps us support the individual needs of every tamaiti. When their kindergarten journey finishes, our goal is for every tamaiti to be ready for the adventure that lies ahead.
We believe that quality education should be something that all tamariki can experience, and provide flexible financial and accessibility options to help remove any barriers for our whānau to achieve this.
Meeting the needs of our enrolled whānau is important to us, because when whānau thrive, so do our tamariki.
Whānau who would benefit from extra assistance are offered support and guidance from our Mātauranga Ake team, towards achieving a resilient, stable and supportive home life for tamariki.
Tamariki with additional needs
Our early learning services have an important role in identifying tamariki with additional learning support needs, whether physical, behavioural, neurodiverse, developmental delay or child protection related.
Early identification and intervention is important to achieve the best outcomes for tamariki, and our kaiako have training and support to ensure this happens. We engage with whānau to support referral to external agencies when needed.
