Our Classrooms
We have four classrooms that are specifcally designed to extend children at every stage of learning.
Fantail Room – 3 months to 18 months
Tui Room – 18 months to 2.5 years
Pukeko Room – 2.5 to 3.5 years
Kindy – 3 to 5 years
NB: Age ranges are a guide, children are transitioned to their next room as they show readiness, for some this is sooner, others may be a bit later.
Fantail Room
3 months to 18 months
Our calming natural fantail room provides children with the space to develop in their own time. Our beautiful environment inspires chidlren to explore their natural curiosity and begin their learning journey. In this space children have an onsite chef that makes nutrtious meals and private sleeping spaces.
“Children are happy and settled. They have warm and trusting relationships with adults and interact confidently with their friends.” (Ero Review 2016)
The teachers support each individual child’s development through gentle, family inspired relationships. Our wonderfully calm and richly nurturing environment allows children to explore in their own time and begin their journey as life long learners. This calming space invites families to be an integral part of their children’s learning. Having each child’s family values respected and represented is a vital part of their settling in and learning processes.
“When you hold an infant, hold him not just with your body but with your mind and heart” (Magda Gerber)
Transitions
Once the children are showing a readiness to move onto the next room (The Tuis) around 18months of age the teachers will tailor a transitional process that best suits that child. The transitions are done at the child’s pace and involve the family. So that by the time your child is ready to move on they will have all the foundational skills to succeed in the next room.
Tui Room
18 months to 2.5 years
Our wonderfully adventurous Tui’s (18months-2.5 years) enjoy a natural space that promotes social interaction, developing independence, extending their physical and cognitive skills. This stimulating indoor outdoor environment allows the children to feel the beauty of the native outdoors while providing stage appropriate learning.
“Children are respected as capable learners and are well supported to be good communicators and active explorers in their environment.” (ERO Review 2016)
The tui room provides children with nutritionally balanced meals and a quiet space to sleep in the afternoon.
Once the children show a readiness and/or around the age of 2.5 years they transition to the Pukeko room.
Pukeko Room
2.5 to 3.5 years
Our inquisitive Pukeko’s spend their days extending and perfecting their learning skills. These wonderful children are now ready to take on advanced programs such as swim safe lessons, trips to the mud kitchen, visiting the alpacas and enrolling in play ball.
“Children have many opportunities to engage in creative play and make choices.” (ERO review 2016)
This room supports children for their next stage of development by encouraging independence. The children get the opportunity to learn about self regulation through lunchbox meals and toilet learning.
The Kiwi Room, Kindy
3 to 5 years
Our skillful kiwi children are encouraged every step of the way to be the best versions of themselves. The kiwi room is a great environment to encourage children to research their own learning theories and to become life long learners. Our wonderful links to the local primary schools enable the teachers to tailor the prep for school program to provide the children with the best possible start.
“..they often lead their own learning and independently select resources. Staff are flexible in applying the age guidelines for rooms so that they place children to best meet their individual needs and stages of development.” (Ero review 2016)
Educa
Online Resources
Educa is a wonderful online service where families get together on a secure site. Families and teachers can share learning stories and photos of their children.
“The wider range of possibilities we offer children the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences” (Loris Malaguzzi)
633 Whitford Road, Howick, Auckland 2571.
Telephone: 09-530 8726
PO Box 31 Whitford Store,
Whitford 2149.
E-mail: whitfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz
