OUR CURRICULUM

Our learning programmes are based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s national early childhood curriculum.

As explained in Ministry of Education (2017), Te Whāriki,

“Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) sets out the curriculum to be used in New Zealand early childhood education (ECE) settings and provides guidance for its implementation. Underpinning Te Whāriki is the vision that children are competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society” (p. 6).

The principles are the foundations of curriculum decision making and a guide for every aspect of pedagogy and practice.

The principles/kaupapa whakahaere of Te Whāriki are:

Empowerment
Whakamana

Holistic development
Kotahitanga

Relationships
Ngā hononga

Family and community
Whānau tangata

Te Whāriki framework for a holistic curriculum:

Wellbeing
Mana atua

Belonging
Mana whenua

Contribution
Mana tangata

Communication
Mana reo

Exploration
Mana aotūroa

INFANTS & TODDLERS

Our focus in this room is to provide a warm and nurturing environment for your child.

We also promote independence and encourage children to be confident communicators. We provide primary caregiving (which means the caregiver is aware of and responsive to the child). This helps infants and toddlers build attachment and a sense of security.

Our goal is to help a child feel safe, secure, competent and appreciated, so that they know they are a unique human being, not an object. Our learning environment is safe and predictable but also challenging and allows children the freedom to explore in their own way and in their own time.

PRESCHOOLERS

We offer childcare for preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years.

Our focus in this room is on preparing your child for school while developing and fostering their individual interests.

Our learning is centered on play and we believe in emergent curriculum, in which we follow the child lead to extend and enrich their strengths, capabilities and interests. We introduce new experiences every day that help children’s transition to school. We encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning. We provide children with the freedom to explore and make their own discoveries whilst supporting a sense of wonder and curiosity.

TRANSITION TO SCHOOL

At Playway, it is important to us that children and their whānau transition to school smoothly.

We have established strong relationships with our surrounding schools and these collaborative relationships help our children experience successful transitions. We offer a programme based on integrating activities and learning opportunities that prepare children for school through their daily routines and rituals. In this programme, we promote independence and preparation for school.