Our Philosophy

Ko te ahurei o te tamiaiti arahia o tatou mahi/ let the uniqueness of
the child guide our work

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Whakamana/Empowerment

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Kaiako will provide a learning environment in which tamariki are
encouraged and supported to discover as much as possible on their own.
We recognise that tamariki who achieve through their own experiences
acquire knowledge that is different to tamariki who are offered ready
made solutions.  By providing a learning environment where tamariki
are encouraged to explore through freedom to make choices, we believe
they experience the world in their own terms with the support,
encouragement and guidance from kaiako.  Tamariki and whānau will
experience a environment where play-based learning is valued. 

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We believe tamariki learn and grow in a holistic way. their intellectual,
social, cultural, physical, emotional and spiritual learning is interwoven
across all their experiences. We believe in the concept of ako and we acknowledge that whānau, Kaiako and tamariki can both teach and learn
from each other trough shared learning experiences. We will provide
tamariki with opportunities to engage in all curriculum areas regardless
of weather, utilising the gifts we receive from Ranginui and
Papatūānuku.

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Whānau tanagata/Family and community

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We will provide a korowai manaaki (cloak of welcome and care) for all
whānau and tamariki who attend our centre.  We believe in creating a
safe inclusive space for all whānau. Regardless of race, gender age,
ability, social status or whānau structure. Our vision is to ensure each
child has a place and a sense of belonging here at Kidlywinks.  We value
the different gifts that each child and their  whānau bring to our
community and embrace the different cultures represented at
Kidlywinks.

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Ngā hononga/Relationships

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We will provide an environment where respectful relationships, encouragement, warmth and acceptance are the norm.  Tuakana/teina relationships will be fostered within the centre and the tamariki will be encouraged to work collaboratively to help and support one another.

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Te Tiriti o Waitangi

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Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the foundation for a partnership that is inclusive
of all children and their families. 

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Partnership: we will develop authentic meaningful relationships with
whānau. We will collaborate and communicate with the whānau of the
tamariki and involve whānau within decision-making by listening to and incorporating their voices.  We believe building relationships of trust
with whānau will lead to their involvement within the centre's
programmes.

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Protection: We will show our commitment by protecting Māori knowledge, interests, values and other tāonga, identity, language, and culture are important expressions of what it means to be a culturally located learner.  We have a commitment to "knowing, respecting and valuing where students are, where they come from and building on what they bring with them". We will weave te reo Māori knowledge me ona tikanga through our daily curriculum.

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Participation: We believe by working on strong partnerships,
participation will happen organically.  We all come from a place of
honesty and wanting to make a difference for all tamariki and will
demonstrate commitment, honour, faith and respect towards everyone. 

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