LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

a place for exploring and learning​

Our centre is a multicultural community, located within the safety of the Avondale College grounds. 

The purpose-built facilities provide a stimulating environment with plenty of space for exploration and learning.  The large outdoor space is well utilised and provides wonderful opportunities for engaging in physical activity and challenges. 

We celebrate being part of our local community by taking regular excursions and engaging in local events.

Infants & TODDLERS

Our Under Two area provides care for babies from 3 months to 2 years.  There is a maximum roll of nine babies that are looked after by three longstanding teachers who are the main caregivers.  This small group size enables the teachers to respond to the babies’ individual needs and routines and the teachers strive to foster a sense of belonging and security at this young age.  Being able to form close and secure attachment with the babies gives them confidence to grow and learn. 

Our babies have the opportunity to be active explorers of their environment and are provided with a wide variety of tactile and sensory play experiences in keeping with their developmental needs.  The Under Two area also includes an outdoor area for them to explore and they are provided with opportunities to experience the larger Over Two area as well. 

Whilst being able to give them close attention and encouragement, our infant day care also gives babies freedom to explore open spaces and to take part within the larger group and with the older children.

pre-school

From two years of age, we continue to provide a rich variety of learning experiences depending on the interests of the children.  The size of our centre enables us to provide smaller group learning opportunities where teachers can work closely with children to support their diverse learning needs. 

Children are engaged in many indoor and outdoor activities, including: 

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• creative and dramatic play

• music and movement

• arts and crafts

• play dough

• water play

• messy play

• sand play and more

The mixed ages of the children and our family environment encourages children to learn together and from each other. 

We have a well-equipped and spacious outdoor area with a playground and flying fox where children can be physically active and take part in gross motor development activities.

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Group time is organised to offer tamariki experiences in literacy, numeracy, and to foster respect, responsibility and cooperation.  Through these experiences the teachers support children to develop social competencies linking to Te Whaariki’s (ECE) strands with the New Zealand Curriculum’s (Primary School) key competencies.