At Cashmere Early Learning Centre children are inspired to discover and learn, as we believe children learn through play and the exploration of their environment.  We recognise the importance of spontaneous play as children are supported and encouraged by kaiako in an environment which embraces nature and beauty, sparks curiosity and wonder and speaks to children’s hearts. This is influenced by aspects of the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

 

We recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa/New Zealand and we are committed to bi-cultural practices within our learning environment. This is acknowledged through our values of Ako, Wairuatanga, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Tuakana teina, Rangatiratanga and Whanaungatanga. The diversity of Aotearoa/New Zealand is valued and reflected in our environment through stories and symbols that reflect a bi-cultural and multi-cultural society. Te Whāriki our early childhood curriculum provides the framework for learning.

 

Children’s individuality is recognised, celebrated and nurtured, through the values of Manaakitanga (being kind and caring) and Wairuatanga (through spiritual existence). We recognise that family/whānau and the wider community play a very important role in a child’s life and we value whānau involvement and engagement with regular events. Recognising and representing the different cultures of our centre whānau, strengthens children’s cultural identities and gives children a sense of well-being and belonging to our centre. This will be acknowledged through Whanaungatanga, ensuring warm, open, friendly and inclusive communication.

 

Staff empower and inspire children’s contributions and strengths, foster their emerging interests and extend upon them through Ako (where the teacher is the learner and the learner is the teacher). Older children help and support our youngest tamariki to work in relationship with each other through Tuakana teina and accept other’s viewpoints and value the unique contributions of their peers.

 

In our preschool we have created an environment where children are free to explore, create and investigate in a calm, respectful and peaceful place at their own pace. Rangatiratanga shows how respectful, reciprocal and sensitive relationships support children’s autonomy, self-regulation, positive sense of self, self-motivation, sense of fun and ability to cope with change.

 

Children can actively participate and engage with a curriculum that is fun, inquiring and where children can be risk takers. Children learn how to negotiate and socialise with their peers and are supported by teachers who value and guide children’s social competence. Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is valued as an important part of our partnership in respecting our environment, resources, tamariki and kaiako.