Te Mata Philosophy

“Children, Teachers and the wider community engage in learning together.  Sharing and Caring”

v Our philosophy is to develop and build a Kindergarten community which values contributions from the children, families and community.  Through this Te Mata Kindergarten aims to encourage a sense of belonging, recognitions as individuals and that everyone’s contributions are valued.  We notice, recognize, respond and document experiences and learning for all children and families. 

v The programme reflects children’s interests, parent contributions and Teacher responses.  Planning is developed through individual children’s interests, strengths and consultation with families and the child.  We actively involve our learning community in the Kindergarten programme.  Families are active participants in the programme, contributing, sharing their skills, resources, knowledge, and learning together building our Te Mata Kindergarten community.  We endeavor to create a learning community through individual and group discovery projects.  These are embraced as the basis of the Kindergarten Programme.  Teachers notice children’s capabilities and interests, recognise their ideas and thinking as meaningful, then respond to learning using teaching strategies with the curriculum Te Whāriki which is integrated in the daily programme.