Te Mata Philosophy

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

Children

Our environment and equipment invites and encourages children to explore, make choices and have a wide variety of experiences.  Children are treated as individuals with respect and dignity.
Children’s play is valued as meaningful and is the catalyst for each child’s programme  planning, which is developed through observations, conversations and consultation with children and their families.

Families

Parents are appreciated and are recognized as a valuable part of their child’s learning.  Te Mata is a community of learners.  Families share their ideas, skills and resources and parents and families are valued.

Curriculum

The curriculum is fun, responsive and exciting.  The children initiate amazing ideas which are then developed and researched.  Children’s interests drive the focus of learning.  Learning involves formal and spontaneous opportunities.  Children develop skills to research, become leaders, and confident valued members of the community and wider world.
Group experiences and learning stories are captured in photographs and observations for families to share at the end of the session with their children.  These reflect the learning journeys for the children and are enjoyed by all.

Children’s interests and strengths are recognized and inspire the programme.  Each child has a comprehensive profile documenting their experiences, special moments and learning.  These profiles are treasured and capture the many wonderful times a child enjoys at Te Mata Kindergarten.  The profiles are a wonderful record of the child’s special individual plans and interests.  Children share their profiles, stories from home and special events with friends and family.