Philosophy

Here at Banks Peninsula Early Learning we provide a place of warmth and nurturing. We believe every tamaiti is capable and confident to learn through the concepts of aroha, ako and tuakana tenia. Our passionate and committed teaching team believes each tamaiti is unique and observes each tamaiti to support their development, learning and exploration through intentional teaching opportunities and play based learning. We follow the Te Ao Māori principles of Manākitanga where our environment fosters a sense of belonging. From this strong, positive and respectful relationships can grow.

Tamariki experience the rich local curriculum of Te Whāriki; becoming increasingly confident and confident to drive their learning. Tamariki are given the opportunities to be curious, active, creative, carefree, spirited, build social relationships, experiment, pretend, imagine and explore.

The culture, identity and language of each tamaiti is affirmed and celebrated as kaiako work in partnership with whānau and the community to ensure learning success.

As an Enviroschool, tamariki develop sustainable practices, which inform our beliefs. Tamariki learn to respect and care for Papaptuanuku and take on the roles of kaitiakitanga. Every tamaiti is empowered by our Enviroschool kaupapa to become leaders of a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world. 

We honour our committment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi by intentionally interweaving bicultural practices naturally throughout our daily kaupapa in the form of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, te Ao Māori, waiata and korero purakau.

April 2025

Learning priorities

• Language and culture
• Creativity
• Respectful relationships
• Active exploration