Our Approach
We create an environment where your children can learn skills and values that last a lifetime.
Te Whāriki
New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum
At Little Ants we wanted to create a vibrant environment where your children could learn a range of skills and values that will benefit them for a lifetime. It’s why we’ve embraced the vision of Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum.
Empowerment
Whakamana: A learning environment where children can grow.
Family and Community
Whànau Tangata: Learning that connects children to family and the wider community.
Holistic Development
Kotahitanga: A curriculum that reflects a holistic way of learning.
Relationships
Ngà Hononga: Learning through quality relationships with people, places, and things.
These four principles give rise to the following five strands (essential areas of learning and development) and each of these strands comprise of different goals. The principles and strands together form the framework for the curriculum.
Strand 1: Well-being – Mana Atua
The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured.
Strand 2: Belonging – Mana Whenua
Children and their families feel a sense of belonging.
Strand 3: Contribution – Mana Tangata
Opportunities for learning are equitable, and each child’s contribution is valued.
Strand 4: Communication – Mana Reo
The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected.
Strand 5: Exploration – Mana Aotūroa
The child learns through active exploration of the environment.
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
Our Philosophy
At Little Ants we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families, providing a home away from home. We want to provide a warm and inviting environment that is inclusive, holistic and stimulating. We want to encourage family values and provide the opportunity to be part of a supportive community for families in our centre. We want the children who come through our centre to develop the three R's Respect, Resourcefulness and Resiliance, as we feel these dispostions will lead them well through life. Our philosophy is built from our motto which is Nurture, Inspire, Grow.....
Nurture - 'Whangai'
We believe in the importance of nurturing children’s growth and development, helping them to develop social/emotional/physical skills in a fun and supportive environment. By celebrating their individuality and uniqueness, we aim to secure their place in our diverse community.
Tamariki’s feeling of belonging and wellbeing is vitally important. This is why we believe in nurturing the relationships between them their families and the teachers, and scaffolding their exploration and development of the world, in an environment that is safe and familiar.
Grow - 'Te Puawai'
The ant mascot is a potent reminder of our ideals and philosophy. In nature ants are community and family focused the good of the whole is their central focus. They are natural problem solvers and have a complex system for organisation and communication.
They are the only non-mammal that can learn and teach, they are resourceful and have the ability to modify their environment, and work collectively as well as individuals. These are things we want to ‘grow’ in the children in our care, communication, problem solving, being adaptable, motivated, empathetic, resourceful, persistence, team work, inclusive, free thinkers.
Inspire - 'Te Whanake'
Inspiring children to have a passion for learning, building adaptive free thinkers and problem solvers, who engage with the world around them with curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm.
By providing an environment and learning culture that encourages creativity, exploration and experimentation. We believe in teaching children to use trial and error, to build resilience, persistence and to understand that there are multiple ways of thinking and achieving goals. To keep looking up….
