We offer a nurturing environment where love, trust and respect underpins every aspect of our curriculum and culture. We believe in our children’s competency and view them as curious individuals who need space, time and loving support to be themselves and to discover the world in their own unique way. Respectful and gentle care also reveals an infant’s surprising capacity to participate in relationships.

Guided by the RIE philosophy (Respectful Infant Educare) we value the natural sequence of motor development where every baby moves with more ease and efficiency if allowed to do it at his own time and in his own way. We know that a child who has always been allowed to move freely develops not only an agile body but also good judgement about what he can and cannot do. Developing good body image, spatial relations, and a sense of balance helps children learn not only how to move but also how to fall and how to recover.

Even before children can speak, they are developing an understanding of things in their environment by actively exploring them with all their senses. As they become more verbal, they are able to describe similarities and differences in what they see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Sensory exploration, including balance and coordination are paramount to our learning environment. We believe in allowing infants to do what they are willing to do as every child will develop according to his or her built-in time schedule. For us this means providing an environment that provokes and empowers a child’s innate curiosity to explore and challenge their holistic capabilities.

Under 2s Programme Details

As a mixed age Centre we begin our day in the Over 2’s environment until 9am when we head into our area for morning tea. Around this time is when our first wave of sleepers will go down for their morning nap. The older toddlers then spend the morning exploring until 11am when lunch is served. After lunch the children get ready for their midday nap and this usually coincides with the infant's waking from their morning nap. The midday sleepers will generally have 1-2hrs sleep and then the afternoon program begins.

Daily Routine

7.30am

All children together in the over two area until 9.00am, when all the teachers are on board.

9.00am

Morning snack
Nappy change / morning sleep (if required)

9.30am

Inside and outside play and activities offered that are facilitated by teachers.

11.00am

Lunch

11.30am

Nappy change / story time

11.45am

Midday sleep

1.30pm

Nappy change

2.00pm

Afternoon snack

2.15pm

Inside / outside play and activities offered facilitated by teachers.

2.45pm

Afternoon sleep

3.45pm

Afternoon nappy change / tidy up

5.30pm

Centre closes

Under 2s Outdoor Area

The Under 2s outdoor area has a covered deck, sandpit and astro turf area. The open turf area allows for a different selection of playthings and equipment to be set up daily.

Under 2s Sandpit

The Under 2s Sandpit is covered and has heaps of toys to get our toddlers active

Under 2s AstroTurf Area

Under 2s AstroTurf Area can be changed out daily so our toddlers can try a variety of activities and develop their motor skills.

Under 2s Open Space

A large open space is not only great for different physical set ups but also a huge bonus for running/crawling races. Having the space to practice and master developing gross motor skills means building confident and capable toddlers. Courageous toddlers who feel safe to explore their curiosity.

Under 2s Interior Space

The Under 2s interior space is a gallery of achievements and experiences. Low Mirrors with handle bars help our youngest ones learn to pull themselves into a standing position. Natural fibres and textures are the first choice for toys and equipment, again nurturing the developing senses for touch, taste, sight and sound.

Under 2s 'The Arts'

For young children arts is a multisensory experience. When they see an object they may also expect to hear it, touch it or taste it. Their goal is not to produce something but to explore and manipulate the material. Our program includes daily opportunities for infants and toddlers to be creative in the arts. Our walls are well illustrated with their exploration.

Building Relationships through Play

“Play helps toddlers build relationships by learning about who they are and where they fit in the world. A well-planned curriculum, based on toddlers changing interests and abilities,empowers them to make their own choices and supports their learning”
Te Whariki

Stimulating the senses

As they directly experience things themselves, children explore and communicate preferences, making sense of the world around them.

Confident and Capable

“Toddlers have opportunities for active exploration with the support, but not the interference of adults. They have access to an increasing range of playthings that can enhance both gross and fine motor skills. “ Te Whariki

Under 2s Sandpit

The large Under 2s Sandpit is covered and has a chest of toys and equipment for all types of exploration. The sandpit also has a kitchen sink and bench equipped with access to running water for all year water play.

Enjoying the open spaces around Eden Park

Always taking an opportunity to practice and challenge their gross motor learning in different environments.

Enjoying Local Parks

The immediate community gives us the choice of several small park areas to visit on our morning walks. Sometimes we visit the playground at Bellevue Rd, take a run at the Ballantynes Square or enjoy the open spaces around Eden Park.

Under 2s

Under 2s Programme Details

Daily Routine

LOCATION

HOURS