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Designed for newborns through to 3 1/2 years

YOUNGER GROUP
Newborns to 2 years

The Centre provides a very flexible program for infants aimed at catering for the individual children and their families. We encourage an inviting, warm and nurturing environment for all.

The unit is run by very experienced, and qualified teachers who have created wonderful inside and outside environments for the children. Much thought has gone into creating a sense of wonder for the children, with the sensory garden areas, and the many tactile and visual treats inside.

ERO Report 2006; 'Babies and toddlers have access to a comfortable and homely environment where they can engage in play suitable to support their varying stages of development'.

In order to best cater for the needs of infants we recognize that daily information sharing is necessary between the teachers and families.

ERO Report 2006; 'Centre teachers are mindful of home routines and children's emerging needs'. This is contributing to children's wellbeing and self esteem.

Teachers make time available each day to talk to families about their children.

OLDER GROUP
2 to 3 1/2years

The older children's unit celebrates and reflects the capabilities of children aged from 2 - 3 1/2years old.

• We run an environment - based program where children learn through their developing relationships with people, places and things.
• We promote learning alongside play.
• This unit works on a flexible child-centered approach, with teachers supporting children's choices and extending learning opportunities when necessary.

ERO report 2006; 'Teachers work hard to provide an interesting learning environment for children. The outdoor environments are well resourced and provide opportunities for children to make choices, to explore and to involve themselves in vigorous physical activities'.

We have a consistent teaching team, who believe that building relationships between the children and teachers is pivotal to positive outcomes.

• All children at the Centre are treated as unique and individual and given equal opportunity to take part in all aspects of the program.
• The early childhood curriculum, Te Whaariki, is the basis for all aspects of the program, which actively encourages the development of the learning dispositions; courage, curiosity, trust, playfulness, perseverance, confidence and responsibility.

Transition: Teachers are responsive to the children's needs during transition to make it as stress free as possible. Children near the age of 3 1/2 begin to visit the Pagoda, usually in a small group with a familiar teacher.

Teachers always enjoy the chance to share information and anecdotes with parents about their child's day at the Centre, and welcome comments and feedback that will help us to understand and support your child's learning.

	The teaching team caring for the Younger Group within The Castle
	The teaching team caring for the Older Group within The Castle