Nature Kindergarten
Our Nature Programme is unique to New Zealand. We operate to the standard of the highly successful Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the UK.
In New Zealand every child from 3 up to the age of 6 years is entitled to receive up to 20h of ECE funding per week. Legally children do not have to attend school until their 6th birthday.
What is Nature Kindy?
Forest School education is play based, child-directed, emergent and inquiry-based. Learning takes place outdoors in a natural setting, structured by seasons and weather.
Groups are outside all day (6h) in almost every weather condition. Nature Kindergarten is suitable for children from 3 to 6 years.
How do children learn?
Children learn in context through stimulating, hands-on experiences. Learning is most effective when multiple senses are involved.
They gain a deep awareness of nature, the elements, themselves and their environment. With this comes respect for planet earth and each other, with our unique abilities and personalities.
Who is educating?
Play and Learn teachers are qualified, registered early childhood educators.
Most of them have been trained internationally (Britain/ Germany) to the standard required to operate a Forest School. Our staff regularly takes part in ongoing professional development and further education.