Our Philosophy

• The relationships we share with our tamariki, whānau and the community are at the heart of our centre. Warm genuine and trusting relationships develop among Kaiako, children and whānau.  Our community is more than just a location- creating a 'sense of community' is a part of what we do
• "Our curriculum supports and interweaves a meaningful bicultural lense. Respecting Te tiriti o Waitangi including Te Reo Maori and Tikanga Māori within the bicultural lense of Aotearoa. We believe in fostering each tamaiti's cultural identity enhancing their sense of belonging.
• We provide children the freedom to explore, make their own choices and new discoveries while supporting a sense of wonder and curiosity.
• For our full philosophy click here.

Our Programme

Te Whāriki, our Early Childhood Curriculum expresses the vision that children grow up as competent and confident learners.  This is reflected in our unique programme, encouraging all children to learn in their own ways supported by dedicated and skilled Kaiako who know them well and have their best interests at heart. 

We provide children with opportunities to explore a number of activities including messy play, sand play, water play, books, carpentry, manipulative play, painting and collage, music, blocks , baking as well as a physically challenging outside environment.

We carefully plan our indoor and outdoor environments to meet the children's individual learning goals providing stimulating and fun activities including dress up days and excursions into the community.   

Learning Journey

We record your child’s learning journey and participation at Preschool through an online secure site called  “Storypark”.  We keep this up to date with photos, learning stories and milestone achievements.   

Using Storypark you are able to contribute to your child’s Learning Portfolio.  You can also invite other people, for example, extended family members to view and contribute to your child’s Portfolio. 

Transition to School Programme

At Peppertree we work to ensure your child's transition to school is as smooth as possible by fostering independence, and encouraging children to take responsibility for themselves and their belongings.

In the mornings the older children's mini group focuses on ensuring the children are ready for school. We work on the five key concepts of maths, literacy, self help skills, social skills and children's choice.  

We have good relationships with the local primary schools and are part of the Puketeraki - Community of Learning where new entrant teachers and Early Childhood Teachers meet regularly.

Enviroschools

We are proud to have bronze Enviroschool awards at both Peppertree and Little Peppertree.  As part of this we believe in respecting Aotearoa and our environment as well as our resources and each other.

Our curriculum includes projects around sustainability and caring for our environment- this includes our vege and flower gardens, recycling and rubbish, worm farms and our hens.