nests philosophy

NESTS’ RELATIONSHIP (Nga Hononga)

At NESTS we believe that

• we are committed to being part of Nests family and community (Whānau Tangata)

• all tamariki and whanau learn within all four dimensions: whatumanawa (emotional); tinana (physical); hinengaro (cognitive); and wairua (spiritual) and learning environment and interactions with children cater for this

• child/tamaiti development is holistic (Kotahitanga) with each child learns in a different way with their own learning style.

• teachers/kaiako work together to create a fun and happy whanau like environment

• tamariki learn through play and have the freedom to make their own choices

• parents/whanau are the children’s/tamariki’s first and most important teachers and their input is essential to the tamariki’s wellbeing and learning

• relationships form the basis for everything we do

NESTS’ ENVIRONMENT (Taiao)

At NESTS we believe that

• tamariki should be encouraged to be kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural world and seen as life-long learners who can make a difference to others and to our environment.

• tamariki of all ages play and learn together, which encourages siblngs and kaiako to build close relationships embracing the concept of tuakana teina in a family environment

• as each centres are managed by an owner/operator they can better meet the needs of the centre community

• tamariki spend their days in a calm environment with natural and attractive surroundings .

• our centres engage in sustainable practices

• the environment is set up to meet each child’s strengths, needs, skills, interests, and to ensure their heritage is acknowledged.

• we provide Maori learners with equal opportunities to learn and we ensure that our environment respects tikanga practices

NESTS’ PRACTICES (Tikanga)

At NESTS we believe that

• individual strengths and characteristics of tamariki will be developed to best benefit their learning and development

• we encourage freedom of expression, while encouraging behaviour that is appropriate, including a calm environment during meal and sleep times

• writing quality learning stories for each tamariki shows whanau how we will further support their learning and development

• whakamana/empowerment enhances the mana of our tamariki, whanau and kaiako.

• kaiako respect tamariki as powerful and gifted individuals and respond to their strengths needs interests experiences and conversations

• whanau are involved in all aspects of learning and development of tamariki by communicating with the kaiako their aspirations and goals for the tamariki

• the cultural hertages of partners to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ the Treaty of Waitangi

• the centres curriculum Te Whariki recognizes the place of Maori as tangata whenua of this land and the aspirations and goals for their tamariki