31 Halswell Junction Rd, Halswell Christchurch 8025
We Believe Family/Whānau Come First
Eileen Keane Owner: Kia ora, I am a fully qualified Early Childhood Teacher with over 30 years’ experience. My role is that of full-time manager of the preschool and I take a vested interest in the wellbeing of your tamariki. Jo Smith, the Centre Manager and I work closely together in the running of the preschool. Here at Halswell we believe families/whānau come first. Your aspirations, family culture and values for your child will be respected and valued by our kaiako as your child embarks on their learning journey with us.
The maximum of only 18 children in the preschool room, and 7 infants and toddlers in the nursery ensures consistent, quality interactions take place between our kaiako and your tamaiti. The small number of tamariki allows your child to build strong friendships and connections with the other tamariki at Halswell. These friendships promote a pathway for lifelong learning.
In the nursery your infant or toddler (pepi) will spend his/her time with Amelia who is a qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher.
Amelia feels that one of the most important aspects of providing care is developing trusting relationships – not only with tamariki but with their whānau as well. She believes when she has a trusting relationship with whānau, they will feel comfortable to share their own knowledge about their child. Parents know their children best, and from them we learn about each tamaiti interests’ and strengths’. Kaiako are then able to build on these interests’ and strengths’ and provide an enriched environment for the tamariki to engage in.
It is Amelia’s goal to build children’s confidence by giving them time to do things at their own pace and supporting them in their growing independence. She believes in the child-led curriculum, guided by the goals and principles of Te Whāriki.
Over Two area
Children in the Over Two area will learn alongside Kathryn, Chloe and Christina. Kathryn is the Preschool Room Team Leader Kathryn believes that given the opportunities and support children are able to achieve most goals that they set for themselves. Kathryn has taken a particular interest in embedding te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into the Centre. Working alongside Kathryn is Chloe, who is a passionate teacher who believes in building meaningful relationships with tamariki and whānau is important to enhance deeper learning for our tamariki.
Chloe loves to incorporate the child’s voice into their learning and have conversations with the tamariki, really hearing what they have to say. She believes this builds trust and respect between the child and kaiako, making the child feel they are a valuable part of their learning community. Chloe also strives to incorporate Te Reo Māori me Ngā Tikanga Māori into her teaching especially through waiata, board stories and routines throughout the day. Christina is the third kaiako in the Preschool Room Team. Christina believes the parent-teacher relationship is key, she promotes child-led learning and is mindful of being respectful in all her interactions with the tamariki.
Child Led/Adult Supported Learning
Learning for our tamariki is child led and adult supported. We encourage tamariki to engage in experiences that have meaning for them. This requires strong authentic relationships between kaiako and whānau and kaiako to actively responding the strengths, interests and abilities of each child. We recognise that each tamaiti learns in their own time and in their own unique way. Our curriculum also promotes tamariki to be adaptive, creative and resilient. The environment is an emotionally safe place and we provide resources that are open ended, movable, and interchangeable, to support tamariki in their child led journey.
Statement Of Philosophy
Halswell Preschool
Our Preschool recognises the importance of having a strong commitment to the bi-cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and this is clearly evident in our policies, practices and procedures.
We develop authentic partnerships with families/whanau and community based on relationships which foster honest communication, trust and respect.
We believe the role of the teacher is one who actively plays with children, a person who expands children’s thinking skills and genuinely engages with each child. We believe the best teacher is one who has a passion for the profession, is open to learning and has a willingness to keep him/herself up to date with the current theories of early childhood. This teacher sets realistic boundaries so that children feel safe and secure.
We know the importance of ensuring each child is emotionally, socially, culturally and physically secure within the preschool environment.
Our Preschool is a child-centered place: a place where it’s great to be small. A place where children are allowed to be children; they can take risks, have fun, embrace challenges and have the freedom to express their thoughts and emotions.
We want children to be active learners who are intrinsically motivated with an ‘I can do’ attitude. We encourage children to be independent learners who are curious to explore and make sense of their world.
Te Whaariki (Early Childhood Curriculum) is the key document that guides our teaching practice. Teachers use this document to plan experiences which ensures positive learning outcomes for children. We value the development of social skills and the attributes of kindness, respect, caring and building each others self-esteem.
None to share just yet...
